Flight of the Grey Goose Hardcover – September 1, 1973

As promised

This second installment of the Smiler trilogy arrived in beautiful condition. It's wonderful to have this classic in a hardcover as my paperback was very worn from much reading of this lovely story.

Being that Flight of the Grey Goose is a sequel, it may seem that one would need to read the previous novel, The Runaways, to obtain background information before delving into Flight of the Grey Goose. Yet author Victor Canning provides a good story, and a good background, just by picking up where he last let off.Starting in England, Samuel M., or `Smiler,' is once again on the run from the police, who want to get him back in a reform school. Using some ingenuity and what little money he has, Smiler, with his K-9 friend Bacon tagging along, is determined to get to Scotland, to where his father should soon return, and be able to clear Smiler's name. Along the way he encounters several interesting people, including Bob, a truck driver who gives Smiler a ride, and the uniquely poetic professor. Smiler eventually hops a train that he rides North to Scotland.Once in Scotland, Smiler comes across a wounded grey goose, which he decides to keep until its wing heals and it can fly once again. Smiler is soon befriended by a girl named Laura, and is soon introduced to the Laird. The Laird allows Smiler to stay at his home while he must go away, so that Smiler can watch the house and wait for the goose to fly again. One day, Smiler discovers a secret underwater cavern - and the long lost Elphinstone treasure. He returns to the house, excited to have found the jewels, and waits for the Laird to return to see the Jewels. But two vexatious men do not plan to ever let the treasure get to the Laird...One of the more interesting aspects in Canning's writing is his use of variety in language. Aside from the overall English and Scottish vocabulary, Canning provides each character with his or her own accent and style of speaking. Smiler has a very simple vocabulary, and seldom uses complicated speech. Yet the more educated characters, such as the Professor and the Laird, have and obviously different use of language. And Laura has a way of speaking all her own. Smiler's simple language is also reflected in his thoughts throughout the story, giving an overall easy to read style to the story.The story is a classic adventure story, and although set in relatively modern times, it possesses the quality of a 19th century work. The novel has a well flowing plot, so reading never gets too boring. While the plot is clearly fictional, it is still believable enough to draw the reader's attention, and create a sense of `What will happen next?' up until the end of the story.Altogether, I would recommend The Flight of the Grey Goose to anyone looking for a classic adventure story with its own unique style. It will provide a quick and easy, yet still enjoyable, read for almost anyone.

The third Samuel Miles book is set in Scotland where Samuel's well-desrved luck takes him to an ancient castle where the Laird, a retired surgeon, has established a clinic and sanctuary for injured birds and animals. Samuel confides to the Laird that he wants to be a vet and the Laird sets him on what will be a long course of study. In this book, Samuel's fortune is linked to a Laggan Goose with an injured wing, and the boy hopes to help it to fly. As befits a growing teenager, Samuel falls in love with Laura, the daughter of a local farmer. No spoiler here to give away the ending, but once again Canning enthrals with his love of the countryside and his abilty to keep us reading in order to learn what happens to Samuel.

Smiler ends up in the wilds of the Highlands having done a bunk from Salisbury Plain. He falls on his feet and falls for a local girl.This story is not specifically about one animal, rather a collection that live on an island in the loch.If you liked The Runaways then you owe it to yourself to read this and The Painted Tent.

I've just re-read this book which I originally read back in my schooldays. It's a great story for all ages. Victor Canning is a very under-rated author. Try getting a copy of his novel "The Rainbird Pattern".

Classic book

Excellent sequel to 'the Runaways'. Although rather dated now, it is refreshing in it's naivety and a good, old fashioned book about hard work and values.