The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel

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The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel

by Melanie Benjamin (Goodreads Author)

3.67 · rating details · 1,939 ratings · 518 reviews

In her national bestseller Alice I Have Been, Melanie Benjamin imagined the life of the woman who inspired Alice in Wonderland. Now, in this jubilant new novel, Benjamin shines a dazzling spotlight on another fascinating female figure whose story has never fully been told: a woman who became a nineteenth century icon and inspiration—and whose most daunting limitation becam...more

Audio CD, 12 pages

Published July 26th 2011 by Random House Audio (first published January 1st 2011)

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Jul 10, 2011

Susan rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: arc-edition, historical-fiction, goodreads-authors

If you don't see the “A Novel” part of the title, don't confuse this novel for an autobiography or a biography. Ms. Benjamin (aka Melanie Hauser) has taken the bits of available knowledge about Mrs. General Tom Thumb's life, and woven it into a fictionalized and highly entertaining story. Apparently, the actual autobiography read more like a travelogue and was a bit boring.

At 32” full-grown, Vinnie did not want to be defined by her size, wanted to make her own way in the world. Un...moreIf you don't see the “A Novel” part of the title, don't confuse this novel for an autobiography or a biography. Ms. Benjamin (aka Melanie Hauser) has taken the bits of available knowledge about Mrs. General Tom Thumb's life, and woven it into a fictionalized and highly entertaining story. Apparently, the actual autobiography read more like a travelogue and was a bit boring.

At 32” full-grown, Vinnie did not want to be defined by her size, wanted to make her own way in the world. Unfortunately, there were few options for almost all women other than housewife, school teacher, or spending a life dependent on family. It was no comfort when a doctor consulted by her parents when she was a child likened Vinnie to “an excellent example of Nature's Occasional Mistakes.” “He assured my increasingly distressed parents that this was not a bad thing, for it made the world a much more interesting place, just as the occasional two-headed toad and one-eyed kitten did.”

How strange that a woman who didn't want to be defined by her size ended up with a career based solely on her size. And that her marriage, from her point of view anyway, was little more than a publicity stunt. Stunt or not, Vinnie became Mrs. Colonel Tom Thumb. And she dragged her even tinier sister, Minnie, into the farce as well.

I very much enjoyed this book. However, I don't think I would have liked Vinnie very much, at least not as she was portrayed. She was very adamant about being treated as an adult woman should be, yet she treated her sister, and then her husband, as though they were children. She was bossy and sometimes demanding, often judgmental when she hated being judged herself. Vinnie was complex and full of contradictions.

There were some writing quirks that bothered me a bit. I don't know how many times Vinnie mentioned her tiny, delicate, well-manicured hands, but after the third or so time, it became annoying. And Vinnie had a habit of giving us, the readers, intimations of what were going to come. Some outcomes were too predictable, even to someone like me who knows nothing of Vinnie's actual life.

All in all, this is a highly readable and entertaining story, but falls a little short of my expectations.

I was given an advance reader's edition of this book and the quotes may change in the final edition.(less)

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Oct 20, 2011

Orsolya rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, library, wishlist, favorites

Enchanting, engaging, moving, and beautiful. These are just a few words which can amply describe The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb… and that was only by page 27!

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb instantly grabs 110% of your attention with vivid imagery, bright descriptions, emotional currents, and a strong plot without the usual fictional fluff. A coming of age story, depicting self-acceptance and growth; The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb is a traditional theme and yet far fro...moreEnchanting, engaging, moving, and beautiful. These are just a few words which can amply describe The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb… and that was only by page 27!

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb instantly grabs 110% of your attention with vivid imagery, bright descriptions, emotional currents, and a strong plot without the usual fictional fluff. A coming of age story, depicting self-acceptance and growth; The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb is a traditional theme and yet far from it and much more magical. The story reads with depth and instantaneous character development.

Focusing on the character of Vinnie, the reader forgets that he/she was just introduced to the story and to her character; one with a strong voice and bold personality, coming alive before your eyes. Vinnie powerfully evokes a bond with the reader, thus resulting in a shared emotional up and down journey. From the first time she was called a “dwarf” to the death of her sister, Vinnie shares her joys and failures with the reader.

Melanie Benjamin’s language and text style is intelligent and skillfully written, yet easy and smooth enough that one keeps turning the pages without even noticing the clock minutes ticking by. The story never drags, even in parts which would in other novels. Basically, it flows like butter and dissolves into the bigger picture of developments and sequencing. It is rare to find a book with NO slow parts but The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb was genuinely contained and a constantly rotating, engaging, and well-developed novel. Never did I imagine I would tear up at a goodbye scene between a little person and a giantess. It isn’t even a scene I ever even considered! But guess who was blurry-eyed? My favorite chapter was depicting the death of Vinnie’s sister during childbirth. A highly pivotal point to the rest of the book, it evoked much emotion and changed the tone in a moving and satisfying way.

