Big Girl by Danielle Steel

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The novel begins with the ‘big Victoria’s family background and her being born. Whole of this is told in a plain language as if a grandma is narrating a tale to some children. Not that there is anything wrong with that type of narration, but then it’s not just the story that one wants to know.

             Even the story is not something that would make the reader want to know more. One after the other chapter is read only because what got started should be finished and it’s somewhat readable.

             It runs at a good pace though. There isn’t a gap of many chapters before a turning point. Things keep on happening one after the other. Only sometimes, very big events occur in a row with very less description; sometimes a day to say activity is described at length. It may be intentional, who knows. Because where other things are lacking, at least the pace keeps up the interest.

             One prominent idea that is reflected in almost everything Victoria does is the body size. It’s as if there is nothing else that matters, and even if it does, it vanishes after a few paragraphs and comes back to the body size. (Again, that may be intentional too; to keep the central idea intact).

             Another aspect that the story lacks are ‘grey’ characters. There is either extremely cruel parents and brother-in-law, or extremely nice friends, colleagues and a boyfriend. It’s not a fantasy novel, but it’s not even close to reality either.

             However, it is possible that those who go through ‘body-shaming’, might find some sort of inspiration or consolation with the protagonist. But in the end, that too comes to the grand narrative of someone else making you feel good about yourself, someone else giving meaning to your life, someone else standing for you; and the quest to find that ‘someone’. So inspiration or not, can be found only if you decide to pick up the book.