BOOK REVIEW – THE SMALLEST MAN

By Frances Quinn

The Smallest Man is the debut novel by Frances Quinn and is a compelling story about a small man who has a big heart

Nat Davy longs to grow tall and strong and be like other boys, but at the age of 10, he’s confronted with the truth; he’s different, and the day when the stares and whispers stop is never going to come. 

Narrowly escaping life in a freak show, he’s plucked from his family and presented as a gift to the new young queen of England – a human pet to add to her menagerie of dogs and monkeys. But when Nat realises she’s as lost and lonely as he is, the two misfits begin an unlikely friendship – one that takes him on an unforgettable journey, as England slides into the civil war that will tear it apart and ultimately lead the people to kill their king. 

Inspired by a true story, and spanning two decades that changed England forever, The Smallest Man is narrated by an irrepressible hero with his own unique perspective on life. His story is about being different, but not letting it hold you back. About being brave enough to take a chance, even if the odds aren’t good. And about how, when everything else is falling apart, true friendship holds people together. 

This book is a real page-turner and a historical novel with a difference – it’s heart-warming and after you’ve read the novel Nat Davy will long remain in your memory – a masterpiece!

THE AUTHOR 

Frances Quinn read English at King’s College, Cambridge, and is a journalist and copywriter. She has written for magazines including Prima, Good Housekeeping, She, Woman’s Weekly and Ideal Home. She lives in Brighton with her husband and two Tonkinese cats.  Follow her on Twitter @franquinn

Available in hardback, audiobook and e-book from Amazon, most independent bookshops and bookshop.org