Lottery (novel)
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| Author | Patricia Wood |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | United States |
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
[edit]Wood drew on personal experience: her father won $6 million from the Washington state lottery, and her brother-in-law had Down syndrome.[2] Wood wrote the novel in 3 months, and sold it for a reported six-figure deal.[2]
Plot
[edit]The novel focuses on Perry Crandall, a man with an IQ of 76, who wins $12 million in a lottery.
Critical reaction
[edit]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]
Film adaptation
[edit]In 2023, Wood sold film rights to production company 3311 Productions and producer David Permut.[6] In April 2026, the film was announced to be in development at Searchlight Pictures. The film will star Keke Palmer and Zack Gottsagen and will be directed by Thor Freudenthal.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Purdon, James (January 4, 2009). "Lottery (review)". The Observer (UK). Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ a b Oldenburg, Ann (July 31, 2007). "First-time author hits the jackpot with 'Lottery'". USA Today. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ "Lottery (review)". NY Magazine. August 3, 2007. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ O'Brien, Murrough (January 4, 2009). "Lottery: The fortunes and misfortunes of Perry L Crandall, By Patricia Wood (review)". The Independent (UK). Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ Damian, Lisa (February 19, 2008). "Lottery (book review)". Blogcritics. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ "Author Patricia Wood, M.S. '82, lands film deal for acclaimed novel Lottery". NIU Today. April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2026.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 29, 2026). "Keke Palmer & Zack Gottsagen Lead Thor Freudenthal's 'Lottery' For Searchlight". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 29, 2026.