Little, Big by John Crowley is a contemporary fantasy novel that won the World Fantasy Award in 1982. The story follows the journey of Smoky Barnable, a young man who travels by foot from the City to a place called Edgewood to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater, as was prophesied. It is a story of four generations of a unique family, who live in a house that is larger on the inside than on the outside.
Crowley’s masterful writing style has captivated readers for years, and Little, Big is no exception. The novel is a complex and intricate work that blends elements of fantasy and magical realism, creating a world that is both familiar and strange. It is a story that explores the themes of love, family, and the mysteries of life, and it is sure to leave readers thinking long after they have finished the book.
With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and beautiful prose, Little, Big is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy or magical realism. Whether you are a longtime fan of John Crowley’s work or a newcomer to his writing, this novel is sure to enchant and delight. So, grab a copy and prepare to be transported to a world unlike any other.
Author Background
John Crowley is an American novelist and screenwriter who was born on December 1, 1942, in Presque Isle, Maine. He is best known for his fantasy and science fiction novels. Crowley has written over 15 novels, including “Little, Big,” which won the World Fantasy Award in 1982.
John Crowley’s Literary Career
Crowley started his literary career as an editor for the literary magazine “The Little Magazine” while he was studying at Indiana University. After graduation, he worked as a freelance writer and editor before publishing his first novel, “The Deep,” in 1975. Since then, he has written several critically acclaimed novels, including “Little, Big,” “Aegypt,” and “Daemonomania.”
Crowley has also written screenplays for films such as “The World’s Greatest Lover” and “The Last Unicorn.” In addition to his writing career, Crowley has taught creative writing at several universities, including Yale University and the University of Iowa.
Overall, John Crowley is a prolific and talented writer who has made significant contributions to the fantasy and science fiction genres. His unique style and imaginative storytelling have earned him a loyal following of readers and fans.
Plot Overview
Little, Big is a contemporary fantasy novel that tells the story of Smoky Barnable, an anonymous young man who travels on foot from the City to a place called Edgewood to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater, as was prophesied. The novel spans four generations of a singular family, living in a house that is much larger on the inside than it appears from the outside.
At the center of the novel is the realm of fairies, which Smoky and Daily Alice’s family are connected to in various ways. The novel explores themes of time, memory, and the interconnectedness of all things, as well as the idea that there are worlds within worlds, each larger than the one before it.
Throughout the novel, the reader is introduced to a wide cast of characters, each with their own stories and struggles. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, revealing the past and present of the Drinkwater family and their connections to the world of the fairies.
As the novel progresses, the reader is drawn deeper into the magical world of Edgewood and the fairies, and the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur. The novel culminates in a series of revelations and twists that tie together the various threads of the story and leave the reader with a sense of wonder and mystery.
Main Characters
Smokey Barnable
Smokey Barnable is the protagonist of “Little, Big” by John Crowley. He is an anonymous young man who travels by foot from the City to a place called Edgewood, not found on any map, to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater, as was prophesied. Smokey is a kind and gentle person who falls in love with Daily Alice Drinkwater at first sight. He is a dreamer who is fascinated by the world of fairies and magic.
Daily Alice Drinkwater
Daily Alice Drinkwater is the woman Smokey Barnable falls in love with and marries in “Little, Big” by John Crowley. She is a beautiful and mysterious woman who lives in a magical world. Daily Alice is a complex character who is both strong and fragile. She is the heart of the Drinkwater family and is loved by everyone.
George Mouse
George Mouse is a small man with a big heart who lives in the world of fairies. George Mouse is a wise and kind character who helps Smokey Barnable and Daily Alice Drinkwater on their journey. He is a trusted friend and ally to the Drinkwater family.
Violet Bramble
Violet Bramble is a member of the Drinkwater family and is married to Auberon. Violet is a strong and independent woman who is fiercely loyal to her family. She is a talented artist and is known for her beautiful paintings. Violet is a complex character who struggles with her own demons but ultimately finds happiness and peace.
