The Smallest Man cover art

The Smallest Man

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Unlimited access to our all-you-can-listen catalogue of 15K+ audiobooks and podcasts
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The Smallest Man

By: Frances Quinn
Narrated by: Alex Wingfield
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

 ‘I want you to remember something, Nat. You’re small on the outside. But inside you’re as big as everyone else. You show people that and you won’t go far wrong in life.’

A compelling story perfect for fans of The Doll Factory, The Illumination of Ursula Flight and The Familiars.

My name is Nat Davy. Perhaps you’ve heard of me? There was a time when people up and down the land knew my name, though they only ever knew half the story.

The year of 1625, it was, when a single shilling changed my life. That shilling got me taken off to London, where they hid me in a pie, of all things, so I could be given as a gift to the new queen of England.

They called me the queen’s dwarf, but I was more than that. I was her friend, when she had no one else, and later on, when the people of England turned against their king, it was me who saved her life. When they turned the world upside down, I was there, right at the heart of it, and this is my story.

Inspired by a true story, and spanning two decades that changed England for ever, The Smallest Man is a heartwarming tale about being different, but not letting it hold you back. About being brave enough to take a chance, even if the odds aren’t good. And about how, when everything else is falling apart, true friendship holds people together. Biographical Fiction Coming of Age Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Royalty Biography England Heartfelt Comedy

Critic reviews

‘An enchanting tale about a small man with a big heart. Nat Davy is so charming that I couldn't bear to put this book down. I loved it’ (Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City)
'What a page-turner! A timely tale celebrating courage, determination and friendship, it serves as a warning against prejudice and superficial judgements' (Anita Frank, author of The Lost Ones)
‘I absolutely loved it. It's a rare thing to get a historical fiction that is wonderfully researched, pitch-perfectly voiced and unputdownable, but this is the real deal. A perfectly formed masterpiece. I raced through it’ (C.S. Quinn, author of The Bastille Spy)
'I adored Nat Davy’s witty narrative as his personal struggles and triumphs unfolded alongside the compelling events of a troubled court and a Queen in jeopardy. I found myself rooting for the Smallest Man in England from the very first page' (Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry and Wild Rose)
‘Great memorable books are made by great, memorable characters. Frances Quinn’s Nat Davy is such a character. The Smallest Man is a beautiful, heartwarming tale, weaving history and fiction intricately and seamlessly. I was routing for Nat from the first page. Quinn shows us how a big heart and strength of character can lead anyone, perceived disability or not, to achieve great things, and that kindness and compassion are the most important of human qualities. I loved this book’ (Louise Fein, author of People Like Us)
‘A beguiling and well-written tale, whose mysterious protagonist is plucked from a famous painting; the carefully crafted historic context uncannily reflects contemporary politics’ (Ellen Alpsten, author of Tsarina)
‘What a wonderful romp through such a turbulent period of history. I absolutely fell for the book’s narrator: an ebullient character whose voice and world view I adored’ (Polly Crosby, author of The Illustrated Child)
‘A perfect fusion of history and invention. It’s so purposefully written, cuts right to the chase, galloping along. Nat’s wit and humour makes the poignancy of his story all the more powerful - The Smallest Man has the biggest heart’ (Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy)
‘This book took me on an epic journey with a character that will always have a special place in my heart, I shall miss Nat Davy immensely!’ (Emma Cooper, author of If I Could Say Goodbye)
‘Written with a wonderful lightness of touch, full of humour and humanity... An engaging, compelling, thought-provoking story of a life less ordinary’ (Caroline Scott, author of The Photographer of the Lost)
All stars
Most relevant
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Beautifully read and found my self very attached to Nathaniel and his friends.

Very enjoyable

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I guess that this was written for children and adults alike and it's a reasonably interesting tale, if a little too long. The story and narrator are "nice" in equal measure so a useful antedote to some of those English Civil War gorefests. Read it and you won't be offended but you might struggle to say that you enjoyed it.

Harmless and Gentle

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A good story roughly based on factual events. Enjoyed it more than expected. Narration was very good.

Enjoyable historic fiction

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The narration was excellent. Captivating story. I couldn't wait for my the next chapter to come. Fantastic story is a life

Excellent

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I loved this novel. Frances Quinn has written some excellent books. Mixing well researched historical facts with great fictional storylines, she makes 'unputdownable' novels . This one being no exception.

The biggest life a small man could want!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews