So Big

In Edna Ferber's So Big, the story follows Selina Peake, a young woman orphaned at 19 in the late 1880s, who leaves city life to teach in the rural community of High Prairie, IL. Embracing adventure and beauty in her surroundings, she challenges traditional gender roles after marrying farmer Pervus DeJong, advocating for improvements in their farming practices despite his resistance. As she navigates personal hardships, Selina instills her appreciation for creativity and education in her son, Dirk, raising questions about whether he will uphold her values after graduating. This acclaimed novel, which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, captures Selina's journey of resilience and aspiration.