Kari's Corner

Big Girl by Danielle Steel

 

           Victoria is the odd one out in her family.  When she was born, her parents are disappointed how she looks.  She looks nothing like either parent.  Her father, Jim, names her after Queen Victoria.  Later on Victoria is hurt when she sees a photograph of Queen Victoria and realizes her parents named her that because they thought she was ugly.  Unfortunately for Victoria she takes after her great-grandmother who was known to be a big lady, both tall and heavy.  Then along comes her younger sister, Gracie, who looks exactly like their parents, both slim and beautiful.  As Victoria grows up people always comment about how beautiful Gracie is, then turn to look at Victoria and either say nothing about her or ask if she was adopted. 

            The novel follows Victoria from when she was a baby, thru childhood, college, and then on until she is in her early 30s.  Victoria’s parents are hard on her.  They are always asking her when she is going to lose some weight.  They never notice when she does lose weight, which discourages Victoria.  She always seems to be going on diets, then breaking the diet and going on an ice cream binge, losing any progress she may have made.   Victoria’s parents are not happy with her choice of occupation either.  She decides to become a teacher and they tell her she should do something else that would make more money. 

            It is frustrating how her parents are constantly criticizing her about her weight, her looks, and her choice of occupation.  Their constant criticizing has made her feel as if she is not worth anything.  She assumes that she will always be alone, because no man would find her attractive.  Near the end of the book she has finally realized that she is worth something, no matter what she looks like. 

            I liked this book because you were rooting for the main character to stop listening to the negativity from her parents and finally realize that she was worth something.  She finally accepts herself and starts to take care of herself by eating healthy and exercising, not to lose weight but just to be healthy.