God, I'm so glad to see you covering the book. And most of what you say mirrors what I thought about the book, too. I go through books at a very rapid pace. This was the first book I ever read that took me FOREVER. But, it was also one of the best experiences I've had reading. The book *is* better in the first half, and the plot is just sort of... there. And it does read like poetry (but in a good way, not in a "too many words to convey little meaning" way, which is what writers trying to be poetic often shoot for). "Little, Big" is one of the most important books for me, but I couldn't tell you WHY if you put a gun to my head. I barely remember any plot points from it. Granted, I read it more than fifteen years ago and never returned to it, but I usually pride myself on having a very good memory. And I can summarise most any book I've ever read, at least in broad strokes. This one? I honestly remember next to nothing about the actual plot, just... feelings and such. I don't think I've ever read anything like that, but in a good way. Honestly, hearing someone describe the book in a way that's almost the same I'd experienced it is strangely validating. I was half thinking there was something off about my memory of the book, like I approached it in a weird or "wrong" way. And every time I talked fantasy books and I recommended the book to someone, I was in an awkward position of not being able to tell them WHY. Again - one of my favourite books ever, possibly in my top five, and I could barely say three sentences about it!

@elizabethgreer9080

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@rdh-daliasjb3796

Жыл бұрын

Alicja Sporzynska - Watching this review made me realize why the book rarely gets mentioned in Fantasy reviews, and your post really resonates with me! I love this book, but I don't know why! The end hurt!

@rdh-daliasjb3796

Жыл бұрын

Did I mention, I cry at the end: Every time!

This is one of my FAVORITE books of all time. I love his use of language.

@tyghe_bright

4 жыл бұрын

Another author who uses alternate history and magical realism, but whose stories have a more traditional narrative is Tim Powers. My favorite is Declare, which is set in WWII, with spies. There's also - On Stranger Tides, with pirates (which, yes, they licensed for the movie, but the movie bears almost no resemblance to the book) - The Stress of her Regard with Byron, Keats, and Shelley as characters - Last Call which involves gambling, Bugsy Siegel and the Fisher King - Drawing of the Dark, one of his earlier books, which also involved the Fisher king and the art of brewing beer and the Ottomans in the early 1500s.

Really one of most incredible books I've read. First time, on finishing, I was slightly bamboozled, but knowing that the failing was mine. Since then I've re-read it, and dipped in and out of it, and become deeply familiar with it. Pure reading delight.

I think this is the only time I have ever commented on a You Tube video (saying that, I really enjoy your channel, I'm just always a lurker and not a poster). I am really glad you read and posted about Little, Big. John Crowley is a great writer that I think more people would really like and get into his stuff if it was better advertised. I agree with a lot of what you said, especially some of the critiques. While I have always respected Little, Big and enjoyed it, it is not my favorite from him. In 2017 he released a book called Ka: Dar Oakley in the Ruin of Ymr. Which a is ridiculously big world and one of my favorite books, not just fantasy books, I have read in a long time. I would also recommend Engine Summer, which is an earlier book from Crowley in the late 70's, its a small novella but more of a sci fi/fantasy mash that reads like a fever dream. I would check out Ursula Le Guin (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, or any of the Earthsea novels, The Left Hand of Darkness etc), also The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake. The first of those books, Titus Groan, was published about 8 years before Fellowship. While they are very different novels than LOTR's, they are great fantasy all their own.

@davidryan7386

3 жыл бұрын

Engine Summer

@calliope9th217

3 жыл бұрын

Gormenghast

I've read this book 4 times. Thank you so much for recognizing it. One of my favorites of all time. Right up there with Grahame's Wind in the Willows only with humans... kind of. . . .

"Little, Big" is much talked of and admired in the Readercon community, where I first heard of it. Readercon, for those who don't know, is an annual 4-day get-together of fans of speculative fiction literature: no films, no gaming, just workshops and panels about writing and writers and all the intellectual/academic stuff that goes into w&w. I haven't read this book. I don't know if I'm smart enough or sensitive enough to appreciate it. But your review has been helpful in preparation, should I ever decide to try it.

Have you read Engine Summer? My favorite of the author's work.

This was such an enjoyable review to watch and I'm really tempted to try the book out. Thank you

Best tale ever told

One of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. Just superb stuff, as are his Aegypt Quartet and Ka. A great, great novelist.

Fantastic review. Thank you!

I actually tried to read this book once before, it was given to me by a coworker. I didn't get very far in before putting it down. But he raved about how great it was and that I needed to read it. It's still on my bookshelf, and now if I want to hear what you thought, I kind of have to, so bravo for making that happen! Right after the Brent Weeks assassin book I have to finish by the 22nd for book club and the latest Maggie Stiefvater Raven Cycle book that just came out, anyway.

