Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Atmospheric, Suspenseful, Creepy, Adventurous
- Read it if
- You enjoy atmospheric, slightly spooky middle-grade mysteries with strong characters and a touch of folklore.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted stories without any scary elements or supernatural threats.
Small Spaces Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Mysterious Book and a Frightening Encounter
Eleven-year-old Ollie, still grieving her mother's death, finds comfort in books. One day, by the river, she meets a distraught woman threatening to throw a book into the water. Ollie snatches the book and runs away. The old, leather-bound book tells the story of a girl named Beth, two brothers (Jonathan and Caleb), and a sinister 'smiling man' who grants wishes for a terrible price. The story hints at a dark bargain and a tragic fate. Ollie is drawn into the eerie narrative, unaware of how closely its events will soon mirror her own life.
Smoke Hollow and the Graves of the Past
The next day, Ollie's class goes on a field trip to Smoke Hollow, a local historical farm known for its apple orchards and a haunting past. While exploring, Ollie finds an old, overgrown graveyard. To her shock, she sees headstones with the names of Beth, Jonathan, and Caleb, the characters from the book she stole. This discovery makes her question if the story is true. The coincidence unnerves her, suggesting a sinister connection between the book and Smoke Hollow.
The Bus Breaks Down and a Cryptic Warning
On the way home from Smoke Hollow, the school bus breaks down on a desolate road. Ms. Read, the teacher, decides to walk back to the farm for help, leaving the children with the bus driver, Mr. Volkov. Before she leaves, Ollie’s broken digital watch, a memento from her mother, suddenly shows a countdown and the word 'RUN.' Mr. Volkov, in a calm voice, warns the children that 'at nightfall they'll come for the rest of you' and advises them to 'avoid large places. Keep to small.' The sun begins to set.
Escape into the Woods
Following the bus driver's urgent warning, Ollie, along with classmates Coco and Brian, decides to run into the surrounding woods. Most of the other children stay on the bus, thinking the warning is a joke. As the trio enters the tree line, they look back to see the scarecrows from the nearby fields, which were previously still, turning their heads and moving, their burlap smiles fixed on the bus. The chilling sight confirms their decision to flee was correct, and they run deeper into the dark, unfamiliar woods, the bus driver's words echoing in their minds.
The Hunt Begins
As night fully descends, Ollie, Coco, and Brian realize they are being hunted. The smiling man, a shadowy, grinning figure, appears to them, his presence radiating cold and malice. He is with his scarecrows, who now move with agility, their straw bodies rustling. The children are forced to navigate the dense, dark woods, constantly hiding and running, trying to 'keep to small' spaces as Mr. Volkov instructed. The smiling man's whispers and the rustling of the scarecrows become a terrifying presence, pushing the children to their limits.
The Farmer's House and a Moment of Respite
The children find an abandoned farmhouse, a 'small space' that offers temporary refuge from their pursuers. Inside, they find old journals and clues that explain the story of Beth, Jonathan, and Caleb, revealing the full extent of the smiling man's curse. They learn that the smiling man is a malevolent entity that preys on sorrow and makes deals, granting wishes for souls. The journals explain that the original farmer, Jonathan, made a deal with the smiling man to bring Beth back to life, cursing the land and everyone on it. The house provides a brief rest, but the danger outside is always there.
The Truth About Mr. Volkov
Through clues in the book and their harrowing experiences, Ollie understands the truth about Mr. Volkov. She realizes he is Caleb, the second brother from the story, who was not taken by the smiling man but bound to the land, forever trying to warn others and protect them from the curse. He appears as the bus driver, a silent guardian, unable to directly intervene but able to offer cryptic guidance. His advice to 'keep to small' spaces and 'run' was his way of helping them evade the smiling man and his scarecrows, who cannot enter truly small, hidden places.
Confrontation at the Mill
The children are eventually cornered at an old mill, a large, open space where the smiling man has the advantage. Ollie realizes that the smiling man feeds on fear and sorrow, and that the only way to defeat him is to deny him these emotions. She remembers from the book that the smiling man cannot tolerate genuine happiness or true courage. The final confrontation is tense, with the smiling man trying to lure them with false promises and prey on their fears. Ollie, drawing on her own grief and resilience, understands that she must find her own strength.
