The Book That Inspired the Movie

sorrywrong planet : the Book

is a child's view of the world that begins at birth. From out of the "infinite empty silence.." she became one of the beings on a planet called earth. She felt the pain and agony of being alive - that is to say, born - and she screamed. She is obviously a very special child with the point of view of a philosopher, or perhaps more accurately, a black humorist. She discovers to her horror that the birth process cannot be reversed. She is stuck. And so she accepts her condition and turns to observing the world around her.

(ILLUSTRATIONS) 1) "She was...carried inside that fiery ball of life into some strange material which crashed against her mind with terrific destruction." 2) "With terrible struggle I at last turn around - and almost lose my bearings - because there are so many bulging balls staring at me." 3) "I don't know where it came from but a little creature suddenly sits beside me. It is quiet and understands everything I do." 4) "Sometimes I would really like to talk to mother, but she is always busy, surrounded by those cackling creatures. Mother calls them ladies..." 5) "...then I am staring into a pair of mad eyes, and a green head with sharp teeth is almost biting me." 6) "There are lots of people dying around me - people and animals. I think about death." 7) "One day I am going to find this GOD, and I am going to ask what are sinners and why must they all be burned." 8) "The more I stare the clearer it becomes - and there really is that big caterpillarwormdeath on top of it." 9) "So this is the first morning I go to school and I have my shiny new shoes and new red dress on."

READERS' COMMENTS:

Walter Massey (actor)

"Thanks so very much for sending me the autographed copy of your book. How splendid it is! So perceptive and sensitive, and...oh,Martta,I love the style in which it is written. I think I wouldn't mind crawling into the womb myself! It's very cleverly thought out and written and should have great success. Well done - lovely!

I read the book on the train to Toronto the day after I received it and couldn't - nor did I want to - put it down! My dinner got cold, so the porter brought me another one! What a fine way it was to read your story."

Leo Orenstein (producer/writer/director, CBC TV - 1960-1980)

"Fabulous! You are a talent! I loved it! These were the first three thoughts and feelings that hit me in reading and finishing your lovely and original book. I would love to see it published by a big and reputable publisher. I think it's that good! From the literary and entertainment point of view I think it could be a best seller - all it needs is the right kind of representation. I really loved your simple approach to writing - its style and honesty. I could see all the characters even though your writing about them was so economical, and of course the knowledge of the theater and dramatic incident kept the book lively - every full of surprises and interest.

The next book could take you to from age 6 to 13, and the next from 13 to 21...and so on. I believe you have hit a very real chord in people's lives and thoughts, and that everyone would relate and identify with your characters and your song.

So many things I loved in the book - Oscar, mothergranny, Auntie Selma, Mr. Whipperhill, Mr. Johnson, your father and mother - all the crazy touches like the house behind the dairy, the outhouse leaning over the river, the care of birds and rabbits - all masterful! Do you know that you have written such a charming book? I think you or Peter should quick get it in the hands of an established publisher. Do it!"

Dona Rebeca Iturbide (Mexican film star, 1930-1940)

"I was ready to be amused by a first novelette; instead I found a very descriptive prose, a different approach to loneliness,deep sincerity and bared feelings so poignant that I was moved. I am not a literary critic, but I have read extensively, and I have to congratulate you on a tender, delightful book. I am amazed to have found undertones of Kafka with his tongue-in-cheek description of human nature,and Poe's swift sensitivity and brooding mind.

I smiled some, but "she" brought a lump to my throat in every instance. I wanted to rock her in my arms, to kiss the little face, to protect her inside my arms and never let her go on in loneliness and hungry, so needy of affection."

TELEVISION SERIES OPTION:

If you are a producer or an investor, please contact SWP Executive Producer, Marita Ensio Robinson to discuss development plans for a 1/2 hour children's television series based on sorry/wrong planet and the Finnish immigrant experience in rural North America