Good review! I haven't read it, but I love magical realism, so this sounds like it would be a good read. I saw one of the comments below and it really does sound like A Hundred Years of Solitude or the Wind Up Bird Chronicle, both of which were awesome. Have you ever thought about doing reviews of the Dr. Who new adventures series? That would be really cool!

What I am finding on a third reading is the way Crowley constructed his Tale much like John Drinkwater designed Edgewood - with many facets and angles that change with perspective and light and time. Once you know the arc of the Tale and the many characters, it becomes an even more interesting immersion and another chance to savor the unique prose. Much like the first time I picked up the book, it waited for me, but seemed to know I would return. No other book I have found seems as sentient, and I hold it up as the ultimate example of the ineffable power of an author to build entire worlds from the dank folds inside their own skulls. My first copy was given to me by a close relative who was an architect and has since passed away. This adds a poignancy to the third journey to Edgewood that I did not expect, as though he were a fellow traveler. I did go down yet another rabbit hole that Theodore Burne Bramble revealed during one of his bizarre lectures: The fascinating and real German Renaissance philosopher, doctor, theosophist and alchemist named Paracelsus (1493-1531).

I loved the review. I'm still not sure if I want to read this book; the writing style intrigues me but some of the topics it covers I'd rather not even get close to... But now I'm actually thinking about upgrading my patreon to ask you to read what had been my favorite book for decades: "Fall on your knees" by Ann-Marie MacDonald. I haven't read it in many years and a lot in my life has changed since I last read it and it would just be really interesting to read it (again) at the same time as you

Insomnia brought me here. It's the first time I've heard someone else talk about a book that so profoundly influenced me when I read it back in the '80s that I still think about it from time to time, hence searching for it on KZread in the small hours. I honestly wonder if I hadn't read it if I would have made it all the way through to adulthood, as it gave me hope on my darkest days. I haven't wanted to re-read it in decades- scared I will find that it has not aged well- which would ruin the memory of this unique book. However, your review suggests Little, Big is capable of enchanting a new generation of readers (at least those with a modicum of sagacity). It is a novel that is incredibly nuanced and layered, and its deeper meaning will change as you change. Everything in Little, Big seems to happen just beyond the grasp of our quotidian experience. By alluding indirectly to events and places unseen and frustrating a desire to have things spelt out in black and white, the book draws out our deepest feelings and memories to fill in the gaps. The reader is the main protagonist in this tale. John Crowley's skilful prose leaves just enough room for the reader to cross the threshold into another realm, where one's essence- the unjaded and all-but-forgotten True Self- is invoked as the final ingredient of the spell. There is no other work of literature quite like it- although I found stylistic and thematic echos in Other Voices, Other Rooms by Tuman Capote.

I love this book

I just finished watching Years and Years on SBS here in Australia and found it absolutely terrifying. I thought it was a unique family/scifi story, running from today up until 2032, and showed some really interesting ways our technology may go, as well as some horrifying ways our society may go. I'm hoping you might consider doing a review of the show, it's only 6 one hour episodes. I can absolutely recommend it whole heartedly.

Though I am a subscriber and frequent viewer of your videos, I have almost never commented. But I have to break my lurking silence to thank you for your review of this novel, as well as some of your commenters for their offerings. At the age of nearly 52, I have so much unrealized writing to do, and one of them-perhaps my most important work-is a novel which might well benefit from reading this book _Little, Big_. Or perhaps my novel will remain unwritten in my own head for however long I have left in this life. ;-) All the same, my thanks stand for a lovely, if at points cautious and cautioning, review. Some aspects of this novel may require concerted effort to see beyond for the greater value. The first half may contain what I need most in writing my own work (with me largely since 1992, with only small portions drafted). I’ll keep watching your channels and see what manifests on my writing screen…. All the same, thank you. Video saved to playlists for further review and book located on Amazon, should the opportunity to order emerge. Blessings to you Nathaniel/Vera. -Geoff.

I have read this novel at least a dozen times, if not more. I read every couple of years, along with my other fav John Crowley novel, Engine Summer. What you have to understand is Little, Big is a fairy tale steeped in the history of mysticism. If you had a better knowledge of the history of mysticism and esoteric studies, I think you would have a better appreciation of this novel. The villian that seems tacked on is actually a returning hero, and each character in the novel replaces a "fairy" at the end so that the other world may continue. Yes, the non-white characters seem sterotypical by today's standards, but so do some of the white characters, and again, that is because this is a fairy tale (read allegory). I know many people have a hard time reading this book, but once you have read older novels, such as Dickens, Woolf, etc., it is not so difficult to read or follow. Thanks for reviewing my fav novel

@kickpt8153

Ай бұрын

Agreed, I feel he missed the intention. It’s a retelling of a retelling of pagan polytheist oral history that repeats upon itself from epoch to epoch. Crowley is the bard reshaping the narrative for our eyes and ears and seduces us to suspend disbelief. I was gladdened by the outcome but saddened that the book had come to an end.

