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.
You got me hooked!
Enter me please
Yes, I think I’d like to read this one.
Sounds like a great book – thanks for the chance!
It sounds like a feminized version of a John Irving novel. I’m in.
sounds interesting
Enter me please! Sounds interesting.
This sounds like a great read! I would love the chance to win a copy. 🙂
I’d like to read this book.
oh, pick me, pick me! I’d love to read it, it sounds so interesting.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds interesting … count me in!! 🙂
Please enter me in this great contest thanks
This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Sounds great – count me in 🙂
Looks like a great book!
I’d like to be entered!
Sounds like an excellent read.
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.
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker would be a great book for my kids. Tx
Count me in! Thanks!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Stacie
please enter me. i’d like to read this book.
I loved your review and would love to read this book! Thanks for giving someone the opportunity (or should I say 4 someones!)
Thanks for the sweepstakes
always up for a unique story…
this looks like a great book.
thanks for the giveaway
I would like to be entered!
:]
Great giveaway
This is one of the most interesting reviews I’ve read of this book. Please include me in the giveaway.
Sounds like a good read. I’d love the chance to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway.
This is my kind of book. Thanks for offering it :o)
Happy Monday!
I have been wanting to read this book. It has a lot to which I can relate. Thank you for the chance to win!
I’m a subscriber.
please enter me!
This sounds like a really good book. I would love to own a copy.
Your review makes the book sound very inteesting.
love to win one
What a unique concept. I think it would be interesting. THank you
Sounds like a good book!
I’d love to add this book to my library.
Count me in I always love a good read!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
fun
The book sounds like a great read. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!
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.
Great book! I would love to read it!
i would love to be entered