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So Big  By  cover art

So Big

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

What listeners say about So Big

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Edna Gerber goes head to head with Charles Dickens

For her creative descriptions not of the same subject as his
but for love of people and life not content to be held in one image.
I first knew her as the author of Showboat in a school play .She plays with words and I am entranced with her overall stories lightly presented but very strong messages. The Narrator is Fabulous! Its a two in one value..delightful

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An Unexpected Treat

Looking for a nice story to listen to while knitting, I happened upon this gem. Enjoyed it beginning to end. Great narrator too.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Unfinished

Wonderful writing. Great storyline and concept but just a dull ending, as if she got bored and just set it aside in the middle of the story. Not even reflective or allusory.

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Great Classic!

Story and narration were great! I wish that the ending hadn’t been so abrupt. Very enjoyable and vividly written!

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It was just alright

I listened to the whole book just to see how it would turn out. In my opinion Edna Ferber just gave up and ended the story with no real conclusion.

Narrator Gabrielle du Cuir wasn’t awful but she did grunt out the words occasionally.

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Easy going

Kind of slow, nothing to really keep you interested or wanting to come back to 

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