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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I admit, I spent the first half of this book (which I actually read for a class) trying to figure out why Brooks decided to use "Little Women" as a context for her book. Eventually, I found it didn't really matter--not because the book can or should stand by itself (it probably can, but it needn't), but because I was really most interested in the little bits of information about Jo, or Meg, or Amy, or Beth that were scattered throughout their father's narration. The historical detail in March is interesting, but as I read it, I felt it needed a broader canvas. It's supposed to be the intimate first-person perspective of one man, a man confronted with his own (mostly internal and ethical) reactions to the Civil War, but I found myself totally ambivalent toward him. On later review, I came to the conclusion I was supposed to feel a little bitter toward him, and I suspect Brooks wrote the book with a feminist slant.
It was only when Marmee's perspective suddenly jumped into the narrative toward the end of the book that I felt truly engaged by the novel, and it wasn't that I was more interested in Marmee's thoughts, or that I was already inclined to be sympathetic toward her because of "Little Women," it was that Marmee's perspective contradicted her husband's.
I was quite satisfied with the way the book ended, but I think the fact that the book absolutely cannot do without Marmee's brief first-person perspective highlights a larger structural problem.
It was only when Marmee's perspective suddenly jumped into the narrative toward the end of the book that I felt truly engaged by the novel, and it wasn't that I was more interested in Marmee's thoughts, or that I was already inclined to be sympathetic toward her because of "Little Women," it was that Marmee's perspective contradicted her husband's.
I was quite satisfied with the way the book ended, but I think the fact that the book absolutely cannot do without Marmee's brief first-person perspective highlights a larger structural problem.
I (embarrassingly) have actually never read Little Women but was nonetheless moved by this novel, especially by the chapters from Marmee's perspective. The poignancy of missed communication between spouses is not lost today. An interesting lens into the Civil War. Would recommend!
It started slow but picked up towards the middle
It could be read as a stand alone book but knowing the story of Little Women would help
It could be read as a stand alone book but knowing the story of Little Women would help
I found March rather self-indulgent in his narration of the story. I felt he placed too much importance on himself and the effect he had on others. I think my dislike for March resulted in me not really enjoying the book.
Remember Mr. March from Little Women? This book tells his story, a story only alluded to in Little Women. Mr. March is husband to Marmee and father to Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. For the better part of Little Women, the reader doesn’t know much about him because he is away serving as a chaplain for the Union forces in the Civil War. The little that is known of him comes mostly from the loving, encouraging letters he sends home to his wife and daughters.
With this little slip of a novel (only 273 pages), Geraldine Brooks picks up what Little Women leaves out, telling an engaging and heartbreaking story from Mr. March’s perspective. While Little Women is idealistic, romanticized and hopeful, March is raw and real. Mr. March bears witness to a gruesome war fought mostly in hand-to-hand combat and rife with disease and suffering. He does not come out unscathed. Who could? The book lays open Mr. March’s internal struggle over his personal inadequacies and failings which plague his thoughts and every decision he makes.
The book explores why it can be so hard for people who love each other to be honest with each other. How protecting loved ones by telling partial truths and hiding personal failings only serves to alienate and and cripple relationships. These characters are fictional and this story took place long ago, but Brooks captures something true here that could be said of any marriage or relationship in any age.
PS The movie, Little Women, is coming out soon and appears to be loaded with talented actors. Who is planning to see it?
With this little slip of a novel (only 273 pages), Geraldine Brooks picks up what Little Women leaves out, telling an engaging and heartbreaking story from Mr. March’s perspective. While Little Women is idealistic, romanticized and hopeful, March is raw and real. Mr. March bears witness to a gruesome war fought mostly in hand-to-hand combat and rife with disease and suffering. He does not come out unscathed. Who could? The book lays open Mr. March’s internal struggle over his personal inadequacies and failings which plague his thoughts and every decision he makes.
The book explores why it can be so hard for people who love each other to be honest with each other. How protecting loved ones by telling partial truths and hiding personal failings only serves to alienate and and cripple relationships. These characters are fictional and this story took place long ago, but Brooks captures something true here that could be said of any marriage or relationship in any age.
PS The movie, Little Women, is coming out soon and appears to be loaded with talented actors. Who is planning to see it?
Julia and I are reading "Little Women" right now so this book was particularly timely. I'm not sure I "buy" the author's version of events but it was a well-written and kept my attention.
Geraldine Brooks has written some of the few historical fiction novels I have enjoyed. While the writing was astonishing, I struggled some with the voice of the narrator. The few chapters in which the book is told from another's point of view made this book for me.
This novel is the story of the father from "Little Women" and puts a new light on the classic novel that we ll loved as young girls. Brooks describes the idolized father as being simply human. And while it is giving the reader a new perspective on "Little Women," it is also a sad and moving story of the Civil War. This book does not need to be read by only those who have read Alcott's novel, it is just as good for those who are unfamiliar the March sisters. But if you love Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy and their angelic mother, you very may like "March."
not my favorite book.
i think that i love love love little women so much..this book had too much blasphemy in it for me to accept it as a good story.
and i HATED mr. march. it ruins little women for me if i hate him..so i can't hat him. but i hate him after reading this book!
if you like little women, i'm not sure this is the book for you. bleh bleh bleh.
i think that i love love love little women so much..this book had too much blasphemy in it for me to accept it as a good story.
and i HATED mr. march. it ruins little women for me if i hate him..so i can't hat him. but i hate him after reading this book!
if you like little women, i'm not sure this is the book for you. bleh bleh bleh.
I liked this perspective on the Civil War. Peaceful action, best intentions, unintended results. Life and what is right and what we should do about it is complicated!