Lottery (novel)

Lottery is a 2007 novel by Patricia Wood. Her first published novel, it was shortlisted for the 2008 Orange Prize for Fiction.^[1]

Writing and publication

Wood drew on personal experience: her father won $6 million from the Washington state lottery, and her brother-in-law had Down's syndrome.^[2] Wood wrote the novel in 3 months, and sold it for a reported six-figure deal.^[2]

Plot

The novel focuses on Perry Crandall, a man with an IQ of 76, who wins $12 million in a lottery.

Critical reaction

New York Magazine compared it favorably to Forrest Gump, calling it "heartfelt and totally not corny".^[3] The Independent gave it a positive review, noting that it wouldn't be to all tastes and sometimes the central character seemed a bit too wise, but found it offered a pleasing story of an underdog's triumph.^[4] Blogcritics found it "poignant" and praised the believable depiction of its central character.^[5]

The Guardian noted other critics' comparisons to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time but found it simple-minded with the simplistic morality of pantomime.^[1]

References