Title: Big Girl
Author: Danielle Steel
First published January 1, 2010
323 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385343183 (ISBN10: 0385343183)
Rating: 3.6
Overview
Danielle Steel’s novel Big Girl is a compelling story that focuses on the issues of weight, self-image, family, and sisterhood. Victoria Dawson has always felt out of place in her family due to her weight and ordinary looks.
Her parents and sister have always been critical of her appearance, and despite her academic achievements, her father belittles her body. After moving to New York City and landing her dream job, Victoria wages war on her weight at the gym while trying to distance herself from her family’s constant disapproval.
As her sister’s wedding approaches, a chance encounter and a family confrontation lead to a turning point in Victoria’s life. She realizes that she needs to accept herself as she is and celebrate her victories.
Big girl or not, she is terrific and discovers that herself. With a heartfelt and incisive narrative, Danielle Steel celebrates the virtues of unconventional beauty and the importance of self-acceptance.
About the Author
With almost a billion copies of her novels sold, Danielle Steel is a renowned author, often referred to as one of the world’s bestselling writers. Her collection of international bestsellers includes titles like All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and many other novels that have received high critical acclaim.
Aside from her fictional works, Steel has also written His Bright Light, which tells the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death. She has also penned A Gift of Hope, which is a memoir about her work with the homeless, Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort, Pure Joy, which narrates her family’s love for dogs, and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
You can find out more about Danielle Steel on her website, daniellesteel.com or follow her on Twitter at @daniellesteel and Instagram at @officialdaniellesteel.
Editoral Review
In “Big Girl” by Danielle Steel, readers are transported into the world of Victoria Dawson, a woman who has struggled with her weight all her life. Steel is an accomplished author who has had a long and successful career, and her ability to create deeply human characters who resonate with readers is on full display in this novel.
The novel explores the challenges Victoria faces as a plus-sized woman, from the cruel taunts of her peers to the constant struggle to find clothing that fits properly. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that her weight is only a small part of her identity.
Victoria is a successful businesswoman, a devoted mother, and a friend who is deeply committed to those she loves. When Victoria’s husband unexpectedly dies, she is forced to confront her own fears and insecurities in a way she never has before.
She must navigate the tricky terrain of grief while also raising her children and managing her business. Along the way, she meets a man who sees her for who she truly is, and the two embark on a tentative romance.
Steel’s writing is fluid and engaging, and she has a real talent for creating characters who feel like old friends. Victoria is the kind of protagonist who is easy to root for, and readers will find themselves invested in her story from the very first page.
The novel is also notable for its poignant exploration of grief and loss, which is handled with sensitivity and compassion. That being said, there are a few flaws in “Big Girl” that readers should be aware of.
The pacing of the novel can be a bit slow at times, and the plot can feel overly predictable. Additionally, certain plot points feel too neatly tied up, with conflicts that are resolved too easily.
Overall, however, “Big Girl” is a strong addition to Steel’s body of work. It is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to navigate life as a plus-sized woman, and it offers a nuanced look at the complexities of grief and loss.
Ultimately, this is a novel that will resonate with readers who are looking for a well-crafted story with relatable characters and themes. Washington Post gives it a 7 out of 10.
