Set in Belfast in the early years of the twentieth century, Giant tells the imaginary story of 12-year-old Davy and his friendship with 10-year-old Jacks (the young C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia).
Davy’s mum is a servant for the well-off Lewis family, and one day brings Davy to work with her in the hope of finding him a job. There he meets Mrs Lewis who asks him if, alongside his work, he will also play with her youngest son, Jacks – not exactly what Davy’s mum had in mind!
While Davy works for the Lewis family, the boys quickly forge a deep friendship based on their mutual love of stories and imagination. But it isn’t long before real life intervenes and a new job, as well as a personal tragedy, change the boys’ lives forever …
Giant is such a beautiful and – despite its title – gentle read. Judith McQuoid’s writing has an artistic quality to it, almost drawing the scenes with her words. The shipyard, the Lewis house, Davy’s home and the streets of Belfast all become very vivid for the reader – it almost feels like being there in real life. But the real star of the story is the wonderful connection between the two boys, showing just how special true friendship can be. A highly recommended read!
Giant is published by Little Island (2025)