Reviews

After I had such high hopes for Little Women, I must sadly report that I feel kind of lukewarm about it. To be fair, it had a couple of very sweet moments that even managed to bring tears to my eyes a couple of times. Also, one can't dispute some feminist value in at least showing several different paths a woman might choose to take in 19th century America - although in the end only one seems to be deemed right. Take a wild guess as to which one that might be.

All in all I think the story could have used a little more direction. That is the trouble with tales that are as close to home as this one - it is much more difficult to see which of the scenes actually drive the story and which ones are just there for their sentimental value. This brings me to the character of Beth, because nothing makes her fate more obvious than the saintlike portrayal of her character, which is obviously a very intense case of idolization of the dead on Alcott's part.

Now, that probably wouldn't even have been so bad, had she narrated the story from Jo's point of view – in which she obviously portrayed herself to a significant extend. Though I guess that was quite a novel fashion back then, and besides might have brought about some new hazards with the story already being as close to a memoir as it is. However, as it stands, the omniscient narrator just can't sell Beth's character. Speaking of which, the morals basically slapped in your face at every turn of the page where a bit hard to swallow for my 21st century mind, and made the narrator sound all the more patronizing and very annoying.

rubyreadssometimes's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

maermaer's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-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

tbhyknow's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It's an interesting read, though it's been so long since I've read it and barely got notes on it because of how careless I was. Very light-hearted and easy to read (finished in a span of 3 days), can get emotional and a but dark at times, but it's the perfect mix.

cadenceboudreaux's review against another edition

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5.0

i am not a poet , i’m just a woman

avalete's review against another edition

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5.0

I really struggled getting into this one and it didn’t have me until the very last chapter. It’s 4 stars for me, but I would be remiss not to acknowledge the importance of the book in both literary and cultural circles, so I’ve bumped it up to 5 stars, not that it isn’t deserving of that rating. I’m sure the March girls will linger in the little moments of my life, as they’re surely not going to leave me after the end of their story.

jenmangler's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the first book I read twice. Well, I've read it lots more than twice, but it's the first one I ever wanted to read over. The March sisters were amongst my dearest friends growing up. I loved them (well, not Amy - I really had a hard time liking Amy). I, like so many readers, identified most with Jo. I just got her. I loved her. I wanted to be her. This will always be one of my all time favorite books, and it will be one I return to many more times during my life.

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