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Little

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About this listen

From the gutters of pre-revolutionary France to the luxury of the Palace of Versailles, Little is the unforgettable story of how a ‘bloodstained crumb of a girl’ went on to shape the world in wax....

Born in Alsace in 1761, the unsightly, diminutive Marie Grosholtz is quickly nicknamed ‘Little’. Orphaned at the age of six, she finds employment in Bern, Switzerland, under the charge of reclusive anatomist Dr Curtius. In time the unlikely pair form an unlikely bond, and together they pursue an unusual passion: the fine art of wax modelling. Forced to flee their city, the doctor and his protégée head for the seamy streets of Paris, where they open an exhibition hall for their uncanny creations.

Though revolution approaches, the curious-minded flock to see the wax heads, eager to scrutinise the faces of royalty and reprobates alike. At 'The Cabinet of Doctor Curtius', heads are made, heads are displayed, and a future is built from wax.

©2018 Edward Carey (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Fiction Historical Fiction

Critic reviews

“Don't miss this eccentric charmer.” (Margaret Atwood)

“This historical novel about the wax-sculptor who would become the world-renowned Madame Tussaud looks uncannily like a real-life classic.” (Washington Post)

“Conveyed with so much sympathy and acute observation that it is hard not to be beguiled." (The Times)
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The voices between the characters would have been better if they had sounded a bit different. Particularly amongst the male characters. But it is a fascinating story and I loved the history that was woken through it.

Interesting story of an incredible life

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I wanted to wrap Little up and bring her home. What a lovely, heart wrenchingly beautiful story. It’s a must.

Gosh, I just loved this book

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Really enjoyed this book and the narrator was absolutely perfect to narrate Little's tough life. A delightful book, thoroughly well research and writing to die for. I would highly recommend this to all lovers of literary historical fiction. Five huge stars.

Loved it

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An interesting tale, well told. But I found the delivery of the narrator rather irritating. Lots of good information about Pre revolutionary life, especially in Versailles and the brutal regime that ended the feudal structure.

Little and the heads

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Narrated well, interesting view of the life of Madam Tussauds, filled in French Revolution history I missed from Les Mis!

Gory at times, a good historical read

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