Scan barcode
lindseyhall44's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When writing this review, I tried to embrace my inner Jo March and “let genius burn,” as she so fiercely put it. Everything discussed will be spoiler free of course, I just couldn’t think of a better beginning than quoting such a beloved feminist character. To be honest, I wasn’t prepared to be so affected by the novel, especially since there is minimal plot. However, I was enraptured, which speaks volumes of Alcott’s writing and character development.
The gender roles regulated by society during the civil war times are one catalyst for the term “little women,” but also the social commentary on class and wealth, which will always be a desired goal no matter the time period. During the 1860’s, each sister becomes a governess in their own way in order to support the family, progressing into womanhood at a quick rate. Though the March sisters grow up under the same intellectual hand, each has various aspirations which diverge difference roads for different women. There’s Beth (my personal favorite), Amy, Meg, and Jo, as we gain unique perspectives on what being a girl-and eventually a women- really means to them. While morals direct many points of this book, I truly understand why Little Women is a passed on classic. The writing may take a moment to get used to, but I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a wholesome read or want to get into classics.
*I usually don’t rate classics but this one felt different:)
The gender roles regulated by society during the civil war times are one catalyst for the term “little women,” but also the social commentary on class and wealth, which will always be a desired goal no matter the time period. During the 1860’s, each sister becomes a governess in their own way in order to support the family, progressing into womanhood at a quick rate. Though the March sisters grow up under the same intellectual hand, each has various aspirations which diverge difference roads for different women. There’s Beth (my personal favorite), Amy, Meg, and Jo, as we gain unique perspectives on what being a girl-and eventually a women- really means to them. While morals direct many points of this book, I truly understand why Little Women is a passed on classic. The writing may take a moment to get used to, but I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a wholesome read or want to get into classics.
*I usually don’t rate classics but this one felt different:)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Pregnancy and War
jpisano's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexism, Terminal illness, Grief, and Pregnancy
dorothysbookshelf's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Child death, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and War
grizzlysnack's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexism, and Terminal illness
zombiezami's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Read this so I can watch the most recent film adaptation. I see while people like this, but it's not for me. I did like the character studies, though, particularly Jo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Sexism, and Medical content
Minor: Slavery, Violence, Antisemitism, and War
death of a sibling, romantic rejectionbooksjessreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of my absolute favourite classics. Louisa May Alcott has made a novel full of love, friendship and the importance of family. The way the March sisters interact with each other is honestly one of the most heart-warming parts of the book. Their closeness, their empathy for one another, the way they work together for the strength and betterment of their family life, is honestly so wonderful and fills my heart with so much love!
Jo and Amy were my two favourite sisters and their stories intrigued me the most, although the novel isn't complete without the interlacing of all their narratives as they grow from children to women. I would class this as a cute, cosy wintery read and I will definitely be re-reading this for years.
Jo and Amy were my two favourite sisters and their stories intrigued me the most, although the novel isn't complete without the interlacing of all their narratives as they grow from children to women. I would class this as a cute, cosy wintery read and I will definitely be re-reading this for years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
aaaaaaaaa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
not very into this book. the story is fantastic, it’s a classic for a reason, but the writing is just unbearable to me. the greta gerwig adaption tells the story better than 600 pages of lectures from miss louisa. also jo is gay cry about it haters!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, and Terminal illness
frumpkin_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, and Death
josefinceh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Little women tell the story of the March family, mainly Jo and her four sisters (Meg, Beth and Amy) as well as the Laurence family next door, over the course of 15 years from the girls being teenagers to way into adulthood. The story discusses themes such as family, love, ambition/dreams and class/poverty. Most of all, the book is about being grateful for the things you do have in life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and exploring the character and relationships between the four sisters. The entire story has this romantic feel to it, treasuring every moment like it would be the last. You get a great connection to all the characters and the ups and downs of their lives. Even the part that I've heard a lot of complaints about ( When Jo declines Laurie's proposal and Laurie ends up with Amy in stead ) felt very natural to me. This might be because I already knew what would happen from seeing the film. It is beautifully written, and the dialogue has a lovely rhythm like a classic Hollywood film.
I did find that towards the end the pacing slowed down significantly, frustrating given that the book already has a very slow pace to begin with. The second con with this book comes from its habit of becoming overly preachy at times, especially when dealing with themes like loss, sickness and poverty. This bothered me mainly because I'm not a religious sort of person, but if you have a connection to the Christian faith you might feel different.
I recommend the book to anyone who wants a relaxing, though somewhat emotional at times, read. Or If you have watched any of the film/TV adaptations and want to explore the characters further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Child death
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Violence
A number of instances of ethnic stereotypes, both from the narrator and characters. I didn't notice any of them being specifically derogatory, but still worth taking note.merricatblackwood's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, and Grief
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent