| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 11:12 am: |
The setting for The Goose girl is the mythical
kingdom of Kildenree in the nebulous time of fairy
tales. The story begins with the birth of Princess
Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee who does not open her
eyes for three days until welcomed by her aunt who is
able to converse with animals. Like many another
story, the heroine is unlikely: quiet, shy, timid, an
anti-hero(ine). One of the biggest accomplishments
for this story is that it just keeps changing from
what you expected. The story looks so planned out and
then voila! uh-uh, not at all what you thought or
expected.
The fact that this is Shannon Hale’s first book -
and that she is in her late twenties - is remarkable.
The dialog is perfect in its succinctness: “You are a
princess,” the queen whispered in her ear. “Open your
eyes.” The baby cooed in her sleep. (page 1)
Ani is the main character but her lady-in-waiting,
Serilda, is neatly drawn as the surprising enemy who
is able to destroy Ani’s life. To survive, Ani must
overcome much of the way she is and the reader is
surprised although Hale manages to do this with believability.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 11:28 am: |
Thanks, Katrina, for your opening paragraphs.
I agree with you whole-heartedly about how much I was constantly and pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns of the plot development.
During my Newbery tenure, we used a device of an "imaginary box," into which we would throw in all the expressions or points that should not sway our judgement of the books because they don't have anything to do with the stated criteria.
So, we are now putting this sentence in the box:
"The fact that this is Shannon Hale’s first book -and that she is in her late twenties - is remarkable."
Everyone, please pretend that these words were never uttered. (Quite
like in the Jury process when a lawyer says, "Objection.") We will just get into the habit of discussing the literary elements of each title without refering to anything else. For example, an author's earlier work CANNOT be brought into the discussion, unless it is absolutely necessary to illustrate a point in the current title. For example, one MAY say that a particular title is almost "Dickensian" because everyone on the committee would understand what connotation that word. The books to be discussed and compared are JUST this year's publications.
It is not a very easy rule to follow, but that is what a Newbery Experience is! Lots of rules. But, then, you will really hone your book discussion skills!!
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:12 pm: |
This started out as the usual fairy tale, but the added twists turned it into something completely and wonderfully different. I was also impressed with the way Hale shows the change in Ani's character, as well as her portrayal of princess' enemies and why they betrayed her.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:42 pm: |
I enjoy reading expanded fairy tales and this was no exception. Ani is a delightful heroine. I was truly surprised when I learned Geric's true identity. A most enjoyable read...
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:55 pm: |
I was not familiar with the original Grimm fairy tale of the goose girl, so I found a copy of it and read it after I finished Hale's book. I was very impressed by the way she was able to stick to the original outline of the story and still build depth to the characters, give meaning to the plot developments and extend the sense of magic mentioned by the Grimms - i.e. the talking horse and Ani's ability to call the wind - to turn the story into a full-length, suspenseful novel.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 05:06 pm: |
The development of Ani (the "anti-heroine" to quote Katrina) from awkward and dutiful to heroine of the people is a change that occurs subtly throughout the story. The reader discovers with Ani the fire that burns within her, that ultimately transforms the "dutiful" Ani to the Ani that realizes the dark truth and decides to act upon it. This development of character is heartfelt and seemingly impossible from the Ani that is introduced in the beginning chapters.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 05:34 pm: |
Wendy,
I am a little puzzled -- when you say that the development of character is heartfelt, it sounds positive... and then, you said that it is "seemingly impossible" -- is this still a positive comment to say the Hale manages to make the leap gradually and convincingly? Or, do you mean that Hale fails to convince the readers of Ani's character development?
Please clarify.
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 06:01 pm: |
I appreciated the theme of stories and the importance of storytelling that Hale develops in this novel. Ani's aunt tells her stories when she's a girl and it is only when Anin begins to share stories (pages 161-166) with the other workers that Ani begins to feel an alliance with them and a sense of herself as an individual. She questions whether her seemingly perfect mother "had ever told a nursery story to a room of captivated listeners."
I second Katrina's attention to Hale's use of language. Her imagery is unique and beautiful. For example, on page 11 when Ani's aunt leaves her and "her chest felt like a gutted walnut shell."
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 07:21 pm: |
I am nodding in agreement with Jane about the parallel to Grimm's Goose Girl. As we consider both style and theme, the author's skill in evident here.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 07:50 pm: |
I appreciated Hale's ability to develop appealing characters and intriguing events that thoroughly engage readers, including ones who might not normally enjoy fairy tales. This book definitely kept me reading.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 08:22 pm: |
I agree with the prior comments. Shannon Hale has done an exemplary job expanding these characters from the original Grimm tale. The plot always seemed to always take a sharp turn when you least expected it.
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:35 pm: |
Thanks all, for the positive comments.
Now, anyone disagrees?? Any concerns??