At times, Vinnie is egotistical and vain, putting on airs with society. This causes her brief lapses of realization but then she returns to forgetting her roots. Although this may anger some readers (and perhaps it is supposed to, as it is not the typical path of human self-advancement); it demonstrated that Vinnie is“real” and with faults, just like anyone else. This is best portrayed when she meets some “freaks” while working on a sideshow at Barnum’s circus and although she is considered a novelty herself; she is disgusted by the other “creatures”.

One of the few (and maybe only) sections I could have done without were the “intermissions”: a page of news clippings in between chapters which are obviously placed to help set the scene and setting of the Civil War era. However, I don’t feel it helped much in that sense, nor was it a must-have for the story to progress.

Melanie Benjamin remained quite historically accurate with her work despite some of the fictional matter used to keep the book moving. The chronology and sequencing was in-line with major events and thus, the book isn’t as annoyingly speculated as other historical fiction pieces. Benjamin read the unpublished autobiography of the real Mrs. Tom Thumb (which is a rather dry compilation and is more of a travelogue devoid of any emotion); so it would appear that Vinnie would be very proud of this novel depicting her life.

I would have liked the book to continue onward to Vinnie’s second marriage after the death of General Tom Thumb but I enjoyed the inside look at P.T. Barnum which debunked (based on facts) many of Vinnie’s career and life moments/choices. A combination of “Showboat”, the film “Big Fish”, and “Water for Elephants”; this novel should be the next big film (or at least, play).

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Feb 13, 2012

Leslie rated it

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While I understand that this book is a historical NOVEL, I think Ms. Benjamin would have been better served to write a novel about a fictional character. It is obvious that there was very little actual historical information about Vinnie Bump. Therefore, Ms Benjamin basically had to repeat herself over and over and over. After the first hundred pages, I wanted to throw the book or burn it for kindling. There are only so many ways to convey that Vinnie was a self-absorbed person with no idea that...more

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Oct 27, 2011

Linda rated it

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Shelves: historical-fiction, new-york-city, 19th-century, dwarfism, circus, p-t-barnum

Born a dwarf in the early 1800s, Lavinia Bump was part of a loving family and community. She constantly chafed against the limitations she had not only as a dwarf, but as a woman. Women were not typically educated in the 19th century, but Lavinia not only learned, but was a teacher for a period of time. Yearning to move beyond her restrictive environment, she took a job as an entertainer on a riverboat just prior to the Civil War. The man who "recruited" her was believed to be a family...moreBorn a dwarf in the early 1800s, Lavinia Bump was part of a loving family and community. She constantly chafed against the limitations she had not only as a dwarf, but as a woman. Women were not typically educated in the 19th century, but Lavinia not only learned, but was a teacher for a period of time. Yearning to move beyond her restrictive environment, she took a job as an entertainer on a riverboat just prior to the Civil War. The man who "recruited" her was believed to be a family relative, but ultimately she became a member of a "freak" show and was all but sold into prostitution by her "cousin". She didn't let her narrow escape from the riverboat keep her from moving on. Eventually, she ended up as part of P.T. Barnum's show and circus. She met Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton), one of the best known and most-beloved performers in Barnum's show and married him. Lavinia and Charles had one of the most famous marriages of it's time, but it wasn't a love match. Together, they became one of Barnum's most popular performers. They traveled the world, had tea with the Queen of England and lived as part of high society in New York. P. T. Barnum was Lavinia's best friends and confidantes. He, alone, of everyone she knew thought the way she did and between the two of them the fame and fortune of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb continued to grow, as did P.T. Barnum's.

Lavinia is a very strong character. She dearly loved her family, especially her younger sister, Minnie, who eventually became part of the troupe. She was very ambitious, though, and her career and fame was always first and foremost in her mind and in the decisions she made.