Defeating the Smiling Man
In a climactic moment, Ollie confronts the smiling man directly. Remembering her mother's love and the happy memories they shared, she refuses to give in to despair. She understands that the smiling man is defeated not by violence, but by denying him the very emotions he craves. She asserts her will and the power of love and memory against his malevolence. The smiling man, unable to withstand such genuine emotion, begins to unravel and dissipate. His scarecrows collapse, and the oppressive atmosphere lifts, signaling his defeat and the breaking of his hold over Smoke Hollow.
Morning and a Lingering Mystery
As dawn breaks, Ms. Read returns with help, finding Ollie, Coco, and Brian safe but exhausted. The other children are found on the bus, unharmed but confused, with no memory of the terrifying night. The bus driver, Mr. Volkov/Caleb, is gone, his mission fulfilled. Ollie realizes that the smiling man's curse is broken, and Smoke Hollow is free. While the others remain oblivious to the night's horrors, Ollie, Coco, and Brian share a silent understanding of what they endured. Ollie, though still grieving, finds a new sense of strength and courage, changed by her encounter with the small spaces and the smiling man.
Small Spaces Characters
Ollie (Olivia) Adler
Protagonist
An eleven-year-old girl, grieving her mother, who becomes entangled in a supernatural mystery.
Ollie is a bright, introverted, and resourceful eleven-year-old girl who finds solace in books after the recent death of her mother. Her grief makes her perceptive and resilient, allowing her to understand the deeper meanings behind the mysterious book and the smiling man's curse. She is initially hesitant but quickly develops courage and leadership when faced with danger, protecting her friends and ultimately confronting the smiling man. Her intelligence and ability to connect clues are crucial to unraveling the mystery.
Relationships: Coco Zeller (friend and fellow survivor); Brian Battersby (friend and fellow survivor); Mr. Volkov (Caleb) (cryptic protector/guardian); Ms. Read (teacher, initially dismissive but caring)
Coco Zeller
Supporting
A timid but observant classmate who accompanies Ollie.
Coco is one of Ollie's classmates and friends, initially portrayed as timid and easily frightened. Despite her fear, she possesses a keen eye for detail and a surprising resilience. She often notices small, important things that Ollie or Brian might miss, contributing valuable observations to their survival. Her loyalty to Ollie and Brian, even in the face of immense terror, highlights her underlying strength. She represents the average person's reaction to the supernatural, making her relatable.
Relationships: Ollie Adler (friend and fellow survivor); Brian Battersby (friend and fellow survivor)
Brian Battersby
Supporting
An intelligent and logical classmate who aids Ollie.
Brian is another of Ollie's classmates, characterized by his intelligence and logical, often skeptical, approach to situations. He is the 'brain' of the trio, using his knowledge and reasoning to try and understand their predicament. While initially dismissive of the supernatural elements, he quickly adapts and uses his intellect to help the group. His ability to process information and make deductions, even under duress, proves invaluable in their fight for survival against the smiling man.
Relationships: Ollie Adler (friend and fellow survivor); Coco Zeller (friend and fellow survivor)
Mr. Volkov (Caleb)
Supporting
The enigmatic bus driver, secretly one of the characters from the book, cursed to protect others.
Mr. Volkov is the mysterious school bus driver who provides Ollie with crucial, cryptic warnings. He is revealed to be Caleb, one of the brothers from the book, who was spared from being taken by the smiling man but cursed to remain bound to Smoke Hollow, forever trying to warn and guide others away from the entity. He cannot directly fight the smiling man but uses his limited ability to advise the children. His stoic demeanor hides a deep, ancient sorrow and a relentless commitment to his centuries-long task.
Relationships: Ollie Adler (cryptic protector); Beth (loved her (in the past)); Jonathan (brother (in the past))
The Smiling Man
Antagonist
A malevolent supernatural entity that preys on sorrow and makes deals for souls.
