Description

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. Praise for The Smallest Man:’Not your ordinary historical fiction, centring on a special relationship between two unique souls set against the English civil war’ Stylist, Best New Fiction of 2021 ‘Remarkable’ The Independent, Best Books of Jan ‘I haven’t come across a character I’ve loved as much as Nat Davy for a long time….

it’s Nat’s journey to overcome perceptions and achieve big things that makes this debut so good’ Good Housekeeping ‘Davy is based on Sir Jeffrey Hudson, Henrietta Maria’s dwarf who was immortalised in paint by Van Dyck. His tale is extraordinary, and Frances Quinn has used it well in this fascinating debut’ The Times ‘It’s an unforgettable story about being different, brave and hopeful in diversity’ Woman’s Weekly ‘Full of vim and vigour, this is winningly warm-hearted’ Daily Mail ‘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 ‘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 ‘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.