One of the most interesting features of this novel for me was the historical context. Benjamin did exhaustive research not only about Lavinia but also of the world in which she lived. I learned a lot about the Gilded Age, circus performing, and the life of a "small person" during a time when people paid to see "freaks" and were intolerant of anyone who is different.
This is a well-written book, full of history, romance, and performance.(less)

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Oct 08, 2011

Meg rated it

· review of another edition

I can finally review this book since our book club (The Jolly Girls Book Club, ha!) has met and discussed. Growing up next to Bridgeport, CT I have always been fascinated with Lavinia Warren who stood 2 ft. 8 inches tall and was perfectly porportioned. This book was written as if from Lavinia's own hand. At times Vinnie's character is very raw, and hard to like. I would then remember what it must have been like for her, and found it much easier to relate. She was stubborn, brave, selfish, loving...more

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Sep 29, 2011

Jane rated it

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I picked up this book because it was on the "new arrivals" shelf at the library. I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but scanned the inside jacket, decided to give it a read and am glad I did. Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump, 32 inches high, is from a farming family concerned with what life possibilities were available to her. Perhaps against their own better judgment they allow her to go to school where she excels, becomes the school teacher. But she wants more - and boy, does she...more

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Sep 24, 2011

Susan rated it

I almost passed on The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. There was a part of me when I first saw the title in my public library enews that felt like I was participating in the objectification of little people. I dare say after listening to Kim Mai's excellent performance of Melanie Benjamin's fictional story, that I found myself admiring Mrs. General Tom Thumb, aka Lavinia Mercy Warren Bump Stratton.

Ms. Benjamin creates a deep and strong character in Vinnie, as Mrs. Stratton was commo...more

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Aug 28, 2011

Betty rated it

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Shelves: biography-auto, arlington-library

Review from Amazon.com:

This is a novelization about Mrs. Tom Thumb who stood 2 feet, 8 inches tall. The novel is told in the first person, Vinnie's (Mrs. TT) and just as the title says, like an autobiography.

I was completely charmed by this little two foot narrator even though she isn't perfect. She is strong, determined, prideful and ashamed both, arrogant, selfish, and yet also extremely loving. Throughout the novel, she does wrong and she does right, just like everyone els...more

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Aug 24, 2011

Catherine Siemann rated it

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Shelves: neovictorians

I enjoyed Melanie Benjamin's first historical novel, Alice I Have Been because she thought through potential scenarios in the Alice Liddell/Charles Dodgson friendship, rather than just recycling rumor and innuendo as in Katie Roiphie's Still She Haunts Me. But while I've done a great deal of research into Lewis Carroll and his creations, I knew very little about Lavinia Warren. A performer with P.T. Barnum's operations, in the mid-late 19th century, she was several inches short of three feet t...more

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Aug 23, 2011

Melanie rated it

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Shelves: historical-fiction, review-books

Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton or ‘Vinnie’ to her friends and family was an actual woman in history standing a mere 32 inches tall. Prior to reading this novel I hadn’t heard Mrs. Tom Thumb. What a delight to learn about her rich history and character through Melanie Benjamin’s autobiographical novel. Wow does that seem like a conflict of terms. Vinnie had hoped to write an autobiography of her life, and had taken notes and written journals toward that goal. Her dream was not fulfilled...more
Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton or ‘Vinnie’ to her friends and family was an actual woman in history standing a mere 32 inches tall. Prior to reading this novel I hadn’t heard Mrs. Tom Thumb. What a delight to learn about her rich history and character through Melanie Benjamin’s autobiographical novel. Wow does that seem like a conflict of terms. Vinnie had hoped to write an autobiography of her life, and had taken notes and written journals toward that goal. Her dream was not fulfilled and credit goes to Melanie Benjamin for bringing Vinnie’s story to light.

As a ‘dwarf’ she had quite the difficult life just trying to see eye to eye with the world. She was a feisty gal though and by age 16 she was the school marm at the local school after having exceeded at her own schooling. Colonel Wood, a man with dollar signs in his eyes lures Vinnie away under the pretense of her performing and making a big name for herself, only to find herself working on a river boat with other ‘misfits’. The world was not kind and Vinnie soon found many reasons that she should have stayed home with her family and her one sister Minnie who was the same size as she.

The Civil War ended Vinnie’s dreadful showcase and she was able to return home. Still discontent with the boringness of living in a small town she wrote to PT Barnum in the hopes of joining his troupe. She ended up meeting with him, and found in him a friend and confident as well as a true artist in his field. Through Mr. Barnum she met her future husband Charles Stratton, or Mr. Tom Thumb. Another miniature person their marriage appeared to be a match made in heaven, but was in appearance only.
Never quite content with her fame, and her size it seemed Vinnie missed out on just living.

This was an exciting story with great historical facts and descriptions. Melanie Benjamin brings an old icon into new light for a new generation. It has been fun to meet Vinnie and get to know her and her sister Minnie, one having fame and not fully living, the other to learning contentment and happiness. I loved the relationship dynamics and how Vinnie was able to interact with such an array of characters as she made her debut. The characters were vivid and real and it did indeed feel as if we were reading a true autobiography.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Aug 22, 2011

Q. Kelly rated it

· review of another edition

"Uniquely Vinnie"

Put simply, I loved this book. The reasons off the top of my head: an atypical protagonist whom I can identify with (for example, the logical mind and always seeking something indefinable), the historical aspects, the celebrity aspects, the circus, the shows, the traveling. Vinnie Warren (Mrs. Tom Thumb) faces the world largely on her own terms — and largely alone, or in a tiny group of people.

