To give a synopsis of this story seems quite daunting to me, as the complexities of the novel are hardly recognized in a few sentences. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County, the debut novel by Tiffany Baker, is a story that follows the arc of a woman’s life from birth to middle age, but in no way is that life typical. The story is often painful, the characters are frequently harsh and hurtful, but the voice of the protagonist is a quiet and quite unassuming one, even though her person is literally larger than life. Yes, this is a story of a giant.
At least that’s what Truly Plaice is told as a five year old by her astounded teacher as the only possible explanation for her much-larger-than-normal body– “You’re a little giant!” She proceeds to live her life trying to fade into the background, which as you can imagine is more than a little difficult. The cast of characters stays small in Truly’s life, since she never leaves her small town, and she suffers the indignities of essentially being the town freak. But, throughout the various hardships she has to endure, she does just that. She endures.
I found there to be an almost magical tone to this novel, even though it takes place firmly in a realistic setting of a small New York town, beginning in the 1950’s. Perhaps it was the lyrical quality of the language– when Truly expressed her feelings, I found myself going back to underline passages and dog-ear the pages. The novel moves along at a perfect pace, and I easily tore through the book in two days, which can be quite a feat for a mom with three young children!
I could have done with a bit of a difference at the end– one plot twist simply seemed too unjust for Truly– but all in all, this was a magnificent debut novel, and I wholeheartedly look forward to Ms. Baker’s next offering.
Would you like to win one of four copies of this new novel? Please leave a comment here, and we’ll announce the winners on January 28 when we announce our next giveaway. This is open to U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses and is void where prohibited.
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The winner of last week’s book The Book Tree is #59 Megret.
This unique novel has been included on our list of 5 Star Reads.
Guest reviewer Dawn blogs at my thoughts exactly while keeping up with three wacky kids.
Denise B. says
You got me hooked!
James Coyne says
Enter me please
Sherry Early says
Yes, I think I’d like to read this one.
Alice hansen says
Sounds like a great book – thanks for the chance!
ky2here says
It sounds like a feminized version of a John Irving novel. I’m in.
Vicki Wurgler says
sounds interesting
Dani says
Enter me please! Sounds interesting.
Molly Capel says
This sounds like a great read! I would love the chance to win a copy. 🙂
Terra Heck says
I’d like to read this book.
Rebekah says
oh, pick me, pick me! I’d love to read it, it sounds so interesting.
Melissa P says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Brandy says
Sounds interesting … count me in!! 🙂
Terry Vanderpool says
Please enter me in this great contest thanks
Janet says
This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Karen Gonyea says
Sounds great – count me in 🙂
Chrysa says
Looks like a great book!
cris says
I’d like to be entered!
Jay F. says
Sounds like an excellent read.
Geri Nyland says
Please, Please count me in on this giveaway… I would truely love to read this book and I bet I can beat your 2 days, but then again I only have 1 child to your 3 children.. This looks like a book I would enjoy and keep on my shelf and reread it again.
Erma says
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
Amy Tucker says
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker would be a great book for my kids. Tx
Stacie says
Count me in! Thanks!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Stacie
jennifer cecil says
please enter me. i’d like to read this book.
Valeen N says
I loved your review and would love to read this book! Thanks for giving someone the opportunity (or should I say 4 someones!)
djgroz says
Thanks for the sweepstakes
cherri byford says
always up for a unique story…
Vicky Boackle says
this looks like a great book.
Lori Walker says
thanks for the giveaway
Melanie says
I would like to be entered!
:]
Dan says
Great giveaway
Amber says
This is one of the most interesting reviews I’ve read of this book. Please include me in the giveaway.
Aletha Hendrickson says
Sounds like a good read. I’d love the chance to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway.
CHARLENE S. says
This is my kind of book. Thanks for offering it :o)
Ed Nemmers says
Happy Monday!
herblady says
I have been wanting to read this book. It has a lot to which I can relate. Thank you for the chance to win!
herblady says
I’m a subscriber.
Delores says
please enter me!
Jackie B. says
This sounds like a really good book. I would love to own a copy.
John Deal says
Your review makes the book sound very inteesting.
tony davis says
love to win one
Candie L says
What a unique concept. I think it would be interesting. THank you
Marion B says
Sounds like a good book!
Tina Rath says
I’d love to add this book to my library.
Carla Pullum says
Count me in I always love a good read!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kathryn Gutierrez says
fun
Ann Marie Walker says
The book sounds like a great read. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!
Bonnie says
This sounds like one of those books I would never pick for myself, then end up loving and never forgetting. Hope I win one so I can find out.
Teri Irish says
Great book! I would love to read it!
Miranda Allen says
i would love to be entered