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.
Sounds interesting…count me in!
This book sounds interesting, and I’d love to see if it fits our book club. Count me in the contest!
Sounds like a good one–sign me up!
I was just looking at this one in the bookstore the other day – it sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for running the contest!
Thank you for the chance to win this book! It looks good!
I’ve been seeing great reviews of this everywhere – please throw my name in the hat.
This sounds like a great book. I’d love to read it.
Sounds like I would enjoy this very much. Add my name to the list for the drawing.
Thanks,
Rachel Langston
This sounds like a great book!
I’m intrigued — I’d love to win a copy! Thank you —
Great write up on the book. It really makes me feel sorry for Truly. I would love to read this touching story.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Uh-oh, sounds like it might make me cry!! Sounds just like the sort of book I’d love…
Sounds fun- count me in!
kayceewilliams at gmail dot com
i would love to read this!
This sounds like fun to read!
I ordered this for my library and it has already flown off of the shelves. I can’t wait to read it!
I would love to read this one. I was actually looking for a review on it so thank you for your timely review and for the giveaway. =)
I’d love to read this book. thanks!
This sounds interesting! Looks like a new addition to my must read list thanks for the review and chance to win!!
I’d love to win!
I’ve read lots of good reviews & would love to read it!
All books are welcome in my house.
Sounds intriguing! I have an Oregon address. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks
I’ve been wanting to read this book! It sounds great!!
sounds like a great read, thanks for the contest!
sounds like a good read
Seems interesting. Thanks for the giveaway – please count me in.
Have seen great reviews on this book, would truly like to read, thanks for the giveawy
Hi, enter me please ~~~~~ THANKSSS
I’d like to be entered
subscriber
looks like an interesting read..please enter me in your contest
Looks good to me….
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Sounds like a great book!
Interesting subject matter…sounds fascinating!
Sounds like a great giveaway……….I would really like to win
books are great
would love to read
I’d love to read this.
I’d love to win this prize. thanks for the contest.
Have heard nothing but good things about this book so please count me in.
Please enter me. Thanks!
This sounds like a good book. Would love to read it 🙂
Love to read books like this one. Thank you for the contest.
Sounds like a good book
Looks good.
love to win this
I’d love to win and read this book; it sounds really interesting.
Thanks
i’d love to read this book
My “must reads” gets longer every time I look at this website. Thanks so much for the information and the chance to win this book, it sounds like one that really explores humanity and all of its good and all of its flaws.
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