Although the word “autobiography” appears in the ti...more"Uniquely Vinnie"

Put simply, I loved this book. The reasons off the top of my head: an atypical protagonist whom I can identify with (for example, the logical mind and always seeking something indefinable), the historical aspects, the celebrity aspects, the circus, the shows, the traveling. Vinnie Warren (Mrs. Tom Thumb) faces the world largely on her own terms — and largely alone, or in a tiny group of people.

Although the word “autobiography” appears in the title, this book is not an autobiography. It is, however, based on real people and real events. Vinnie carries this book. She is miniature (don’t say “dwarf.” She hates that word). She has spirit, pluck and courage. She has, in many ways, the mind of a man in a woman’s body. She is a planner, pragmatic, calculating, but also curious and lively. Some reviewers have said she was a bit too “impersonal,” but I disagree. It is precisely this so-called “flaw” that makes me like her all the more. For example, she will not have sex because she is afraid of getting pregnant. She figures (and no wonder) that having a full-term baby will kill her. This, of course, affects her relationship with her husband and her outlook on life in general. I do, however, wonder if readers are supposed to get the impression from this book that Vinnie is asexual. She could very well have been. Those people who think she is too distant must not have cried as I did during a certain scene when someone very dear to Vinnie dies.

In any case, Vinnie wants to live, and live she does. She meets Queen Victoria and Abe Lincoln. The Astors attend her wedding. The queen and president send gifts. She travels to Egypt. To Australia. All over the world. Later in life, she becomes a countess. Sounds great, right? Well, she also has to deal with too-high stairs and beds, and clothes that don’t fit. She does not let any of that get her down, though. She strives on, even in the face of gloomy odds. Vinnie is uniquely Vinnie, and I love her.

Read this book!(less)

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Aug 10, 2011

Laurie rated it

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This isn’t really an autobiography, but fictionalized history told from the POV of Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump- Vinnie- who later married and became Mrs. Charles Stratton, AKA Tom Thumb. These were real people; famous in show business, touring the world and performing before presidents and royalty. While they were brought into show business because of their stature- they were little people- they elevated themselves above the sideshow acts so common in those days and were stage performers who sang ...moreThis isn’t really an autobiography, but fictionalized history told from the POV of Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump- Vinnie- who later married and became Mrs. Charles Stratton, AKA Tom Thumb. These were real people; famous in show business, touring the world and performing before presidents and royalty. While they were brought into show business because of their stature- they were little people- they elevated themselves above the sideshow acts so common in those days and were stage performers who sang and danced.

Vinnie, whose adult height was 32 inches, was born in 1841. Her family, who farmed in Massachusetts, at first sought to keep her home. Vinnie insisted on attending school, however, and did so well that at age 16 she became the teacher at the country schoolhouse. Except for her younger sister, Minnie- even tinier than Vinnie- Vinnie’s siblings were all of average height. Minnie, the shy opposite of the outgoing, adventure seeking Vinnie, chose to stay home, content to knit and sew by the hearth. Vinnie was ambitious, unsatisfied with farm and family life that she found stultifying. When a ‘cousin’ came calling to ask her to perform on his showboat, she readily agreed. Even though that situation turned bad, it gave her a life long addiction to the stage.

But show business is only the setting for the novel. The true heart of the story is relationships. Vinnie and Minnie (who did end up sucked into show business), Vinnie and P.T. Barnum, Vinnie and Stratton. Love, responsibility, guilt, and envy. And, for that matter, Vinnie’s relationship with herself. In this novel, she comes off as not being the most likable person in the world. She’s judgmental, self important, and blind to her own faults. But, given the hand that life dealt her, it’s hard to think too badly of her. She made the best of what was available to her. And that’s really all anyone can do. Even though I felt irritated by her at times, I also felt sympathy for her situation. And a lot of admiration- she worked tirelessly, endured horrid conditions on show trips, and was never afraid of a challenge. She was determined to live life on her own terms, and not let her size limit or define her.

The fact that Vinnie was a walking contradiction made her a very interesting character, even in her bad moments. The world of 19th century show business and New York high society has a harsh brilliance. The book is well done and fascinated me. It was not *quite* a can’t-put-it-down read, but close.
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Aug 04, 2011

Felice rated it

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One of the biggest celebrities of the 19th century was the 32 inch tall Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump also known as Mrs Tom Thumb. Vinnie, as she was called, was born in Massachusetts in 1841. She was born into a normal sized family. Her three older siblings were all average height. Only Vinnie and her younger sister Mabel stopped growing as toddlers. They were perfectly proportioned dwarves.

