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So Big cover art

So Big

Written by: Edna Ferber
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
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Publisher's Summary

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

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I read this many,many years ago, and surprised myself, on listening to it, not only how much I remembered, but how the themes reverberate today. Highly recommended!

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Recommended by Ann Patchett

Recommended by Ann Patchett—say no more. Why have I not read or listened to this before?? Interesting, surprising, slightly ambiguous (or is that just me?). So pleased I downloaded and listened. Took the “included” version 👍🏻👍🏻

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1 person found this helpful