Themes and Motifs
Family and Belonging
Little, Big explores the theme of family and belonging through the Drinkwater family. The novel portrays the family as a complex and interconnected web of relationships that spans generations. The Drinkwaters are not just a family, but a community, and the novel suggests that true belonging comes from being part of such a community. This theme is exemplified by the character of Daily Alice Drinkwater, who is both a member of the family and a fairy. Through her, the novel suggests that family is not just a biological or social construct, but a mystical one as well.
Nature vs. Technology
Another prominent theme in Little, Big is the conflict between nature and technology. The novel portrays nature as a source of wonder and magic, while technology is portrayed as cold and sterile. This conflict is exemplified by the character of John Drinkwater, who is an architect and a lover of technology. Throughout the novel, John struggles to reconcile his love of technology with his growing appreciation for the natural world. The novel suggests that nature and technology are not mutually exclusive, but that we must find a way to integrate them in a harmonious way.
Fate and Free Will
Little, Big also explores the theme of fate and free will. The novel suggests that our lives are shaped by both our choices and the forces of fate. This theme is exemplified by the character of Smoky Barnable, who is drawn to the Drinkwater family by a sense of destiny. Throughout the novel, Smoky struggles to understand his place in the world and the role that fate has played in his life. The novel suggests that while we may not be able to control our fate, we can choose how we respond to it.
Literary Structure
Little, Big by John Crowley is a complex novel that employs a unique literary structure. The book is divided into four parts, each with its own distinct style and tone.
The first part of the novel introduces the reader to the Drinkwater family and their home, Edgewood. The chapters in this section are short and fragmented, often jumping back and forth in time. This style of storytelling creates a sense of disorientation that mirrors the confusion and uncertainty felt by the characters.
In the second part of the novel, the focus shifts to the relationship between Smoky Barnable and Daily Alice Drinkwater. The chapters in this section are longer and more cohesive, reflecting the stability and clarity of their love.
The third part of the novel is the longest and most complex. It delves deeper into the mythology and history of the world that Crowley has created. This section is broken up into smaller chapters that explore different aspects of the story, such as the lives of the fairies and the origins of Edgewood.
The final part of the novel brings all of the threads together and provides a resolution to the story. The chapters in this section are short and fragmented, much like the beginning of the novel. This style of storytelling creates a sense of closure and finality that is both satisfying and poignant.
Critical Reception
Little, Big by John Crowley has received critical acclaim since its publication in 1981. The novel is praised for its unique blend of fantasy, mythology, and realistic depictions of characters and places. Critics have compared Little, Big to the works of George MacDonald and Melvyn Peake.
The novel has been commended for its intricate plot, which weaves together the lives of four generations of the Drinkwater family. Crowley’s masterful use of language and setting is also a highlight of the book. The way he creates a sense of place and atmosphere is a testament to his skill as a writer.
Despite its critical acclaim, Little, Big is not without its detractors. Some readers find the novel slow-paced and difficult to follow. The narrative structure can be confusing at times, and the lack of a clear story arc may frustrate some readers.
Influence and Legacy
Little, Big by John Crowley has had a significant influence on contemporary fantasy literature. The novel’s intricate and layered plot, along with its lyrical prose, has inspired many writers to explore similar themes and narrative structures.
Crowley’s use of fairies and other supernatural creatures as a metaphor for the human condition has also been influential. Many authors have since drawn inspiration from Little, Big’s unique blend of magical realism and philosophical musings.
In addition to its literary influence, Little, Big has also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The novel has been referenced in numerous works of art, including music, film, and television. Its influence can be seen in everything from the whimsical storytelling of Wes Anderson to the mystical world-building of J.K. Rowling.
Adaptations and Interpretations
Little, Big has not been adapted into a movie or TV series yet. However, the novel has inspired many readers and writers to create their own interpretations and adaptations. Some readers see the novel as a work of magical realism, while others view it as a philosophical exploration of the nature of reality.
One interpretation of the novel is that it is a commentary on the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. Another interpretation is that the novel is a meditation on the power of stories and the role they play in shaping our lives.
Little, Big has been praised for its intricate world-building and its complex characters. Some readers have compared the novel to the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Italo Calvino. The novel has also been compared to the Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake, which shares Little, Big’s focus on the intricacies of a large, sprawling family.