Oh, this book absolutely broke my heart into little pieces and stomped on it. This is the story of Gabriel, a giant baby who turns into a giant man, whose one brief and wonderful life touches those around him, near and far. The story is told by four narrators, all of whom are important to Gabriel and who take it in turns to provide their own, uniquely loving memories of him. This is one of the saddest books I've read in forever. I cried and cried, and it was cathartic and wonderful and so well written.

Beautifully written. This is a story based on a real life 'giant' Robert Wadlow who was the tallest man who ever lived at over 11 feet who died at age 22.
However the author has sympathetically created Gabriel, born of Rachel in traumatic circumstances into the Amish world. I am not a fan of Anabaptists or other religions or cults but was intrigued by the complexities that were revealed and how through Hannah Fisher who becomes integral to Gabriel's life and family, that their isolation against the English (all non Amish are known as English) the divide can be breached.
Gabriel is a 'sign' in many ways. The symbolism of saints (the animals and birds theme is truly wonderful) and how sin can permeate all through thought or belief was placed firmly in the contemporary world. How Gabriel becomes a 'hero' through his sport was well described and how 'celebrity' ruins the simplicity of love and understanding.
I wasn't sure i would like this book. Its concept seemed totally unbelievable in the early pages, but it is a credit to the author that we are totally immersed into the life of Gabriel and the sphere of friends, family and loves who inhabitated his short, often traumatic but wonderful world.
Big ideas but not big heads. Subtle feelings not overtly sentimental. This novel balanced very carefully the many divides human nature can take.
Highly recommend this to be read.

This book is a totally immersive story about how one ‘different’ young man made a difference to so many people who came in contact with him.

Gabriel was brought into the world by the local vet the same time his Amish mother died due to complications of his birth. As he grows in strength and phenomenal size through his childhood and teens, we follow his story as seen by his Amish grandmother and others in this small backwoods American town.

Gabe is a gentle giant with an amazing affinity with animals and touches the people in his life in special ways. I couldn’t put it down.
What I so loved about this book is the thoroughly REAL people in this story. It is about community, love, loss, faith, grief, regret, and most importantly, family, which we all know comes in many forms.

At the same time heart-warming as it is heart-breaking, I challenge you not to adore everything about this wonderful book! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.