"So Big" by Edna Ferber follows the life of Selina DeJong, a strong-willed woman who grows up in a Dutch farming community near Chicago. The story begins with her childhood, where she is affectionately nicknamed "So Big" by her mother, Selina Peake, who is a hardworking vegetable peddler. Selina's father, a gambler, leaves her a small inheritance after his untimely death, prompting her to seek independence. As Selina navigates her way through life, she becomes a schoolteacher in a rural area, where she encounters the challenges of her profession and the complexities of her relationships. Her ambition and desire for a better life drive her to pursue opportunities beyond her humble beginnings, yet she grapples with the expectations of society and her own aspirations. The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the struggle between personal desires and societal roles. Selina's journey reflects the broader American experience of striving for success and the sacrifices that come with it. Ultimately, "So Big" is a poignant examination of a woman's quest for fulfillment in a world that often limits her potential.
By Edna Ferber · First published 1924 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction · 21 chapters