MovieChat Forums > So Big! (1932) Discussion > Has Anybody Read Ferber's Novel SO BIG?

Has Anybody Read Ferber's Novel SO BIG?


The 1932 movie made me hungry to read this book which is rarely the case when I watch a classic movie. I'm not sure if it's a tribute to the actors in the film or a mark against the studio for leaving out so much of the story for this rather short (82 minute) picture. Has anybody read the book? I was surprised to see on Amazon.com that it's currently in print in a new edition given the now obscurity of both the book and Ms. Ferber.

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I read it as a school girl and re read it recently and loved it both times. The book goes into much more detail and it really is an ode to the women who REALLY settled the west. The men only worked the fields, but the women worked the fields, cooked, clean and raised the family. Many of Edna Ferber's books are odes to the women who were the ones who made this country what it is today.

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Thank-you for your assessment. I better understand why people admired the protagonist.

Your second life is never like your first. Sometimes it's even better

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This movie makes me want to read it too, I love this quiet, nice little movie, and of course Stanwyck!

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The book is fantastic. I loved it so much I bought a second copy to share with friends!

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I've read it more than once and I don't agree that Edna Ferber is obscure. Her reputation as a writer is well known.

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Same here. I too just finished the movie and now I want to read the book.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

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