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So Big

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So Big

By: Edna Ferber
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
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About this listen

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and widely considered to be Edna Ferber’s greatest achievement, So Big is a classic novel of turn-of-the-century Chicago.

Hailed as a novel “to read and remember” (New York Times), So Big is the unforgettable story of the indomitable Selina Peake DeJong and her struggles to stay afloat and maintain her dignity in the face of a challenging marriage, widowhood, and single parenthood.

Left an orphan at 19 years old in the late 1880s, Selina Peake needs to support herself. She becomes a teacher in the farming community of High Prairie, Illinois, and soon marries Pervus DeJong, a farmer. After Pervus’ death, Selina takes over their struggling farm and raises their son, Dirk. Despite their hardships, she retains a deep appreciation for art and beauty and does her best to instill these values in Dirk, but will he recognize his mother’s wisdom before he loses a chance at love?

First published in 1924, So Big is a brilliant literary masterwork from one of the 20th century’s most accomplished and admired writers and still resonates today with its unflinching views of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.

Public Domain (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing
Classics Coming of Age Fiction Literary Fiction Inspiring
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What listeners say about So Big

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Beautiful

Thought provoking. Beautiful words. A storey that makes you feel and smile. Didn’t want this book to end.

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..but what happened next!!!

I love it when a story ends but you're left wondering what move the characters make next, what adventures and liaisons they have .. loved this story .. wonderfully well painted characters and narrated beautifully too - highly recommend.

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Cabbages are beautiful

The story, the performance, the voice and accents. All perfect and absolutely beautiful. I found myself crying many times from the sheer beauty and tragedy. I love the sudden ending, the uncertainty, I will miss the characters immensely.

There’s just so much.. velvet.

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Enjoyable discovery

Interesting novel. A touch of the Edith Whartons. Not heard of this author or her work. Really interesting exploration of the making of 20th century USA & capitalism of that era, from immigrant stock (Europeans) forging identities as industrialists, the 'gilded age', white Anglo Saxon Protestantism, and also idealism, including the faux fulfillment of the 19th/20th century version of the American dream. Defo worth a listen or several. Good read.

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Fabulous

I enjoyed every minute of this, especially the depth with which the characters are drawn. I also thought the narration was good.

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wonderful

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. The narrator is the best I have heard on audio books, and I have listened to a lot! She is impeccable throughout. I am so glad this is such a long book as I never wanted it to end.

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Written in 1924 & so poignant and insightful

I loved this book. It’s so beautifully written and certainly a different style of writing when compared to present day - almost slow & quite poetic and a bit verbose but so gorgeous. Incredibly insightful as it’s written about the turn of the 19th to 20th century and the enormous socio-economic changes that were taking place in the USA. Was a treasure to come across this Pulitzer Prize winning book. But I hated the ending!!

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Argh, I need to know what happened next!

The narration seemed fine to me, I didn't notice any of the issues with it that other reviewers have mentioned. I was a bit lukewarm about the story at first, it's something of a slow burner. I enjoyed hearing the details of what life was like in that place and period but I wasn't enraptured. However, by the end of the book I was somehow so invested in the characters that I found myself bereft to find this was the end. I really wanted to hear more!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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So Big

A well written slow burner. Something a little bit different. While there are actual love interests, the main love interest is beauty itself.

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A wonderfully read novel

The descriptions so beautifully written, made more special by the talented narrator. Outstanding. Couldn't wait hear more.

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