Author Melanie Benjamin has already (Very!) successfully fictionalized the life of woman brou...moreOne of the biggest celebrities of the 19th century was the 32 inch tall Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump also known as Mrs Tom Thumb. Vinnie, as she was called, was born in Massachusetts in 1841. She was born into a normal sized family. Her three older siblings were all average height. Only Vinnie and her younger sister Mabel stopped growing as toddlers. They were perfectly proportioned dwarves.

Author Melanie Benjamin has already (Very!) successfully fictionalized the life of woman brought to prominence by someone else, Alice Liddell Hargreaves of Alice In Wonderland in her novel Alice I Have Been. Now with her new novel, The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb, Benjamin imagines the life of another woman whose life was taken over by someone else. In this case it was P.T. Barnum. Could Benjamin be inventing a new genre? I hope so. Her subject choices are fascinating and her writing is wonderful. I could stand another few decades of novels like these.

Vinnie lived one of those lives that beg the "you couldn't make this up" description. At a time when the average woman lived a family-centric, incredibly hard working life Vinnie looked for ways to assert her independence. She didn't see herself as a victim or handicapped. Vinnie allowed the world to define her by her size but on her terms. She chose to be a victor not a victim. She brought herself to the attention to Barnum. He made her a star and then married her off to a superstar. Her wedding pushed the Civil War off the front pages for a week. She was a favorite of kings and presidents.

Although this is Vinnie’s story told from her point of view, it is not the story of Saint Vinnie. This woman was a handful. Benjamin uses the relationships in Vinnie’s life to effectively play off Vinnie’s public charm and stoicism against her private fears and isolation. Benjamin does not let all the important people in Vinnie’s life fall by the wayside either. Her sister Mable, her husband Charles Stratton a.k.a. Tom Thumb and Barnum are all fully drawn.

Benjamin fully explores the home life, the show biz life and the personal life of Vinnie all the while keeping the America of the 1800's squarely in the picture. The events, culture and attitudes of the period are perfectly captured. In that way The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb is a vest pocket Ragtime. It has the same tremendously engaging layering of personality and history---only with a much smaller cast of characters.

I was enchanted with The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb from beginning to end. Melanie Benjamin has written a powerfully entertaining portrait of an amazing woman who lived a remarkable life(less)

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Jul 28, 2011

John rated it

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Shelves: 2011, melanie-benjamin

For fans of "Alice I Have Been", author Melanie Benjamin's first novel, you are in for a real treat with her new novel, "The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb". In my humble opinion Ms. Benjamin has shown a gift for choosing historical figures who have passed from the limelight and bringing their fascinating stories back to life in the enlightening and accessible form of the historical novel. I had never heard of Mercy Lavinia "Vinnie" Warren Bump, the future wife o...more

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Jun 07, 2011

Jessi Adams rated it

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I was amazed at this book. Who knew that such an incredibly fascinating person existed that I had never even heard of before. The story is a novel interpretation of the autobiography of an American proportionate dwarf named Lavinia Bump, "Vinnie", aka Mrs. Tom Thumb. The book chronicles her amazing life, from childhood until late adulthood. While the facts about the character are true-to-life, the interpretation of her feelings about the events, as well as specific details, may or may...more

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Apr 08, 2011

Candace rated it

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It gave me real pleasure to be the first person to "Like" Lavinia Warren on Facebook.

Vinnie would have been posting like mad and collecting friends like a fiend because her sense of self promotion was sure and timely. Born to a middle class Massachussetts family, proportional dwarfism caused her to grow to 2'8". A younger sister did not even make it that far, and so they were indeed well-proportioned tiny people in a family of strapping farmers. Vinnie became a teacher...more

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Dec 21, 2011

Paula Margulies rated it

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A fascinating read about the life of Lavina Warren, a proportional dwarf who performed with P.T. Barnum and married another of Barnum's stars, Charles Stratton, the famous dwarf known as General Tom Thumb. The relationship between Lavinia (or "Vinnie," as she's known to her friends and family) and Barnum is fascinating and rings true: they were both extremely intelligent, determined individuals, who were willing to sacrifice their emotional needs for the sake of fame and fortune. Vinni...more

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Oct 07, 2011

Ckg rated it

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Good historical fiction forces implants the desire within the reader to learn the facts that surround the narrative. This book does not disappoint. I finished this book a couple of weeks back and have been researching P.T. Barnum and his Museum of Curiosities since I shelved the book. I was completely unaware of Ms. Benjamin and if you follow my reviews, (which I was recently reminded, some do.), few and far between though they may be; you know about my reading difficulties. I'm not going to...more

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Aug 28, 2011

Jeanne rated it

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Lavinia "Vinnie" Warren was born in 1841, an era in which career choices for women were limited, to say the least. However, Vinnie was a proportionate dwarf, i.e. she was perfectly proportioned woman but in miniature. Vinnie was 32 inches tall and decided that her size provided a path to opportunity.

