“So Big” is a novel written by Edna Ferber, first published in 1924. The story follows the life of Selina Peake DeJong, a determined and independent woman who struggles to make a living as a farmer in the Midwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the death of her husband, Selina is left to raise their son, Dirk, on her own. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Selina is determined to provide for her son and instill in him a sense of ambition and integrity. As Dirk grows up, he grapples with his own desires and aspirations, torn between his mother’s values and the allure of wealth and success. Through Selina and Dirk’s experiences, “So Big” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1925 and remains a classic of American literature, celebrated for its vivid portrayal of rural life and its strong, resilient protagonist.
