3.83
"Little, Big" by John Crowley is a sprawling, fantastical novel that explores the intersection of the mundane and the magical in the lives of the Drinkwater family. The story spans several generations and follows the family as they navigate their unusual circumstances and connections to the world of the fey. At the heart of the novel is Smoky Barnable, a young man who marries Daily Alice Drinkwater and moves into the vast, labyrinthine family home, Edgewood. The Drinkwater family, it turns out, has long been intertwined with the world of the fairies, and Smoky soon finds himself caught up in their strange customs and rituals. Crowley's prose is lush and evocative, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader into the world of the Drinkwaters. The novel is by turns whimsical and melancholy, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. One of the most striking aspects of "Little, Big" is its structure, which is fragmented and non-linear. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, and different sections of the novel are told from the perspectives of various characters. This fragmented structure can be challenging to follow at times, but it ultimately serves to reinforce the novel's themes of chaos and unpredictability. "Little, Big" is a complex and rewarding novel that richly rewards repeat readings. It is a book that invites the reader to get lost in its pages, to explore its many mysteries and to delight in its many pleasures. Whether you are a fan of fantasy literature or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, "Little, Big" is a book that should not be missed...
Tim Powers
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