Little, Big cover art

Little, Big

or, The Fairies' Parliament

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Little, Big

By: John Crowley
Narrated by: John Crowley
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About this listen

Edgewood - which is not found on any map - is many houses, all put inside each other or across each other. It’s filled with and surrounded by mystery and enchantment; the further in you go, the bigger it gets.

Smoky Barnable, who has fallen in love with Daily Alice Drinkwater, travels from the City on foot to Edgewood, her family home. There he finds himself on the magical border of an otherworld.

Crowley’s work has a special alchemy - mixing the world we know with an imagined world that seems more true and real. Winner of the World Fantasy Award, Little, Big is elegant, sensual, funny, and unforgettable. It is a story of fantastic love and heartrending loss, of impossible things and unshakable destinies, and of the great Tale that envelops us all. It is a wonder.

John Crowley is an American writer who has also worked in television and documentary films. His fantasy and science fiction have established him as a major voice in imaginative writing. His other novels include The Deep, Engine Summer, and Ægypt.

©1981 2010 by John Crowley; Edition 2010 by Ron Drummond (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Fantasy Fiction Romance Heartfelt Funny

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Critic reviews

“A book that all by itself calls for a redefinition of fantasy.” (Ursula K. Le Guin)
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A work of sheer delight that deserves a place alongside the best faerie tales. Enhanced even more by the author’s superb narration.

An absolute joy

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This is a hidden gem and it's a shame it's leaving the library soon. I heard about it via T Mckenna and I'm only part way through but it is very intriguing and has a wonderful way with words... "a peculiar geometry that I can only describe as infundibular" haha.

The way characters are revealed. The poetic and imaginative prose.

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An absolute fever dream but incredible literally starting again right away. a little difficult to follow but you get the hang of it.

beautiful

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In April 2009, nearly eleven years ago, I stumbled upon “Little, Big – or The Fairies’ Parliament”. I don’t know how I found it (or maybe it found me, it’s entirely possible) but it led me to a site dedicated to the impending release of the 25th Anniversary edition. I was completely blown away by the sample art of master engraver Peter Milton, and although I hadn’t read the book, I absolutely had to own a copy. So I placed my order, and added my name to the waiting list for the sold-out signed edition.

Ten years and nine months have passed, and the books still haven’t arrived (being beset by all sort of production difficulties along the way, making this a more likely 35th Anniversary edition) but it’s on the home stretch, and I have every confidence that it’ll arrive this year, and I will be suitably rapt – I really do recommend you mosey over to the Little, Big web site and snag a copy (the price will go up after publication) – it’s going to be amazing.

All that said – I have finally (and belatedly) gotten around to reading (or listening to) John Crowley’s book – and what a beautiful book it is. Reminiscent (to me, at least) of Susannah Clarke’s “Johnathan Strange and Mister Norrell” (although this was written before JS&MN) Little, Big is a lyrical masterpiece that is a gorgeous, beautiful thing to experience – every word of every line has its place, turns up on time and performs with a Terpsichorean skill that leaves one almost dizzy with wonder and a jealousy at the writer’s skill - Crowley has a command of the English language that is almost otherworldly, or certainly of a bygone age. Phrases like “a brick-toothed rent” (in reference to a hole in the wall) are littered like bonbons on every page, used once (or in this case, twice), then casually discarded, having fulfilled their divine purpose. Turning to look back at it and marvel, you stumble over another in your path. Little, Big is the gift that keeps on giving, a brilliant, brilliant thing.

Utterly brilliant

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very easy to listen to, and Crowley's tone and metre is itself dream like, that aptly fits with the overall strangeness of the text. highly enjoyable.

Good, strange, conversational;

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I first read this in the early nineties and re-read it regularly; I love this book so much my print copy is falling apart. It takes me about two weeks to read it and revel in the otherworldliness of Edgewood and its inhabitants both real and maybe imagined.
The Audible version is read by the author, John Crowley. He has a wonderful voice and really brings the book to life, though I think he could bring a sense of delight in the reading of a telephone directory.

It's a long story...

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Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

jumped from character and events without enough detail to follow what part each playedI had to keep replaying to clarify who was who

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

ending was there one again lack of storyline

Which scene did you most enjoy?

nothing jumps out

Could you see Little, Big being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

yes this would improve and clarify the story probably by identifying or eliminating some unnecessary characters
Special effects could be incredible

Any additional comments?

I usually love fantasy books but struggled with this one

probably better as a film

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The author was the only one in my opinion who could have read this epic tale in such an engaging way. Wonderful escape into another world. Thanks to TF for the recommendation.

Charming, delightful tale and characters

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What disappointed you about Little, Big?

I returned the book as I could not understand what was being presented. it seemed to jump from place to place.

Has Little, Big put you off other books in this genre?

No, I have enjoyed similar novels but just could not get to grips with this.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Crowley’s performances?

yes.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no

Any additional comments?

I had hoped for a story of mystery and magic but seemed only to get bits and pieces of information that made no sense to me.

Could not understand what this book is about

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