Very nice appreciation of the novel! I felt the same way about the "plot" portion of Little, Big -- it didn't feel completely organic to the rest of the work. Even though it folded into the larger story in a nifty, intricate way, tonally it felt like a falling-away from the genuinely magical flavor of the first half. If you want to read a much shorter Crowley work that's more "all of a piece," do check out the novel he wrote before this one, Engine Summer. It's a post-apocalyptic tale, quiet and elegiac, beautifully written, and with an absolutely KILLER ending -- easily one of the best I've come across in the SF genre. Boy, did I know how I felt at the end of *that* book.

Thank you so much for saying the audiobook doesn't work. I'm SUFFERING with it and that's why I'm here. I can go back to the Kindle with a refreshed outlook and start over. Endlessly grateful

@kickpt8153

Ай бұрын

Just finished the audio book and initially I was enjoying that the author was narrating the text and we were getting the true account of the author rather than another’s interpretation. However being spoiled by the amazing talents of some truly gifted voice actors that the greater world of audiobooks has to offer, it was not long before poor John Crowley’s limiting vocal scope and oratory range, had me constantly rewinding and reconsulting the family tree image saved on my device. Hither to, all be it paradoxically, I found it a relief that Fred Savages and the train conductor’s dialogue was given the discernible phonetic stylising which placed them in that late 70’s jive talking, soul train, blackspoitation era. Otherwise we were left with only George having the identical stylings of Fred, but rather coming across, I guess intentionally, as a city dwelling beatnik and the underwhelming president who sounded like an angry gnome who wanted control of all the gardens in the street. With all that said, Crowley’s reading voice was quite soothing and as the book went on and the familiarity of the characters grew, it wasn’t as big of an issue. However I believe it was intentional that we find it confusing to follow the characters as they bled from one to another, especially in the final act where Crowley had to enlist the fog of a tenuous dreamscape to hide the final reveal.

@roisinneely9371

Ай бұрын

@@kickpt8153 hi! I didn't finish reading your comment as I've not finished the book so I'll come back here after. But I loved Crowley's voice and the production isn't my problem with it - I just couldn't absorb any of the information. Maybe he's too soothing. But I don't think any voice actor would work because of the language, for me at least I'd need it to be a full cast and soundscape production that's abridged, without the poetic language. I listened to 8 hours of the audiobook before giving up, and I'm currently 50 pages in and I can't believe how much detail I missed. Nothing in it is confusing either, I just couldn't collect it from audio. I've listened to 300+ books and this has only happened with this and Virginia Woolf - both of them write like ents

I was about to say it had been a Month of Sundays since I read that novel. But a Year of Sundays would probably be more accurate, since the book came out in the early 1980's. It's a very interesting novel & this was a good review of it.

Thank you for this thoughtful review of Little, Big. I love the book, I've reread it several times. It is dense, rich, hard to pin down etc etc. However - just for fun - here are a few questions about specifics I'm puzzling over after my last reread. What becomes of Grandfather Trout ie August?! We know the one he loves is supposed to speak the words to break the spell and release him, but why is he not at the banquet? Who is the small brown man? Why is he always running away? Who is Mr Woods? Is he Mrs Underhill’s companion, or assistant? Why does Alice find the door to the house under the knoll open (or foresee that she will) when Mrs Underhill locks up, and puts the key under the mat? If Smoky had not delayed, and spent too long packing - would he have survived to make the journey and be with Alice?

Reminded me of Gormenghast, as far as being unique

I've had an exceptionally slow reader put me off an audiobook before. I do have a much higher tolerance level than most as I am just THAT slow at reading myself these days due to sight issues.

Love that you reviewed this classic. Although. Seems there is a modern disposition to read and filter everything in terms of sexuality. And I cant help by feel everytime I hear criticism nowadays pertaining to this, it's very clear that any criticism is a far larger statement on the beholder than the subject. Idk, maybe I just very strongly dislike group thinking. For instance, the story made it very clear that the elder Auberon engaged in nothing sexual during his pictures. There was a clear delineation with his actions and the myth of Pan. Idk. Overall just glad to see someone review this. But the contrast is jarring. Seems you are inclined and able to appreciate something unique and beautiful and then let silly , modern preconceptions convolute it. Free thyself. Regardless of current evidences, the world, especially the past world, will not bow to transient perceptions.

Awesome Video :) hugs

Maybe some writers attempt to make details too uncomfortable for some of us to process while reading, in order to emphasize on our capacity for darkness, as human beings. You felt something human while probably reading some inhumane stuff. Crowley may have written that part several times, in order to get this emotion from the reader. Idk, I’m excited to try and decipher it. I barely started the book, I’m here because I heard it was a challenging read. Lol! Thanks for the info!

