The Smallest Man

By: Frances Quinn

Narrated by: Alex Wingfield

‘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.

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)

A Small Man who played an interesting historical role

I always enjoy historical fiction of things that I never knew about before. Imagine my surprise when I looked up the actual famous portrait of Queen, Henrietta, Marie, and her dwarf. Although his name was changed in this current book to Nathaniel, the original Jeffrey Hudson had a very interesting life and this book re-creates much of what happened. There is an entire reimagining of the end of his life, but The main and key figures and storyline for the bulk of the book are historically correct

The perspective of the story from the eyes of the main character who talked openly about his developmental disability is very interesting and insightful

I would only suggest to the author that a postscript personal note about the life of this individual that she chose to write about and how she did or did not deviate from his story would have been a nice finish. Many authors do this, and it helps the reader understand what literary license was taken, and what is actually historically true

I really do recommend this as a very nice historical fiction read and something completely different that most people don’t know about

A heartwarming page turner. Unique in every way.

In the end I couldn't put this alluring book down. Others are sure to enjoy this story with its vivid characters and surprises, even though I wanted to ring the main character's, Matt's, neck at times.