About the book
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
\"A masterpiece.\" — Literary Review • \"A novel to read and to remember.\" —New York Times
Widely regarded as the masterwork of celebrated author and Algonquin Round Table mainstay Edna Ferber—who also penned other classics including Show Boat, Giant, Ice Palace, Saratoga Trunk, and Cimarron—So Big is a powerful and stirring portrait of one of the most memorable women in American literature, and still resonates today with its unflinching views of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.
Set in Chicago at the turn of the twentieth century, this timeless work of historical fiction tells the story of Selina Peake, orphaned at nineteen after her father is shot and killed in a gambling house. Alone and resolved to make something of her life, Selina gets a job as a schoolteacher in a farming community outside Chicago and falls in love with a kind but struggling farmer. As a young mother, she soon leaves the schoolhouse for long grueling days in the fields and gives birth to a son, Dirk, nicknamed “So Big.” When she finds herself unexpectedly widowed, this remarkable single mother takes the reins of the farm, defying convention and all those around her, determined to give Dirk every opportunity to follow his dreams.
A classic generational saga, So Big is a must-read for fans of contemporary novelists such Willa Cather (O Pioneers!), Pearl S. Buck (The Good Earth), and Marjorie Rawlings (The Yearling).
Editions of So Big
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780061859984
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062314222
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
\"A masterpiece.\" — Literary Review • \"A novel to read and to remember.\" —New York Times
Widely regarded as the masterwork of celebrated author and Algonquin Round Table mainstay Edna Ferber—who also penned other classics including Show Boat, Giant, Ice Palace, Saratoga Trunk, and Cimarron—So Big is a powerful and stirring portrait of one of the most memorable women in American literature, and still resonates today with its unflinching views of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.
Set in Chicago at the turn of the twentieth century, this timeless work of historical fiction tells the story of Selina Peake, orphaned at nineteen after her father is shot and killed in a gambling house. Alone and resolved to make something of her life, Selina gets a job as a schoolteacher in a farming community outside Chicago and falls in love with a kind but struggling farmer. As a young mother, she soon leaves the schoolhouse for long grueling days in the fields and gives birth to a son, Dirk, nicknamed “So Big.” When she finds herself unexpectedly widowed, this remarkable single mother takes the reins of the farm, defying convention and all those around her, determined to give Dirk every opportunity to follow his dreams.
A classic generational saga, So Big is a must-read for fans of contemporary novelists such Willa Cather (O Pioneers!), Pearl S. Buck (The Good Earth), and Marjorie Rawlings (The Yearling).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is So Big about?
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
\"A masterpiece.\" — Literary Review • \"A novel to read and to remember.\" —New York Times
Widely regarded as the masterwork of celebrated author and Algonquin Round Table mainstay Edna Ferber—who also penned other classics including Show Boat, Giant, Ice Palace, Saratoga Trunk, and Cimarron—So Big is a powerful and stirring portrait of one of the most memorable women in American literature, and still resonates today with its unflinching views of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.
Set in Chicago at the turn of the twentieth century, this timeless work of historical fiction tells the story of Selina Peake, orphaned at nineteen after her father is shot and killed in a gambling house. Alone and resolved to make something of her life, Selina gets a job as a schoolteacher in a farming community outside Chicago and falls in love with a kind but struggling farmer. As a young mother, she soon leaves the schoolhouse for long grueling days in the fields and gives birth to a son, Dirk, nicknamed “So Big.” When she finds herself unexpectedly widowed, this remarkable single mother takes the reins of the farm, defying convention and all those around her, determined to give Dirk every opportunity to follow his dreams.
A classic generational saga, So Big is a must-read for fans of contemporary novelists such Willa Cather (O Pioneers!), Pearl S. Buck (The Good Earth), and Marjorie Rawlings (The Yearling).
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in So Big?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of So Big?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780061859984
Is So Big part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Perennial Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book So Big?
Edna Ferber
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
So Big is available as paperback(ISBN 9780061859984) and ebook(ISBN 9780062314222)
Where can I buy So Big online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy So Big from below