The author did a marvelous job imagining Vinnie's world. Using Vinnie's own writings among other resources, she brings her to life. The author vividly describes the world fro...more

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Aug 15, 2011

Paul Pessolano rated it

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“The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb” by Melanie Benjamin, published by Delacorte Press.

Category – Autobiography/Biography

Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump was born on October 31, 1841. She was born of normal parents but “Vinnie”, due to a medical condition, never grew taller than 32 inches. Her sister Minnie was only 27 inches tall, however her other sisters and brothers grew to normal heights.

Vinnie was a very determined young lady and was not going to let her size dete...more“The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb” by Melanie Benjamin, published by Delacorte Press.

Category – Autobiography/Biography

Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump was born on October 31, 1841. She was born of normal parents but “Vinnie”, due to a medical condition, never grew taller than 32 inches. Her sister Minnie was only 27 inches tall, however her other sisters and brothers grew to normal heights.

Vinnie was a very determined young lady and was not going to let her size determine her. At the age of sixteen she was employed as a school teacher and would have been very successful had she not greater aspirations for herself.

Vinnie wanted to do more and see the world and therefore signed up with a
Mississippi Showboat as a “curiosity” and performer. Although this proved to be a rougher life than she had envisioned she did quite well for herself until the Civil War. The war closed the Showboat down and she went back home.

P. T. “A sucker is born every minute” Barnum had a sideshow of “curiosities” in New York featuring General Tom Thumb. Vinnie still wanting more from life wrote Barnum and was employed by him to work alongside Thumb. The combination of Vinnie and Thumb became an instant success and not only did they become millionaires but were entertained by the likes of the Astors and Vanderbilts. They did a European and World tour where they were the quests of Kings and Queens.

High living and two very tragic occurrences in their lives caused a break in their relationship with Barnum and found them no longer the darlings of the world.

Although Vinnie continued to keep a stiff upper lip, Tom was unable to overcome his problems and died of a stroke at the age of forty-five. Vinnie remarried and tried to pull her life together but by now the “curiosity” had worn off and a new generation had better things to do.

Vinnie died at the age of seventy-seven or seventy-eight and is buried next to Tom with the simple engraving “His Wife”.

A wonderful story of a young lady that with fierce determination and desire overcame her physical problems to become one of the most sought after women of her decade.
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May 08, 2011

Brian rated it

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If you flat out ask me, 'Do you like historical fiction?' I most likely will say no. However, after reading this book and thinking about it, I'd like to amend my answer to that question by saying that it depends on the topic. That being said, I've also come to a realization that I like books about circuses and carnie folks. I haven't' read one here on Goodreads, but if you look at my Shelfari, I have read several. I've read quite a few that have PT Barnum as a character. This book is about L...more

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Feb 22, 2012

Beadyjan rated it

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A big book about a small lady. A novel based loosely on facts this is the life story of a tiny woman - Lavinia Warren Bump or Vinnie, just 28" high and perfectly proportioned born to poor farmers in pre civil war America who decides early on in life not to let her lack of height define her but to use it to give her an exciting life which helps her escape the constraints of small town life, see the world and meet many people, although finding true love remains very elusive.

She suc...more

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Aug 25, 2011

Shari Larsen rated it

· review of another edition

This is not a true autobiography, but a fictionalized one told in that style, of Lavinia "Vinnie" Warren Bump, who was only two feet, 8 inches tall as an adult. She was most well known as being the wife of Charles Stratton, also known as General Tom Thumb, who also had dwarfism.

Vinnie was a remarkable woman; born in 1841, at a time when people like her were considered "freaks", she was not going to be content just to stay safely at home with her family. She spent ...more

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Aug 24, 2011

Mandolin rated it

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If you miss the disclaiming "a novel" portion of the title, you may very well believe that this is an autobiographical work. Ms. Benjamin writes with such believable passion and feeling that it's hard to keep in mind that the book is a work of fiction. She brings Mrs. Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren Bump, to life in a miraculous way and makes her - despite her diminutive size - a giantess in personality. I loved Vinnie from the beginning and, despite her faults, found her to be a charming...more

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Aug 12, 2011

Annika rated it

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This book was interesting only because of the protagonist. Had this same book been written in the same style and about a "normal" woman, it would've been terribly boring and slow.

