The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

Tiffany Baker
Grand Central Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780446194204
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (1/09)


“The Little Giant of Aberdeen County” is one of those magical, mystical books that you hope to find on the bookstore shelf, and is a real treat when you actually do. Truly Plaice is the “giant” who is born so large that her mother dies in childbirth. Truly becomes an outcast in her family and an oddity in the small town of Aberdeen, set in rural New York State.

This book is all about a small town and its people. As in most small towns everyone knows everyone else’s business, and half of the residents are related by blood or marriage. Starting with the first Dr. Robert Morgan moving to Aberdeen after the Civil War, the book follows the lives of the next few generations of his offspring, all Dr. Robert Morgan’s.

Truly is the storyteller in this novel and when she becomes linked to the Morgan family it results in life-altering circumstances for all involved. “The Little Giant of Aberdeen County” has all the makings of a modern fairy tale. A witch, a giant, a princess, a mysterious shadow book, and poison all play a part in this exciting tale.

The best part about this book is the unique character of Truly that Tiffany Baker has created. She is someone identifiable, yet in my mind’s eye she is slightly out of focus and soft around the edges. She is described as a giant, but can disappear into the background at the same time. She is the oxymoron that the title suggests, a “little giant.”

I was completely mesmerized by “The Little Giant of Aberdeen County.” A writer like Tiffany Baker is an exciting discovery, especially since this is her first novel. Only more greatness can be expected. From the first sentence to the last, this book was a gem.

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