The Smallest Man was the debut novel by Frances Quinn, published in 2021. I love historical fiction and I was intrigued by the premise of this one.
I knew it was set in the 17th century and was loosely based on the story of Jeffrey Hudson, also known as ‘The Queen’s Dwarf. He was bought as a gift for Queen Henrietta Maria, the young French wife of Charles I and went on to become her confidante, advisor and friend.
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Plot
It’s the year 1625 and Nat Davy knows he’s different. At ten years old he only stands as tall as a two-year-old. Despite his efforts to grow taller, Nat remains so much smaller than his brother and his peers.
Nat is sold by his father, despite his mother’s pleas, and is gifted to young Queen Henrietta Maria. The gift was meant to amuse The Queen but the two soon strike up an unlikely friendship.
When the English people start to turn on the queen’s husband, King Charles, Nat is right there at the heart of the drama.
Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, this is a story of friendship, bravery and self-belief.
The Smallest Man Book Review
This book is very much a character-driven story. Despite having the English Civil War as its backdrop, the story focuses heavily on Nat himself rather than the rising tensions of the story. We saw King Charles and Queen Henrietta Marie through Nat’s eyes and I actually thought it was really well done. It showed the reader the history without weighing the story down with too many facts.
I can imagine other readers may have preferred a bit more depth to the historical background but I prefer a more character-driven story. It was less about the war and more about Nat trying to find his place in the world.
I liked Nat as a character and really felt for him, especially at the beginning of the book when he was still a child. His friendship with Queen Henrietta Marie was brilliantly portrayed and I found myself really warming to her. I would have enjoyed exploring the queen’s character more, although I do appreciate that this was Nat’s story, not hers.
Most of the book was really engaging and yet in some parts I did feel my mind wandering, especially the parts about Arabella. I found these moments quite cliched and felt like it could have been aimed at a younger audience.
Overall I did enjoy the book and would read more by Frances Quinn.
What should I read after The Smallest Man by Frances Quinn?
If you enjoyed The Smallest Man then you may also enjoy Frances Quinn’s second novel, That Bonesetter Woman.
If you’re a fan of books set in the 17th century, I’d definitely recommend The Maiden by Kate Foster, The Night Ship by Jess Kidd and The Familiars by Stacey Halls.