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katalinareads's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eleanor_gravestock's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A book that got me out of a reading slump!
Completely out of left field compared to what I usually read and thoroughly enjoyable, I recommend everyone considering this book gives it a go.
Completely out of left field compared to what I usually read and thoroughly enjoyable, I recommend everyone considering this book gives it a go.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Nat Davy is different, he is ten years old but is the same height as a two-year old and of no use to his father. Escaping the fate of being sold into a freak show Nat is instead given as a gift to the Queen, a shy 15year old Frenchwoman whose husband prefers his friends to his wife. However Nat learns love and loyalty as the country is thrown into civil war, he risks his life for those he loves and finds his family again
Whilst this is a fiction, it is based on the imaginary story of a number of court dwarves of the 16th and 17th century. Here the setting is around the court of Charles I and the tumultuous events of the civil war that pit brother against brother. It is a very pastel-painted picture and the plot suspends belief at times but it is also a very warm story about a lovable character who just wants what everyone else can have. The book is a lovely read, not too taxing but with the interest of the historical setting
Whilst this is a fiction, it is based on the imaginary story of a number of court dwarves of the 16th and 17th century. Here the setting is around the court of Charles I and the tumultuous events of the civil war that pit brother against brother. It is a very pastel-painted picture and the plot suspends belief at times but it is also a very warm story about a lovable character who just wants what everyone else can have. The book is a lovely read, not too taxing but with the interest of the historical setting
salreads's review against another edition
5.0
I would never have read this book had I not stumbled across a review which praised the brilliance of the writing and the narration of this audiobook. I love absorbing stories which breathe life into history. This is absolutely glorious- a rich seam of 17th Century history (English Civil War) uniquely blended with incredible storytelling. This is the story of the life of a small man named Nat Davy living through turbulent times as Charles I and his court become increasingly unpopular. Nat’s size prevents him from being any use to his family so his father sells him to a local Duke who gifts Nat to the Queen. The character of Nat was inspired by a true story but Quinn has made him her own. I listened to this on audiobook. From the first words I was utterly engrossed. Alex Wingfield was the perfect narrator. He utterly embodied the character of Nat Davy so that I felt he was telling his own story, drawing out the comedy, the fear, the humanity as he witnesses unique historical events. Wingfield is also able to conjure up all the other personalities in the novel as he voices foreign accents, regional dialects and brings a whole cast of characters to life. This was an audiobook which kept me completely enraptured. The story of a small man is a big story, a wonderful story. It also fired up my fascination for history. I found myself searching out historical accounts of this period in order to understand the period better. It has greatly increased my fascination for this genre. Quinn’s writing is brilliant, bringing life to this period of history, weaving in descriptions and facts which add historical texture. I loved her choice of writing style - using contemporary terms where appropriate but not overloading the writing. I greatly hope this is the first of many such works from Quinn. Absolutely five stars! This would make a wonderful film. With thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Shuster U.K. Audio for a digital copy of this amazing audiobook .
paulaw1874's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
preethijoseph's review against another edition
4.0
As much as I love reading Historical fiction , I always find myself more inclined towards British Literature and stories around Tudor kings and queen ! This is exactly why I chose this book and Boy did I enjoy it ! From the very first page till the end I was completely hooked ! This is the author’s debut novel and I am in awe of what a brilliant storytelling capability .
It isn’t always easy to write historical fiction In fact it is one of the most difficult genres to write given the fact that you have to ensure historical correctness which is very important and involves extensive research whilst on the other hand there should also be a creative plot-line and story to it so that the book would not just read like a History text book. In this book the author has managed to strike a perfect balance between both !!
The smallest man is the bildungsroman/ coming of age story of Nat(Nathaniel)Davy a Dwarf ! Nat Davy gets sold to the Duke of Buckingham by his own father for 11 shillings . At the age of 10 Nat still is the size of a 2yr old and because of his physical appearance his dad is ashamed of him! The Duke gifts Nat to the Queen of England Henrietta Maria to be the Queens Dwarf.. From 10 years we follow Nat’s life upto 30 yrs and how the 11 shillings changed his life overnight. This book was an amazing journey I wish everyone could go on !
I googled a lot to find out about the real Nat , sir Jeffrey Hudson from the 1960’s who was the inspiration for Nat’s character and that took the whole reading experience to another level . I like how the author has spun a beautiful tale out of around King Charles 1, Queen Henrietta , Oliver Cromwell etc
Absolutely adored the writing style , story line, pace and everything about the book ! There are some amazing friendships, well crafted likeable characters, love bonds , politics , war and all the elements needed in a book. But Nat is the hero and will live in our hearts forever ! If not for things getting a bit dragged in the middle and rushed up towards the end this could have easily been a 5 star read for me ! Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will read anything the author writes in the future .
