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23.1k reviews for:

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott

4.1 AVERAGE

momentaryhorrors's profile picture

momentaryhorrors's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

switched to audiobook format
adventurous relaxing slow-paced
Loveable characters: Yes

4.75 stars! This was sweet! There was something timeless and endearing about the writing, and I really loved a lot of the themes and events from this book! It felt like a warm hug and will have a place in my heart. But some of the themes covered in this book were a little bit sexist/ableist and made me uncomfortable. However, I still love this book while also being midnful of its flaws and taking them as a lesson for the future. It is my firm belief that none of this book's adaptations did it justice! It was so multi-layered and enchanting. I understand that this book is not for everyone, but I fell in love with it, although it did take me FOREVER!
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

„Little Women“ is a timeless coming-of-age novel that has charmed generations of readers with its warmth, realism, and deeply human characters. Set in New England during and after the American Civil War, the story follows the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy —as they grow from adolescence into adulthood, navigating personal ambition, family duty, love, loss, and societal expectations.

At its heart, „Little Women“ is both a portrait of sisterhood and a quietly revolutionary feminist work. Each sister embodies different virtues and flaws: Meg, the responsible and domestic; Jo, the spirited and ambitious writer; Beth, the shy and gentle soul; and Amy, the artistic and socially aspirational. Their interactions feel authentic and affectionate, full of teasing, tenderness, and growth. The March household, though often financially strained, overflows with love and moral grounding thanks to the wise and strong-willed matriarch, Marmee.

The novel shines in its character development. Jo March stands out as a particularly memorable heroine: bold, independent, and at odds with the limited roles available to women of her time. Alcott herself, a feminist and abolitionist, clearly infused Jo with aspects of her own personality. Through Jo’s struggles— with career, identity, and the pressure to marry — Alcott raises questions about what it means for a woman to live a fulfilling life, long before this was a mainstream literary concern.

The tone of the book shifts from charming childhood anecdotes in the first half to more serious themes of maturity, grief, and self-sacrifice in the second. While some modern readers might find the moral lessons overt or the pacing slower than contemporary novels, Little Women rewards patience with emotional depth and quiet power.

Alcott’s prose is simple yet evocative, well-suited to the domestic setting and emotional nuance of the story. The narrative may feel idealistic at times, but it never becomes saccharine; instead, it celebrates resilience, compassion, and the hard-won victories of ordinary lives.

„Little Women“ remains a classic for good reason: it is heartfelt, insightful, and deeply human. It speaks not only to the challenges of growing up but also to the quiet courage it takes to live authentically. Whether you read it as a historical snapshot, a feminist milestone, or a family drama, it continues to resonate — with readers young and old alike.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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: No

This is a feel-good book and I love it
reflective sad slow-paced
funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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
slow-paced
slow-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

Enjoyable to reread. A sweet and tender story