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callieisreading's review against another edition
3.0
Not nearly as good as Little Women (obviously), but an interesting look at LMA as a young writer (only 17). Overly romantic and... flouncy for me, but short enough to keep it fun, rather than a chore.
lindseysparks's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fun quick read. It's one of her early stories and it shows how she can tell a story, even when the characters aren't overly developed and there's not a lot of depth. This is just a fun sentimental soap opera type story that is entertaining and manages to not make you hate the overly good main character.
corvinaq's review against another edition
1.0
One of the most revolting books I have ever read. I find I do not care very much for the "women suffering in silence" genre and this book is as nauseating as it is unsatisfying and neutered. Except for the villain, every character in this book is weak and cowardly and I couldn't stand any of them.
tariqah's review against another edition
2.0
At first, I couldn't understand why such a story even reached public shelves; it was predictable, exaggeratingly dramatic, and painstakingly romantic. However, my dismay eased a bit when I realized that Louis May Alcott was only seventeen when she wrote it, and that it was her first. As @Laura stated, "only a seventeen year old could write this book" and given that it was first published in 1849, only then would it receive as much praise as it did.
I can appreciate the protagonist's sense of morality and dignity; she didn't melt like butter when blamed for the missing money or even stutter under the nasty glare of Lady Hamilton. In fact, she was a polished example of a young warrior, arguing her innocence yet keeping the promise she made to Louis' mother on her deathbed. Thanks for not giving us a damsel-in-distress who would have cried for forgiveness for something she didn't do, Alcott.
However, the fun of the story quickly dissipated when Louis was oh-so-touched by Edith's kindness and confessed everything that he might not even have been a witness to. Was Louis really snooping around Lady Ida's bedroom to find her announcing her plans for Edith and watching Edith's precious moment with her father's will only to get proof of both occurrences?
Oh yeah-- and then Lady Ida and Edith totally become friends thanks to Edith.
In summary, this is far from impressive, but for the first novel of a teenager in the 18th century, it's mediocre at best.
I can appreciate the protagonist's sense of morality and dignity; she didn't melt like butter when blamed for the missing money or even stutter under the nasty glare of Lady Hamilton. In fact, she was a polished example of a young warrior, arguing her innocence yet keeping the promise she made to Louis' mother on her deathbed. Thanks for not giving us a damsel-in-distress who would have cried for forgiveness for something she didn't do, Alcott.
However, the fun of the story quickly dissipated when Louis was oh-so-touched by Edith's kindness and confessed everything that he might not even have been a witness to. Was Louis really snooping around Lady Ida's bedroom to find her announcing her plans for Edith and watching Edith's precious moment with her father's will only to get proof of both occurrences?
Oh yeah-- and then Lady Ida and Edith totally become friends thanks to Edith.
In summary, this is far from impressive, but for the first novel of a teenager in the 18th century, it's mediocre at best.
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
This is a sweet story only made good by the fact that it's related to Alcott's book Little Women.
thebookwormsfeast's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I have not read Little Women, so I do not know how it compares - but I did enjoy this story, and it is such quick reading.
I have not read Little Women, so I do not know how it compares - but I did enjoy this story, and it is such quick reading.
maddie_hollar's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love this book. I’ve read it two or three times, and oh my gosh if you want something heartwarming and blessedly short please please please choose this.
marylouh's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 3.5 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
Please note, this novel was set in Jane Austen's England. I was watching a made for TV movie and saw that the screenplay was based on a novel written by Louisa May Alcott. What???!!! I had never heard of this novel and soon found out that it had been discovered after her death. It is a great story about a woman and her right to her inheritance. Alcott wrote this at 17, and it is well-written.
(Review Not on Blog)
Please note, this novel was set in Jane Austen's England. I was watching a made for TV movie and saw that the screenplay was based on a novel written by Louisa May Alcott. What???!!! I had never heard of this novel and soon found out that it had been discovered after her death. It is a great story about a woman and her right to her inheritance. Alcott wrote this at 17, and it is well-written.