Big As Life Three Tales for Spring

Big As Life Three Tales for Spring by Maureen Howard is a reprint edition published by Penguin Publishing Group on April 30, 2002. This collection of short stories, written in English and spanning 240 pages, is the second volume in Howard’s planned quartet of fictions inspired by the seasons. The title piece delves into the life and work of John James Audubon, exploring the impact of his dedication to his masterpiece, The Birds of America, on those around him, including his wife, Lucy.

Readers will find a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect on themes of responsibility and loss. In “Children with Matches,” a feminist historian grapples with the lessons of the past, while “The Magdalene” tells the story of a woman’s journey to New York in the 1930s as a nanny for a wealthy family, highlighting her experiences of innocence and faith. Howard’s thoughtful and intricate storytelling invites readers to engage with the complexities of her characters and their circumstances.