So Big

[Pamela]

I TOTALLY enjoyed this book. It was intriguing to think of Chicago with farmlands nearby. I identify with Dick's situation. I've made too many decisions based on what others want instead of what is in my heart. This classic deserves a read. I am also reading Ferber's popular "Giant", but I preferred this stunning Pulitzer-winning book much more.

[Jan]

Pamela wrote: "I TOTALLY enjoyed this book. It was intriguing to think of Chicago with farmlands nearby. I identify with Dick's situation. I've made too many decisions based on what others want instead of what is..."

It is a true American classic. Edna Ferber--love the insight into women of that era.

[William]

It is remarkable that Edna Ferber isn't more trumpeted in literature. She was far ahead of her time in setting strong heroines as the central characters in her novels and short stories. So Big is probably my favorite of Ferber's books, but I also really like Showboat, and Giant.

[Esmeralda]

I read this book many, many, years ago. I loved it. I can still remember many things about it. I probably should have read some of her other books.

[John]

Edna Ferber is underrated as an author and sadly overlooked by the academic (American Literature) community. Writing has changed so much. If she was to submit a manuscript today, would it even be considered for publishing? I don't think so. If you like good writing, if you love language and words, do yourself a favor and find Ferber in your local library.

[Michael]

I liked So Big, although I wished she had stayed with Selina more at the end instead of shifting the narrative focus to her son Dirk. He just wasn't as interesting a character, to me, as Selina, so the end of the book left me a tiny bit let-down. I agree with John, above, that writing has changed. If you like Ferber, you might also try Booth Tarkington. His The Magnificent Ambersons won a Pulitzer around the same time, and is very rich reading.