The smiling man is the primary antagonist, a terrifying, shadowy entity with a fixed, unsettling grin. He is a demonic trickster who offers to grant wishes, particularly those born of grief and desperation, but always at a horrific price – the souls of those who make the deal and often others around them. He feeds on sorrow, fear, and despair, gaining strength from these emotions. He commands scarecrows as his minions and cannot enter 'small spaces,' making him a formidable but not invincible foe.
Relationships: Ollie Adler (nemesis); Jonathan (made a deal with him (in the past)); Beth (target of his curse (in the past))
Ms. Read
Supporting
The well-meaning but initially oblivious school teacher.
Ms. Read is Ollie's school teacher, a kind but somewhat conventional adult who is initially oblivious to the supernatural dangers. She tries to maintain order and act responsibly, but her human limitations prevent her from understanding the true threat. Her decision to walk back for help, while logical in a normal situation, leaves the children vulnerable. She represents the adult world's inability to perceive or deal with the magical realities that children often encounter.
Relationships: Ollie Adler (student); Coco Zeller (student); Brian Battersby (student)
Beth
Mentioned
The girl from the book, whose death and subsequent 'return' initiated the curse.
Beth is a central figure in the book's historical narrative. She was a beautiful young woman who died tragically. Her death spurred Jonathan to make a desperate deal with the smiling man to bring her back, inadvertently unleashing the curse that plagues Smoke Hollow. Her story serves as a cautionary tale and the foundation of the supernatural events in the present day. She is a symbol of the devastating consequences of making deals with dark entities fueled by grief.
Relationships: Jonathan (loved her); Caleb (loved her)
Jonathan
Mentioned
One of the brothers from the book, who made a deal with the smiling man.
Jonathan is the farmer from the book's historical narrative, deeply in love with Beth. Overcome by grief after her death, he made a desperate bargain with the smiling man to bring her back to life. This deal cursed him, Beth, and the land of Smoke Hollow, making him the initial unwitting architect of the smiling man's power. His tragic choice highlights the dangers of unchecked sorrow and the allure of forbidden magic.
Relationships: Beth (loved her); Caleb (brother); The Smiling Man (made a deal with him)
Small Spaces Themes
Grief and Loss
Grief is a central theme, particularly through Ollie's character, who is mourning her mother's death. This personal experience makes her attuned to the smiling man's predatory nature, as he feeds on sorrow. The historical narrative of Beth, Jonathan, and Caleb also involves grief and the desperate measures it can lead to, such as Jonathan's deal with the smiling man. The book explores how processing grief, rather than suppressing it, is essential for healing and survival.
“Grief was a house, and you lived in it. Sometimes it was a mansion, sometimes it was a hovel. But it was always there.”
Courage and Resilience
The children, particularly Ollie, show courage and resilience in the face of supernatural terror. Despite their fear, they continue to run, hide, and confront the smiling man. Ollie's journey from a withdrawn, grieving girl to a brave leader shows her inner strength. The theme emphasizes that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it, especially when protecting others and oneself from malevolent forces.
“Fear was a thing, a live thing, and it wanted to eat you.”
The Power of Story and History
The mysterious book is a plot device, and it also embodies the power of stories and history. The narrative within the book mirrors and explains the events unfolding, giving Ollie clues to understand and defeat the smiling man. It suggests that history, if paid attention to, can offer warnings and solutions for problems, and that stories are not just entertainment but can hold truths and even magical properties.
“Some stories, you feel them with your bones.”
Small Spaces vs. Large Places
This theme is a literal and metaphorical motif throughout the book, stemming from Mr. Volkov's warning: 'Avoid large places. Keep to small.' Physically, small spaces offer refuge from the smiling man and his scarecrows, who cannot enter them. Metaphorically, it speaks to finding safety and strength in the intimate, hidden, and personal aspects of life – like cherished memories, close friendships, and inner resilience – rather than being exposed and vulnerable in the vast 'large places' of fear and despair.
“Small spaces. That was where the safety was. Where the smiling man couldn't go.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Mysterious Book
A magical, prophetic book that details the curse and its origins.