The whole time , while reading this book I had Tyrion Lannister or should I say Peter Dinklage stuck in my head and if this book was ever adapted to a movie casting him that would be an epitome of sheer perfection
It isn’t always easy to write historical fiction In fact it is one of the most difficult genres to write given the fact that you have to ensure historical correctness which is very important and involves extensive research whilst on the other hand there should also be a creative plot-line and story to it so that the book would not just read like a History text book. In this book the author has managed to strike a perfect balance between both !!
The smallest man is the bildungsroman/ coming of age story of Nat(Nathaniel)Davy a Dwarf ! Nat Davy gets sold to the Duke of Buckingham by his own father for 11 shillings . At the age of 10 Nat still is the size of a 2yr old and because of his physical appearance his dad is ashamed of him! The Duke gifts Nat to the Queen of England Henrietta Maria to be the Queens Dwarf.. From 10 years we follow Nat’s life upto 30 yrs and how the 11 shillings changed his life overnight. This book was an amazing journey I wish everyone could go on !
I googled a lot to find out about the real Nat , sir Jeffrey Hudson from the 1960’s who was the inspiration for Nat’s character and that took the whole reading experience to another level . I like how the author has spun a beautiful tale out of around King Charles 1, Queen Henrietta , Oliver Cromwell etc
Absolutely adored the writing style , story line, pace and everything about the book ! There are some amazing friendships, well crafted likeable characters, love bonds , politics , war and all the elements needed in a book. But Nat is the hero and will live in our hearts forever ! If not for things getting a bit dragged in the middle and rushed up towards the end this could have easily been a 5 star read for me ! Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will read anything the author writes in the future .
The whole time , while reading this book I had Tyrion Lannister or should I say Peter Dinklage stuck in my head and if this book was ever adapted to a movie casting him that would be an epitome of sheer perfection
emily_bg's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
juliemac's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
always_need_more_books's review against another edition
4.0
The Smallest Man is about a boy called Nat Davy who as the book starts is 10 years old and very much wants to grow taller, hoping a fairy at the local fair can grant his wish. But as the circus folk take an interest in him, Nat realises he is different – he is a dwarf. He is much loved by his mother and brother but his father thinks him unlucky and a burden and sells him to the Duke of Buckingham who in turn gifts him to 15 year old Queen Henrietta, presented in a pie much to her delight.
Nat becomes her friend and confidant but his life with the royal family is not without problems. He is mocked for his size and has to try hard to earn the respect of his peers. He makes good friends along the way including Jeremiah who is very tall so knows what it is like to be different.
Nat’s life is an eventful one, travelling across Europe with the Queen during the English Civil War, facing danger when they return to England and escaping with the Queen to her native France when it becomes too dangerous for her to stay.
Nat Davy is not a real person but is based on Jeffrey Hudson who was indeed the court dwarf to Queen Henrietta. Nat himself is a made up character and there are both similarities and differences between the two men. I really enjoyed this read – I love reading historical fiction from a period I am not familiar with and Quinn does a great job of weaving an interesting story within a historical period without being too heavy with the number of characters or political goings on. I sometimes find historical novels a bit dense with the amount of detail an author wants to include – they have done the research and rightly want to include it all. And while I do enjoy these novels, sometimes they are a little hard going, trying to keep track of all the events and characters.
A fascinating read with a superb central character in Nat, who is brave and courageous, yet vulnerable. A well crafted and researched debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed! I’m looking forward to Quinn’s next novel, That Bonesetter Woman due out in July 2022!
Nat becomes her friend and confidant but his life with the royal family is not without problems. He is mocked for his size and has to try hard to earn the respect of his peers. He makes good friends along the way including Jeremiah who is very tall so knows what it is like to be different.
Nat’s life is an eventful one, travelling across Europe with the Queen during the English Civil War, facing danger when they return to England and escaping with the Queen to her native France when it becomes too dangerous for her to stay.
Nat Davy is not a real person but is based on Jeffrey Hudson who was indeed the court dwarf to Queen Henrietta. Nat himself is a made up character and there are both similarities and differences between the two men. I really enjoyed this read – I love reading historical fiction from a period I am not familiar with and Quinn does a great job of weaving an interesting story within a historical period without being too heavy with the number of characters or political goings on. I sometimes find historical novels a bit dense with the amount of detail an author wants to include – they have done the research and rightly want to include it all. And while I do enjoy these novels, sometimes they are a little hard going, trying to keep track of all the events and characters.
A fascinating read with a superb central character in Nat, who is brave and courageous, yet vulnerable. A well crafted and researched debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed! I’m looking forward to Quinn’s next novel, That Bonesetter Woman due out in July 2022!