Life and Death and Giants Book Review
Some books completely take you by surprise in the best way possible. That’s exactly what happened to me when I read Ron Rindo’s Life and Death and Giants. Not only was it my favorite read of that month, it’s a book that’s stuck with me long after those moving last pages. The quiet moments, the big feels, and the giant larger-than-life characters make this literary fiction perfect for any reader, no matter their age, gender, or reading preferences. Check out my Life and Death and Giants book review and find out why I loved this one SO much.
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Quick Look
- contemporary setting
- American football & professional wrestling subplots
- found family vs biological family conflict
- memorable characters
- Amish culture & tradition
Published September 9, 2025
Thank St Martin's Press for the gifted copy!
Publisher's Synopsis
Gabriel Fisher was born an orphan, weighing eighteen pounds and measuring twenty-seven inches long. No one in Lakota, Wisconsin, knows what to make of him. He walks at eight months, communicates with animals, and seems to possess extraordinary athletic talent. But when the older brother who has been caring for him dies, Gabriel is taken in by his devout Amish grandparents who disapprove of all the attention and hide him away from the English world.
But it’s hard to hide forever when you’re nearly eight feet tall. At seventeen, Gabriel is spotted working in a hay field by the local football coach. What happens next transforms not only Gabriel’s life but the lives of everyone he meets.
My Review
Life and Death and Giants is literary fiction through and through, so don't expect this one to scratch that historical fiction itch completely. It's contemporary in setting, but it does feel steeped in a way of life that feels almost historical. The Amish setting gives the novel gravity: the quiet rhythms of the day-to-day, the discipline, the rigid beliefs, and the simpler lifestyle. There’s an old-world texture to the story that I think will please historical fiction readers, like me.
This one is perfect for readers who love a good character study. Though there are pivotal plot points that drive the book forward, the tension doesn’t come from big dramatic events. It lives in quiet moments of introspection and interactions between the characters. As a result, you feel as though you truly know the main characters, as you've been privy to their hearts and minds throughout the entire novel. That deep emotional connection to the story makes it more impactful, ideal for those who want to FEEL when they read a book.
From the very beginning, Life and Death and Giants is a very interior novel. Readers get a glimpse into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the various characters through the alternating points of view. Rindo starts developing a sense of community early in the book by giving a points of view to persons outside the family, allowing you to glimpse the situation from without and within. That community plays a pivotal part in the book, just as much as the characters one could argue.
For me, the best part of this book were the themes; it explores family, faith, and the deep human desire to live a life you love. I walked away from the book with a richer appreciation for the family members in my life, as well as the personal growth I've experienced as a result of loss and love.
My Rating
Overall, Life and Death and Giants is a quiet, contemplative read that will stick with you long after the last pages. Full of thoughts on faith and the complicated relationships between humans, this book truly surprised me in the best way. If you gravitate toward thoughtful literary fiction that prioritizes emotional depth over action, this is worth your time.
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Hi, I’m Carlie
I’m a historical fiction lover sharing newly released books, book club picks, and the types of stories that linger long after the last lines. If you love books the feature strong women and have a TBR that’s slightly out of control…you’re in the right place.
