Giant by Judith McQuoid

Giant draws on historical fact to imagine two pivotal years in the childhood of C. S. Lewis.

Giant by Judith McQuoid. Little Island, 2025. 220 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: ages 8-12

Belfast, 1908

David Caruth is looking forward to his first day of work—not real work, perhaps, but his mother is hoping Davy might be able to pick up some odd jobs at the grand house where she works. Albert Lewis, a barrister from a prosperous Belfast family, has two sons, one of which is away at boarding school. The other is still at home, being tutored by his mother, Flora. The boy’s given name is Clive, but he goes by his nickname, Jacks. Davy can make himself useful in the household, but there seems to be an unspoken expectation that he might make a suitable companion for Jacks—especially since Jacks’ older brother is away at boarding school.

Given his working-class background, this might not seem a realistic hope. Jacks is Irish gentry, soft-handed and dreamy with little experience of the city’s mean streets. Davy is continually told by his mother that books and art are not for “our sort,” but he has more than a touch of whimsy about him inherited from his disabled dad. He proves to be a perfect foil for Jacks’ lively imagination and feels his world expanding with every hour spent his new friend. But it’s not to last: sadness will descend on the Lewis household and Davy will be forced into a grueling job in the Belfast shipyards. Reality has crushed the beauty of imagination. Or has it?

Portrait of an Author

The author writes beautifully, especially in descriptions, like

Rays of sunshine filtered through the branches of beech and oak trees, making the water sparkle and glint. One branch reached right down until it nearly touched the water with its green lace.

The sights and smells of early 20th century Ireland make a compelling setting and the two friends are an engaging duo as they influence each other’s lives. The plot follows historical events that will resonate with readers of Lewis’s spiritual autobiography, Surprised by Joy. Since he wasn’t particularly interested in religion at this time, there are no discussions of church or Jesus or Christianity. The narrative moves slowly with key moments taking place offstage; at times showing rather than telling would be more effective. Still, Lewis fans will enjoy this portrait of their favorite, as-yet-unformed author.

Bottom Line: An An evocative, gentle portrait of a beloved author’s early years.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• Reviews: Through the Wardrobe (starred review) is a picture-book biography of Lewis. Painting Wonder (starred review) examines the life of Narnia illustrator Pauline Baynes. Chronicles of Wonder, from Moody Publishers, covers the author’s life and work for young middle graders.
• Review: The Mythmakers imaginatively presents the friendship of Lewis and Tolkien for teens and adults, with fascinating sidelines into the development of fantasy.
• A Reflection: Hayley acknowledges her debt to a master in Thank You, C.S. Lewis.

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