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Book Review of So Big

So Big
So Big
Author: Edna Ferber
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews


So Big is a read I had started several times but just never finished. It's wonderful. Why did I not discover this author before now?

As one reads the tale, one might think that this is the story of Selina Peake but it's titled after her son, Dirk, whom she called SoBig. What a delight! I invite anyone who has not discovered this author to pick up So Big or another of her several novels although So Big won the author a Pulitzer prize.

This is a tale about a woman whose father was a gambler. When he was winning they lived well, when he was not they lived not so well. Her life changes dramatically when he is shot by accident for someone else. Selina is left with only her wits to survive. She does, marries a truck farmer and lives a life of hard work that she learns to enjoy. She has a son and names him Dirk. Her affectionate childhood name, SoBig, stays with them both whenever she shows her love.

While Selina tells her son that there is so much more to life than money, Dirk chooses to strive for the good life embarking on a career to earn as much money as he can. Successful and known in Chicago for his success, he meets the delightfully interesting Dallas O'Meara with whom he falls in love. She is an talented and sought-after artist who plans to become a success through hard work and study. Dirk begins to wonder about the architectural career he left behind long ago. Has he made the wrong choices in his life?