The old, leather-bound book that Ollie steals is the central plot device. It contains the historical narrative of Beth, Jonathan, Caleb, and the smiling man, directly foreshadowing and explaining the events that unfold. It acts as a guide for Ollie, providing crucial information about the smiling man's nature, weaknesses, and the history of Smoke Hollow. Its pages literally come to life, mirroring the present, making it a powerful tool for both narrative exposition and driving the plot forward.
The Digital Watch
A broken keepsake that offers supernatural warnings and a countdown.
Ollie's broken digital wristwatch, a memento from her mother, mysteriously reactivates to display cryptic warnings like 'RUN' and a countdown timer. This device serves as an urgent, supernatural alarm, signaling the onset of danger and the limited time the children have. It connects Ollie directly to the magical world, suggesting her unique sensitivity to it, and provides a tangible, ticking clock that heightens the suspense and urgency of their escape.
The Scarecrows
Animated minions of the smiling man, symbolizing his pervasive threat.
The scarecrows, initially inanimate figures in the fields of Smoke Hollow, become animated and terrifying minions of the smiling man. They serve as his eyes and hands, pursuing the children and acting as a physical manifestation of his pervasive, unsettling presence. Their fixed, burlap smiles mirror the smiling man's own grin, making them a chilling symbol of the malevolent entity's reach and the way he perverts ordinary farm objects into instruments of terror.
The Rule of 'Small Spaces'
A guiding principle for survival against the smiling man.
The advice given by Mr. Volkov, 'Avoid large places. Keep to small,' functions as a critical survival rule. It's a literal plot device that dictates the children's movements and hiding strategies, forcing them into confined, often claustrophobic, environments. This rule not only provides practical guidance but also reinforces the thematic idea that safety, and even strength, can be found in modesty and hiddenness, rather than exposure or grandiosity, when facing overwhelming evil.
Small Spaces Quotes
“Fear is a story you tell yourself.”
“Small spaces are safe. Big spaces are dangerous.”
“Sometimes you have to be brave even when you're scared.”
“The mist doesn't just hide things. It changes them.”
“Stories are like seeds. They grow inside you.”
“Don't look at their faces. Look at their hands.”
“Home isn't a place. It's the people who miss you.”
“The Smiling Man doesn't just want to scare you. He wants to own you.”
“Courage isn't about not being afraid. It's about what you do anyway.”
“In small spaces, you can hear your own heart beating.”
“Some doors are better left unopened.”
“Friends are the light in the dark.”
“The past is a ghost that follows you.”
“Every story has an ending, but not all endings are happy.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What does Ollie do when she sees a woman threatening to throw a book into the river?
- She calls for help from nearby adults
- She steals the book and runs away
- She tries to reason with the woman
- She ignores it and continues walking
Show answer
B. She steals the book and runs away Ollie, who finds solace in books after a tragic loss, acts impulsively to save the book from being destroyed, which sets the main plot in motion.
Question 2
What is the name of the sinister specter who grants wishes in the book Ollie reads?
- The Shadow Man
- The Grinning Ghost
- The Smiling Man
- The Hollow King
Show answer
C. The Smiling Man The book Ollie steals tells a story about 'the smiling man,' a malevolent entity that makes deals with people, granting wishes at a terrible cost.
Question 3
Where does Ollie's school trip go, leading her to discover graves related to the book?
- Darkwood Forest
- Riverside Park
- Smoke Hollow
- Whispering Pines Farm
Show answer
C. Smoke Hollow The school trip to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history, is where Ollie finds the graves of Beth and the brothers from the book, connecting the story to reality.
Question 4
What happens to Ollie's digital wristwatch during the bus breakdown?
- It starts glowing with a mysterious light
- It displays a countdown and the message 'RUN'
- It stops working completely
- It shows the time of her mother's death
Show answer
B. It displays a countdown and the message 'RUN' Ollie's previously broken wristwatch, a keepsake from better times, suddenly starts a countdown and shows 'RUN,' serving as a supernatural warning of danger.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT part of the bus driver's advice to the children?
- 'Best get moving'
- 'At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you'
- 'Stay together at all times'
- 'Avoid large places. Keep to small'
Show answer
C. 'Stay together at all times' The bus driver warns the children to move quickly, explains the danger at nightfall, and advises avoiding large places, but does not explicitly tell them to stay together.