Mrs. Tom Thumb's ("Vinnie" Warren Bump's) early life, life under PT Barnum's management, her marriage, and the very end of the book are the most interesting. There are too many slow, dragging places in this book. The story is told entirely through Vinnie's viewpoint, which would be okay, ...moreThis book was interesting only because of the protagonist. Had this same book been written in the same style and about a "normal" woman, it would've been terribly boring and slow.

Mrs. Tom Thumb's ("Vinnie" Warren Bump's) early life, life under PT Barnum's management, her marriage, and the very end of the book are the most interesting. There are too many slow, dragging places in this book. The story is told entirely through Vinnie's viewpoint, which would be okay, except the majority of it is in her head so there are lots of chunks with little to zero dialogue. I did appreciate the headlines and news clippings from the corresponding time period in between each chapter, just to show where in America history we are as Vinnie's story is taking place.

Unexpectedly, this is a love story. Not between her and Tom Thumb, because the readers are led to believe that is a marriage formed out of business and strict friendship. Vinnie's love for PT Barnum was actually a pleasant surprise. I never would have thought of this, but the author's notes in the back with how she drew that conclusion did help clarify her reasoning.

Vinnie Warren Bump was no more than 32" tall in her lifetime. She was a perfectly formed little lady, not a dwarf, and from a very well-respected New England family. Her younger sister was also very small, even moreso than Vinnie. In a time in America where people stayed confined to their farms, their towns, and had almost no glimpse of "oddities" or the outside world, PT Barnum the Businessman is making ridiculous amounts of money in showing off these things. To the modern reader, the things may not be so odd (although I'd argue that IF the same American Museum was around today, it would certainly be visited often).

Vinnie knows she is destined for bigger things than her family's farm, so she takes off on a Mississippi Riverboat in pre-Civil War America. She can sing, and she has the poise and manners of a lady, but the Riverboat and its audience are crass and rough. She is abused, threatened, and ridiculed. The Civil War breaks up the act, and Vinnie, longing for more (though not necessarily stardom) contacts PT Barnum.

Barnum is portrayed as a sharpminded businessman, a gentleman, but always seeing things through the dollar sign. America is torn by war, America has no "sweethearts", so Barnum creates them in Vinnie and Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton). He captivates everyone in the world, including the Royal Family and the Lincolns in the White House.

The book chronicles the travels and elegant lifestyle of "The Queen of Beauty" and "General Tom Thumb".

Vinnie as a protagonist was a little bit "Scarlett O'Hara" for me. A bit snooty, using a gracious lady exterior to cover any blemishes in her attitude.

It's not a bad story to pass time, although it's not a fast read. Definitely worth the read for the interesting points of view and the history.(less)

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Sep 04, 2011

MAP rated it

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Shelves: first-reads, fiction, historical-fiction

I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This is an excellent, excellent book. I've been interested in people involved in "the traveling life" ever since I stumbled upon Joseph Merrick's (the Elephant Man) story about 10 years ago. However, though I'd read a little about P.T. Barnum, Lavinia Warren Bump (AKA Mrs. Tom Thumb) is not someone who had really entered my consciousness.

The author does a great job of creating and growing Vinnie's character, as well as t...more

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Aug 14, 2011

Jane Hammons rated it

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Shelves: fiction, fiction-historical

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Benjamin does an amazing job of bringing Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton, Vinnie, to life, showing the challenges she had as a little person, a woman, and a successful businesswoman. P. T. Barnum, always bigger than life, is a very sympathetic and engaging character as well. Vinnie's sister, Minnie, and General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) are also rendered in full as important minor characters. The travels throughout the U.S. during and before the Civil War a...more

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Sep 07, 2011

Karen rated it

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Another fabulous historical fiction novel by the author of Alice I Have Been. In this one, Melanie Benjamin takes on the story of the diminutive-but-larger-than-life Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton, also know as Mrs. Tom Thumb. A litte over two feet tall and perfectly proportioned, Vinnie knows from an early age that she wants more out of life than her role as small-town curiosity. She leaves home to embrace show business, first with a shady "cousin" on a traveling entertainment boat o...more

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Jul 08, 2011

Laura rated it

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Shelves: historical-fiction, amazon-vine

