This is such a good story - I remember reading her book Showboat years ago, and loved it. A great story about life in early 20th century Chicago.

Item delivered intact and on time. It is exactly as described by the seller and what I was looking for. Thank you

I confess, this is the first book of Edna Ferber's that I have read, surprising since I am a native midwesterner, and lived in Chicago for over 15 years. I do seem to recall seeing, in my mother's book case as a child, a copy of one of her books, maybe Giant. I am not sure what prompted me to read this book, but I am glad I did. What surprised me really was the wonderful writing, and the timelessness of the story and it's theme. It holds up well, even today. The protagonist of the story, Serena, is independent and ahead of her time, but with a great appreciation of the every day beauty she finds everywhere in the world. While Serena tries to instill this sense of wonder in her son, he is caught up in the quest for money and prestige, and loses himself in the quest for the American dream. The theme that "Success" is more one of staying true to your dreams and values, is something that still rings thru today. The characters are well drawn and complex in many ways. I also quite enjoyed the historical era, and the references to parts of Chicago I have visited. It is well worth a read. Highly recommended.

i loved the emphasis on substance and embracing life. It's the stumbles and challenges that define us. Disappointed by the abrupt end, but overall wonderful.

A Pulitzer Prize book usually has a great story and can be well written. So Big has both attributes. Delicious sentences and a moving story.