Question 6
What is the central theme related to Ollie's character development in the book?
- Overcoming grief through friendship and courage
- Learning to trust authority figures
- Embracing technology over superstition
- Discovering the importance of academic success
Show answer
A. Overcoming grief through friendship and courage After suffering a tragic loss, Ollie initially withdraws into books, but through her adventure with classmates, she learns to cope with grief by building connections and facing fears bravely.
Question 7
Why does Ollie initially relate to the story in the book she steals?
- It reminds her of a family vacation
- It features a character who also loves reading
- It involves themes of loss and supernatural deals
- It is set in her hometown
Show answer
C. It involves themes of loss and supernatural deals Ollie is captivated by the tale of Beth and the smiling man because it echoes her own experience with loss and the desperate wishes that can arise from tragedy.
Question 8
What ominous detail do Ollie and her friends notice as they head into the woods after the bus breakdown?
- The trees seem to whisper warnings
- Scarecrows in a field appear to be watching them
- The ground shakes with each step
- Their shadows move independently
Show answer
B. Scarecrows in a field appear to be watching them As the trio ventures into the woods, they pass a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them, adding to the creepy atmosphere and hinting at supernatural surveillance.
Question 9
In the book's story about Beth, what is the 'ultimate price' of the smiling man's deal?
- The loss of one's memories
- Eternal servitude to the smiling man
- The souls of those involved in the wish
- A lifetime of bad luck
Show answer
C. The souls of those involved in the wish The smiling man grants wishes but demands the souls of the people involved as the ultimate price, as seen in the tragic outcome for Beth and the brothers in the story.
Question 10
How does the setting of Smoke Hollow contribute to the book's eerie mood?
- It is a brightly lit, modern farm that contrasts with the darkness
- Its haunting history and graves directly tie to the supernatural events
- It is located in a bustling city, making the isolation unexpected
- It has no connection to the plot, serving only as a backdrop
Show answer
B. Its haunting history and graves directly tie to the supernatural events Smoke Hollow's history as a place with graves linked to the smiling man story blurs the line between past and present, creating a sense of dread and making the supernatural threats feel real and imminent.
Small Spaces FAQ
What is 'Small Spaces' by Katherine Arden about?
'Small Spaces' follows eleven-year-old Ollie, who steals a mysterious book from a woman at a river. The book tells a chilling story about a girl named Beth, two brothers who loved her, and a sinister 'smiling man' who grants wishes for a terrible price. When Ollie's school trip to Smoke Hollow farm reveals graves matching the book's characters, her bus breaks down, and she must flee with two classmates as nightfall brings supernatural threats, guided only by cryptic warnings to 'avoid large places, keep to small.'
Why should I read 'Small Spaces'?
This book is a perfect blend of fantasy, mystery, and horror for middle-grade readers, with a gripping plot that keeps you on edge. Katherine Arden's atmospheric writing creates a creepy, immersive world where Ollie's journey through grief and bravery resonates emotionally. The unique premise of a story-within-a-story, combined with supernatural elements like the smiling man and haunted scarecrows, makes it a memorable and spine-tingling read.
What is the background/setting of 'Small Spaces'?
The story is set in a small New England town, with key locations including a river where Ollie finds the book, Smoke Hollow farm with its haunted history, and the surrounding woods filled with watchful scarecrows. The setting shifts from ordinary school life to a supernatural nightmare as Ollie and her classmates navigate the eerie landscape after their bus breaks down, emphasizing themes of isolation and hidden dangers in familiar places.
What are the most memorable quotes from 'Small Spaces'?
Key quotes include the bus driver's warning: 'Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you,' and his cryptic advice: 'Avoid large places. Keep to small.' Ollie's digital watch message, 'RUN,' adds urgency, while the book's tale hints at the smiling man's deal: 'He grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.' These lines underscore the book's tension and mystical rules.
What writing style does Katherine Arden use in 'Small Spaces'?
Arden employs a descriptive, atmospheric style that blends middle-grade accessibility with eerie horror elements. She uses vivid imagery to create suspense, such as the scarecrows 'watching' the children, and integrates the book-within-a-book device to layer stories. The prose is fast-paced during action scenes, like the countdown from Ollie's watch, while delving into Ollie's emotional depth regarding her tragic loss.
