Books on Tap met on Thursday, December 7th at 7 pm at Beer Run to discuss The Giant’s House by Elizabeth McCracken. We talked about books and librarianship, the balance between surrealism and mundanity, the characters, and even the title. As always, opinions varied wildly, and we had a wonderful time actively discussing this title!
Peggy, the main character, is a librarian in her mid-twenties, written and portrayed as a bit of an old maid. Peggy’s library career features heavily in the book, and with so many currently employed and retired librarians in the room, we spent some time discussing how McCracken represents the job. Libraries of the 21st century, precious third spaces, don’t much resemble the stuffy, slow-paced, at times insufferable atmosphere of Peggy’s beloved 1950s library.
Inside the library, Peggy meets James, an eleven-year-old boy who is at first described simply as “tall.” Turns out, he is the titular giant, eventually growing to be over eight feet tall. His story is uncannily similar to that of Robert Wadlow, the real-life tallest person in recorded history. Their relationship is the primary focus of the book.
The book is infused with magic. James’ childhood hobby is magic; he then pursues painting, a form of illusion. There is a sense of the unreal woven throughout the world of the novel with James’ large size, especially juxtaposed against the small size of the town. Paired together, it creates an almost absurd, otherworldly experience.
On the other hand, the book is very subtle, quiet. The onset of the book alludes to what will come to pass, even revealing offhandedly a few major plot points. As readers, we then anticipate these events with a degree of bated breath. We’re waiting for the story to rock us like a rollercoaster. We often talk about authors being splashy or sensational, making a point through a bit of shock. This narrative arc had the opportunity to be quite scandalous – along the lines of the Mary Kay Letourneau story – but instead is a “romance” much more complicated. Of course, this book was published in 1996, and Letourneau wasn’t arrested until 1997.
Who is Peggy? Is she a misanthrope? Confused? Neurodivergent? She is a rescuer, but also in need of rescue, as there is an air of desperation surrounding her. Can she be defined? Is she likable? How important is Peggy as a person outside of her entanglement with James? What do you think?
As for the writing style, many found it quirky. Those who have read McCracken’s short stories said they enjoyed her style more in short story format. Some argued that because this book “lacked plot,” it could have been written as a short story. Others argued that the breathing space was needed to create the nuanced, complicated portrayal of Peggy. Many readers found the writing very good, even if the content was a little unsettling.
Other books to explore:
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Miss Jane by Brad Watson
Meet me at the Museum by Anne Youngson
Upcoming titles:
January 4: Violeta by Isabel Allende
February 1: How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? By N. K. Jemisin
March 7: Same Page Community Read
April 4: The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
May 2: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
June 6: Solito by Javier Zamora