What an enthralling novel! Now, normally I'm not one to get enthused about modern literature, the types of books full of high-minded ideals and deep subjects, books trumpeted by both critics and Oprah alike. However, this is one novel in which I would gladly join the masses and trumpet, push and generally talk it up to those that will listen. Because this is something else altogether, a book which stands apart from the masses of book-club reads and popular fiction. This is a larger-than-life tal...moreWhat an enthralling novel! Now, normally I'm not one to get enthused about modern literature, the types of books full of high-minded ideals and deep subjects, books trumpeted by both critics and Oprah alike. However, this is one novel in which I would gladly join the masses and trumpet, push and generally talk it up to those that will listen. Because this is something else altogether, a book which stands apart from the masses of book-club reads and popular fiction. This is a larger-than-life tale, filled with adventures and heartache, excitement, tragedy and marvelous wonders (or wondrous marvels). And while the thoughts and personal conversations of the characters within might be mostly the creation of the author (the real Vinnie Bump left little behind as to her true feelings concerning her life and travels), Vinnie's life, her early days in entertainment, her partnership with Phineas Barnum and marriage to "General Tom Thumb" Charles Stratton, and the tragic life of her sister, Minnie, are all real, brought to vivid life by the skilled writing skills of Melanie Benjamin. Written in the first person, from Vinnie's P.O.V., which can be a tricky proposition in less-skilled hands, Benjamin has created a wholly authentic attitude and voice. This book is truly an immersive experience: I could feel Vinnie's trepidation as she left her home for the first time when she joined Colonel Wood's steamboat as a sideshow attraction; I could feel the grit and grime as she traveled on the early trains, sitting on uncomfortable wooden seats, dealing with the most privative of facilities (talk about eye-opening!); I grimaced at the contrary appearance of late 19th century New York, the glamorous buildings and new technologies contrasting with the pervasive dirt which covered every person, building and street; and towards the end of the book, reading the scene concerning Newhall House Hotel fire in Milwaukee, in which Charles and Vinnie narrowly escaped with their lives, I actually found myself sweating and feeling short of breath as I read the scene. I can't tell you how few books actually manage to capture me that well. The thing which captivated me, though, beyond all the drama and danger, was the fact that the woman who lived this wonderful, fascinating, amazing life was only two feet, eight inches tall. That's 32 inches, people! Pick up a yard stick and measure it out and then tell me you aren't amazed by this fact. Her head wouldn't even reach my hipbone! (I'm 6'1" tall, just to give you a reference.) A regular-sized woman of the late 1800s, living a life of such wonder and freedom, would be someone to marvel at and admire. The fact that that woman was only 32 inches tall to boot, that she had to navigate a world so large, so unprepared for her, so full of new marvels and technology and inventions which changed almost daily, makes her story even more unbelievable and compelling. Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump is not just a remarkable woman for her time, she's a remarkable woman for any time.

I loved that the author inserted "intermissions" in between chapters, printing excepts of newspaper stories from the years corresponding to the story's action. Only a couple of the newspaper excerpts concerned Vinnie and/or Tom Thumb; the majority were stories of new technologies (the experiment in 1877 by Prof. A. Graham Bell with the "telephone" on the wires of the Eastern Railroad Company between Boston and Salem, the article noting the conversation was carried on without any difficulty; the suicide of William Godfrey Krueger, the inventor of a flying machine, in 1882, as he waited for a government pension, which was ironically delivered the day after he killed himself, the article going on to say Krueger spent fifteen years studying the problems of his flying machine, the secret of which died with him. [Talk about a what-if proposition!]), stories concerning the Civil War (the attempt to enforce the draft in New York, which led to rioting, death and destruction; the notice of secession of Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama in 1861), among other general interest pieces (an 1855 report of a healthy woman who gave birth to quadruplets taking dinner at the St. Charles Hotel, with the article questioning that, physically, the woman may be healthy, but "morally and mentally she cannot be, for no sane or modest lady would make a show of herself" by sitting in a public place and courting notoriety by producing an unusual number of children; the story about the people of Brooklyn "turning out largely last evening to hear a young lady talk politics, and in very warmly applauding the incoherent nonsense which she uttered, gave a marked proof--not of their good sense--but of their chivalric feeling for the sex." [My god, the condescension!]). These "intermissions" open windows not only into the attitudes of the times (making one appreciate Vinnie's spirit all the more admirable) but also the wonders and horrors she lived through. I haven't read Benjamin's previous novel, Alice I Have Been, but after finishing this one, I'm actually quite eager to give it a whirl.(less)

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Sep 22, 2011

Diana rated it

· review of another edition

Read this book after a recommendation from the librarian. It is called an autobiography, but is really a novel. The author read a lot about Mrs. Tom Thumb (Mercy Lavinia "Vinnie" Warren Bump Stratton.....name is longer than she was tall) This tells the story of Vinnie from childhood and after finishing school, she becomes a school teacher. A man comes to her home and asks Vinnie and her parents if she can come star for him in a show on a steamship on the Mississippi. What a life ...more

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About Melanie Benjamin

Melanie Benjamin is the author of the national bestseller, ALICE I HAVE BEEN, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons. She's currently at work on her third historical novel.

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