What minor details add significant meaning in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie's broken digital wristwatch, a keepsake from better times, becomes crucial when it starts a countdown and displays 'RUN,' tying her past grief to the present danger. The scarecrows in the field, which seem to watch the children, subtly hint at the smiling man's influence and the farm's haunted nature. These details enrich the plot by connecting personal memories to supernatural events.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments in 'Small Spaces'?
Early foreshadowing includes the crazed woman at the river threatening to throw the book away, suggesting its dangerous power. The book's story about Beth and the smiling man mirrors Ollie's later experiences at Smoke Hollow, hinting that the tale is true. The bus driver's ominous warnings and the sudden breakdown of the bus prefigure the supernatural threats that emerge at nightfall.
What unexpected character connections exist in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie discovers that the graves at Smoke Hollow belong to the characters from the stolen book—Beth and the two brothers—linking the historical tragedy to her current predicament. The smiling man, introduced in the book's tale, manifests in the real world, connecting the past deal with the present danger. Ollie's classmates, who join her escape, reveal shared vulnerabilities that strengthen their bond against the threat.
What are unspoken character motivations in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie is motivated by unresolved grief from a tragic loss, which drives her to seek solace in books and act impulsively to save the mysterious one. The smiling man's motivation is rooted in a desire to trap souls through deceptive wishes, as seen in Beth's story. The bus driver's cryptic help suggests a hidden knowledge or past encounter with the supernatural, though his reasons are never fully explained.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie shows resilience masking deep sorrow, using bravery as a coping mechanism after her loss. The smiling man represents a manipulative force that preys on desperate wishes, reflecting themes of temptation and consequence. Ollie's classmates, initially skeptical, develop trust and fear as they face the supernatural, highlighting how trauma can forge unexpected alliances and personal growth.
What are the major emotional turning points in 'Small Spaces'?
Key emotional turns include Ollie stealing the book, which ignites her curiosity and danger; discovering the graves at Smoke Hollow, which confirms the story's reality and heightens her fear; and the bus breakdown, forcing her to lead her classmates into the woods. The climax involves confronting the smiling man and unraveling the truth behind Beth's deal, leading to Ollie's catharsis about her own grief.
How do relationship dynamics evolve in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie starts as a solitary figure, isolated by her grief, but forms a bond with two classmates during the escape, transitioning from distrust to teamwork. Their shared peril strengthens their friendship, as they rely on each other to survive. The dynamic with the smiling man shifts from a distant legend to a direct antagonist, forcing Ollie to confront external and internal fears.
Which parts of 'Small Spaces' remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The origin and full nature of the smiling man are left mysterious, with his rules and existence only partially explained through Beth's story. The bus driver's backstory and how he knows about the threats are never detailed, adding an enigmatic layer. The aftermath of Ollie's journey leaves some questions about the long-term impact of the supernatural events on the town and characters.
What are controversial scenes or decisions in 'Small Spaces'?
Ollie's decision to steal the book from the crazed woman could be seen as reckless, putting her in danger. The smiling man's deal, which grants wishes at a terrible cost, raises ethical dilemmas about desire and sacrifice. Some readers might debate the children's choice to flee into the woods instead of staying with the bus, given the unknown threats, highlighting themes of trust and survival.
'Small Spaces' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The ending sees Ollie and her friends confronting the smiling man and breaking his cycle by rejecting his deals, using the 'avoid large places, keep to small' advice to navigate the supernatural rules. Ollie gains closure regarding her loss, symbolized by her watch stopping its countdown. It suggests that facing fears and valuing connections over wishes leads to freedom, with the farm's haunting resolved but the smiling man's legend lingering as a cautionary tale.
About the author
Katherine Arden is an American author known for her works of fiction that blend elements of fantasy and folklore. Her notable books include "The Bear and the Nightingale," "The Winter of the Witch," and "Small Spaces," which showcase her talent for creating immersive, atmospheric narratives. Arden's writing often draws on historical settings and rich cultural traditions.
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