The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb
Posted by Book Mavens on October 1st, 2011
Title: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Publisher:Random House, July 2011
Summary: This is a fictionalized memoir of Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump, who was known to her friends and family as “Vinnie” but known to the rest of the world as Mrs. Tom Thumb.
A terrific historical novel, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB takes the reader from Vinnie’s childhood, through her career, and beyond. Born a normal size baby, Vinnie’s parents didn’t realize until she was almost two years old that she wasn’t growing like their other children had. Like her sister Minnie, born 8 years later, she was perfectly healthy except for her size. With an overprotective mother and a distant father, the sisters seemed destined for a lonely, sheltered life. Vinnie, however, decided early on that “never would I allow my size to define me. Instead, I would define it.” This determination led her to P.T. Barnum, Charles Stratton, and the world stage. Traveling to Europe, dining with royalty, attending parties with the Astors and Vanderbilts, all became commonplace for Lavinia and Charles. What a grand life! Or was it? Things aren’t always what they seem, especially in show business.This engaging novel will enlighten and entertain a great many people.
Who Might Like This?: Fans of historical fiction.
Recommended by: Sue B, Circulation Coordinator
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