Overview

"This powerfully-written first novel from Ukrainian author Anastasiia Marsiz is set in and around Cupra Marittima, a small seaside town on Italy's Adriatic coast. So closely is the area described, the reader could find their way around without difficulty. They might easily go there expecting to find the Chalet Martina, a seafront restaurant opening onto the beach. To enter the restaurant is to step into the territory of fiction, but in Marsiz's expert hands the boundary is crossed unconsciously. At the Chalet, we meet Martina Marino, her husband Adriano, their two sons and two daughters - about each of whom there is a story to be lovingly told. Even before our first encounter with Martina, we have met Ernesto Bruno and his grandmother, Cecilia. Ernesto, Italian but with a Gambian father, was orphaned at birth. A naïve eighteen-year-old when we first meet him, he is to become the Big Fellow of the book's title as he simultaneously becomes a champion boxer and seeks to uncover the truth of how both his parents died within a short time of each other. He is big in spirit too, providing aid and support for several of those around him when they run into difficulties of their own - and for the unforgettable ""Dog,"" an abandoned stray when she first wanders into his life. The novel also has its villains ... and a surprising - even shocking - denouement."

Full Product Details

9781804840993

Table of Contents

Reviews

"Anastasiia Marsiz's debut novel, ""The Big Fellow,"" is a masterclass in storytelling that beautifully intertwines the picturesque landscapes of Cupra Marittima with the intricate lives of its inhabitants. Marsiz's vivid descriptions of the seaside town are so meticulous that one can almost feel the Adriatic breeze and taste the salt in the air. The Chalet Martina, though a figment of fiction, feels as real as any landmark, serving as the backdrop to the poignant tales of the Marino family. Marsiz introduces us to a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique narratives, but it's Ernesto Bruno who stands tall, both literally and metaphorically. His journey from a naive teenager to the ""Big Fellow"" is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Marsiz doesn't just focus on his physical growth but delves deep into his emotional and spiritual evolution. The inclusion of ""Dog,"" an unexpected companion in Ernesto's life, adds a layer of tenderness to the story, showcasing the author's ability to capture the essence of human-animal bonds. However, it's not all sunshine in Cupra Marittima. The presence of antagonists adds depth and tension to the narrative, ensuring that readers are kept on the edge of their seats. The climax, unexpected and jolting, is a testament to Marsiz's prowess as a writer, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more. In ""The Big Fellow,"" Marsiz has crafted a world that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. It's a world where love, loss, hope, and despair coexist, and where characters, with all their flaws and virtues, come alive. A must-read for those who appreciate intricate storytelling set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes."

Author Information

"Anastasiia Marsiz, a native of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, is a writer, journalist, and translator. Resident in Kyiv since 2006, she moved to Italy, with her school-age daughter, in March 2022, displaced by war. Fortunately, and as is magnificently attested to by her novel, The Big Fellow, she was already very familiar with people and places in certain parts of Italy. In The Big Fellow, Anastasiia Marsiz raises the issues that concern her most: hypocrisy in society, betrayal, domestic violence, and racial and social inequality. In doing so, she demonstrates that faith, love, friendship and family are the values that truly matter, enabling resistance to evil and injustice. The book won the 2021 ""Literary Ukraine"" prize. Andrew Sheppard is the editor of East-West Review. He provided the English translation of War Poems by Alexander Korotko (Glagoslav, 2022). Michael Pursglove is a former Senior Lecturer in Modern Languages and is now a freelance translator. He has published translations of Moon Boy by Alexander Korotko and Children of Grad by Maria Miniailo. His latest translation of Bera and Cucumber by Alexander Korotko was published by Glagoslav in 2023."

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available