Little Gods, by Anna Richards, is a novel that had been featured briefly on one of the programs that the BBC had broadcast for World Book Night. It contains the tale of Jean, who can only be described as a mostly gentle giantess, trying to find her way in a world that can't seem to accept her; whether that be in a coastal town of England or in the outskirts of post-war Hollywood.
This debut offering was a delight to read. I'd even go as far to say that this would be a perfect holiday book, with it's cross continental journey of sometimes comedic self discovery. Full of vivid characters, whose backgrounds are so expertly delivered, they become three dimensional without getting in the way of the forward narrative of the novel, or that of Jean's own personal story. If anything they meld together and provide a contrast against Jean's character, highlighting both her strengths and weaknesses. The ending, ambiguous and yet still conclusive, left me secretly hoping that Richards will write a sequel and I could follow Jean through the rest of her interesting life.
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