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 10:25 pm: |
This was not a major flaw, but...did anyone else notice how Selia is characterized as a angry cat at the end? Why did Hale use this stereotype of female anger? It honestly suprised me. On page 369 she "scratches like a cat." Enna says, "And a meow to you, too." In a book filled with such original imagery, it stood out as lazy and off-putting.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:22 am: |
Clarifying. When I wrote that the "development of character is heartfelt and seemingly impossible from the Ani that is introduced in the beginning chapters" I mean to complement Hale on her ability to convey this gradually and convincingly. I commend Shannon Hale for her development of Ani's character.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 07:08 am: |
Thanks, Wendy.
And, I'm writing to agree with your sentiment.
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 08:23 am: |
I appreciated the strength of the page turning plot and the character development.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 09:53 am: |
Post deleted upon request.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 03:40 pm: |
How was it OK?
Why is it too long? For your tastes or for the intended audience?
Who are the intended audience? Will they find it too long? Will they find it to their tastes? It is a work of slow, higher fantasy; does it achieve successfully as a slow, higher fantasy, regardless of your personal tastes?
Why couldn't you get into it? (Plot, setting, characterization, pacing, storyline, emotional aspects?)
Please, help us out - these broad comments need to be substantiated by more detailed analysis.
Tastes, as we all know, of course play a crucial part in our personal reading choices -- however, on an Award Committee, they need to take a back seat. We need to focus on the literary elements, even if a book is not to our regular taste. The ability to look at a work of art or literature objectively marks an accomplished critic and to serve on the Newbery Committee is to act like such a critic, and this Institute is to help everyone to advance toward that goal... so, please don't be frustrated by my constant urging -- explain, please.
Thanks.
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 05:59 pm: |
I agree it was too long, for me, and I think for children. I know length matters when I'm book talking a book. I think Hale could have left out the thread of conflict between the boy goose tender and Ani. There were also quite a few narrow misses for our protagonist. Did we need ALL of them?
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 06:36 pm: |
As a person who likes long books I think Hale did a great job. All of the conflicts and the near misses really helped to build Ani's character. I think this book would be popular with girls who like fantasy, maybe not so much the boys. But, yes, there is an audience who would not be bothered by the length. Hale keeps it interesting and Ani continues to grow. Plus, there are twists and surprises, such as Geric's identity.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 07:29 pm: |
I agree that the book was long, but my experience personally, and with students who enjoy reading,is that if the author is engaging I always wish the book would never end. Other "long" books certainly have appealed to younger readers (Harry Potter, Watership Down, Amy's Eyes (was that the name of it???) all come to mind). One element of the novel that did bother me a bit was the generic blond-haired vs. dark-haired tension and the fact that Ani was so special and beautiful because she was so blond. I realize that part of this stems from the original story, many of our stereotypes of beauty and "goodness" come from fairy tales, but I might have forgiven Hale for changing the original a bit on this point.
| Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:36 pm: |
Jane: Amy's Eyes!! Yes. How much I love that book... everyone, read it And it IS long.. but, sooo worth it. (So are the three Lord of the Rings movies, and the extended edition DVDs are even longer.. but, all sooo worth it!!!)
-- ok, that was a side comment (which happens in real life also, even in the "all serious" "no play" Newbery Conference sessions...)
-- ok, we actually PLAYED a lot... I'll tell you all about it in a few days!
-- Roxanne
| Posted on Friday, January 23, 2004 - 08:56 pm: |
The length only bothered me when I first contemplated reading it. I found that as soon as I began the story the plot moved so quickly that I almost didn't want it to end. I do have to say that I suspected that Geric would be the true prince, and I imagine that many other readers will as well (not that I wasn't thrilled that my suspicions came true!)
I'm making a pitch for Goose Girl. I think it ranks high on the list for all the distinguished writing criteria: 1.Interpretation of theme-Hale does a great job breathing life into the classic tale. 2. Development of plot - wonderful suspense, you want to keep reading even though you already know basically what it going to happen (that's hard to accomplish!) Just enough twists, turns and mystery to keep you on your toes. 3. Delineation of character - excellent development of the main character, Ani, as she discovers her own identity and strengths. 4. Delineation of setting -Hale beautifully describes the fairy tale kingdoms of Kildenree and Bayern- not only their "current" physical description, but also their history, politics and culture. 5. Appropriateness of style - from the first sentence of the book, Hale employs traditional, fairy tale-type prose, and she remains true to this standard throughout the novel. The only major criticism anyone has brought up regarding this book is its length, which I don't see as a problem. So I say, rethink your choices and vote for Goose Girl!
Most convincing!
Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 10:50 am"
Roxanne nods -- so glad others see what I felt!
Thanks, Jane, well said and I'm with you.
Yahoo! I was looking for someone to help me decide between Olive's Ocean and Goose Girl, and I think you just did Jane.
I loved watching Ani develop, and maybe the length of the book made that process seem more natural.
And Hale's style is terrific--I remember feeling completely IN the setting when I read it. The tale is infused with magic and the language reflects the magic--dreamy and lush.