Little, Big repays multiple readings. Almost made me believe in the world of faerie. Recently rereading Little, Big I can't help but see that all of the black characters are in some way damaged or deformed in some stereotypical ways.

I just finished reading Little, Big and HAD ti hear someone else's thoughts. Your commentary and seeming confusion about the book in general is spot on, hilariously so. The idea that I don't know what happened but I know I feel about it is putting words to what I was circling around. I did want to note that the Auberon stuff you are talking about to me felt absolutely not sexualized. Perhaps its a lens that we all filter through but to me it felt totally natural and innocent. That said,there is a point where either Daily Alice or Sophie does defend it to someone as innocent and Smoky (I think it is) doesn't quite see it that way. But really a great review, thanks for helping me process this difficult, evasive, slowly sad, and beautiful book!

Consider folklore. Not Tinkerbell. Probably in my DNA from the original Tuatha de Danann (tu HA de danNAHN). But spiritually, I'm a witch and I leave offerings for the local otherkin. Butter, cream, whiskey. (Don't pour milk products on trees, they are lactose intolerant. It causes deadly fungus.) Are you saying Crowley wrote lyrically? It brings you to a place of emotion just by the chosen words. Like a song, but in a longer media as a book. Phonetic linguistics in American literature was my father's master's thesis. So if well done, and being southern, I can generally accept it, as long as it's not done like Lil Abner or Br'er Rabbit, which are hugely sectionalist and racist. For the sake of entertainment, you may want to look into the author Alex Bledsoe and his Tufa series, the Tufa being the fae of Appalachia (Appa LACH a, not Appa Lay cha, which will define you as a total outsider). He wrote 6 books in the series, the first 3 really setting the scenario. I even have an unpublished, unoffered for publication novella dealing with the fae as I know them/know folklore. I'ma need a trip to the library to read Little, Big, which has been on my radar for some time but never got around to. (edited for spelling errors, you'd think I'd know to look at the redlines for that now.)

Thus was less book review and more about whinning

8:50- 9:07

Skibidi wap-pa-pa Skibidi wap-pa-pa-pa-pa Skibidi wap-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa Skibidi pa-pa Skibidi boom-boom, ay Skibidi boom-boom-boom-boom, ay Skibidi boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-pa-pa-boom-boom Skibidi pa-pa

It sounds a lot like 100 years of solitude.

Is this the only little, big review on KZread?

@barrymoore4470

2 жыл бұрын

No, typing 'john crowley' in the search engine for the site brought up at least a handful of clips pertaining to this title.

@summerkagan6049

Жыл бұрын

If you search "Little, Big John Crowley" you will get a lot of reviews.

It sounds like a wonderful read, but I'll have to be skipping out on it. I just can't read about people sexualizing children, even if they don't end up touching them. It's still a form of victimization and sexual exploitation that I couldn't possibly be comfortable with, especially if the perpetrator doesn't suffer any consequences.

@davidryan7386

3 жыл бұрын

Dude, read it.

Well, this is interesting. I normally have no trouble in listening to you. However, here you've giving a book review in video form, and it's a book I haven't read, and I'm so much more accustomed to reading book reviews in text form-which are much quicker to read than to listen to. Furthermore, I'm accustomed to read a whole series of reviews of the same book on Goodreads, where I look at one review after another and get an overall impression from people with different tastes. So I'm afraid this video doesn't really work for me, because (1) it's too slow, (2) it's only one person's reaction, and (3) you seem to be having trouble with it yourself. The amount of useful information I'm getting per minute is less than I'm accustomed to; even though, as a reviewer, you're smarter than the average bear.

@davidryan7386

3 жыл бұрын

Its a special book. Read, you will see why he has trouble lol

You are right on about the audio book. It's so very far from the atmosphere of the written book that I couldn't listen to it either. I love the book but can't stand the author's voice.

AGREED completely about Russell Eigenblick/Emperor Barbarossa! He was unnecessary and didn't add to the story. Disagree about the audiobook. I enjoyed Crowley's performance - although he read too fast. As you say, you have to take his prose slowly. What was interesting is that I listened to the audiobook with the print book in front of me and realized that he had made some sentence revisions in the audiobook.

@davidryan7386

3 жыл бұрын

#trump lol He fits You will see next read;-)

@jacquelinehill1038

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I agree completely. What's with Eigenblick? Then at the end was he the foretold of King in the Faery realm? I have Eigenblick confusion 😶

Aren't you glad you never got to hear John Crowley read the non-white characters?

@davidryan7386

3 жыл бұрын

I wanna hear him read fred savage!!!!