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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This is one of those books that I feel like I should've read years ago, but for some reason I just never did. Which is strange because I love the 2019 film adaptation of the novel, so I definitely should've picked it up sooner! I got a really gorgeous copy for Christmas and I figured it was finally time to read it. It took me so long to finish it, but I managed to do it! Here is my review. Like always, there are spoilers ahead.
Little Women is one of those classics that truly does stand the test of time in terms of its relatability. Alcott has managed to capture the essence and beauty of womanhood here, and it is so realistic and wonderful that so many women today can still see themselves in these characters. My favourite of the March sisters is Jo - as a writer myself, I relate to so many aspects of her character and I think that she has some of the funniest lines. It's so refreshing to see a character like her in a classic book! On top of this, I think that the atmosphere that this book creates is so comforting. I understand why so many people re-read this book, from the reviews I've read online. It is so warm and has this sense of 'coming home' to it. So many classics are focused on religion, philosophy, social commentary - and whilst Little Women have elements like this sprinkled in - at its heart this story is simple and human and that is part of what makes it so beautiful.
However, this was quite a long read for me, and is one of those classics that I had to read alongside other things so that I didn't fall into a reading slump. This isn't a comment to the quality of the storytelling - Alcott consistently entertains and explores the world she crafts and doesn't fail to leave the reader behind - but it did take me so long that towards the end I did just want things to hurry up. Overall though, this was an easy classic to understand in terms of its language. It is probably one I'd recommend to people wanting to get into reading classic novels.
This is one of those books that I feel like I should've read years ago, but for some reason I just never did. Which is strange because I love the 2019 film adaptation of the novel, so I definitely should've picked it up sooner! I got a really gorgeous copy for Christmas and I figured it was finally time to read it. It took me so long to finish it, but I managed to do it! Here is my review. Like always, there are spoilers ahead.
Little Women is one of those classics that truly does stand the test of time in terms of its relatability. Alcott has managed to capture the essence and beauty of womanhood here, and it is so realistic and wonderful that so many women today can still see themselves in these characters. My favourite of the March sisters is Jo - as a writer myself, I relate to so many aspects of her character and I think that she has some of the funniest lines. It's so refreshing to see a character like her in a classic book! On top of this, I think that the atmosphere that this book creates is so comforting. I understand why so many people re-read this book, from the reviews I've read online. It is so warm and has this sense of 'coming home' to it. So many classics are focused on religion, philosophy, social commentary - and whilst Little Women have elements like this sprinkled in - at its heart this story is simple and human and that is part of what makes it so beautiful.
However, this was quite a long read for me, and is one of those classics that I had to read alongside other things so that I didn't fall into a reading slump. This isn't a comment to the quality of the storytelling - Alcott consistently entertains and explores the world she crafts and doesn't fail to leave the reader behind - but it did take me so long that towards the end I did just want things to hurry up. Overall though, this was an easy classic to understand in terms of its language. It is probably one I'd recommend to people wanting to get into reading classic novels.
I was like nine years old when I met Jo March. I wore my brothers' hand-me-downs, never brushed my hair, and hated that special occasions required dresses and tangle-taming. Jo was my first literary
"kindred spirit". I will love her and Laurie and this book forever.
"kindred spirit". I will love her and Laurie and this book forever.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is a re-read. I absolutely love this story and there are many reasons why, each time I read this at different times/age during my life I see how my view points change with each time. As a young girl I was such a Jo and Laurie fan, however the older I get there are moments throughout this book that I tend to lean more of an Amy and Laurie fan.
Though the ending we see Jo marry when she stated she was never going to and did not see that future. I feel that with the ending she did she was able to have more of an independent marriage than she would have with Laurie.
With Laurie being in the place in society he is personally it made sense that Amy was who he chose in the end. There are multiple layers that go with that sector and there are little moments within the story line that I could see them being a great partnership.
As I get older I will see how my view point changes as well.
Also I still sob when Beth dies, each and every time.
Though the ending we see Jo marry when she stated she was never going to and did not see that future. I feel that with the ending she did she was able to have more of an independent marriage than she would have with Laurie.
With Laurie being in the place in society he is personally it made sense that Amy was who he chose in the end. There are multiple layers that go with that sector and there are little moments within the story line that I could see them being a great partnership.
As I get older I will see how my view point changes as well.
Also I still sob when Beth dies, each and every time.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my favorite book ever! My grandmother got a copy for me when I was young for Christmas. I loved the sisterly bond the Marches had. My copy ended after Father came home from the war. I didn't know there was more to the story until I was discussing it with a friend years later and she mentioned Jo meeting Mr. Baer. I had no idea what she was talking about. She lent me her copy and a cried my eyes out. I couldn't believe how much of the story I missed! It was a wonderful, emotional journey completing the story.
emotional
hopeful
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
I thought I would give this book more stars as it is right up my alley in terms of genre and time period. Little Women is adorable with the sweetest most charming little characters. At its high points, it is a delightful read full of good feelings and tenderness. But I think it is interesting how Alcott keeps remarking on Jo’s writing being criticized for its moral spiels. I think this is a criticism she likely received herself as several chapters seemed not really to add to the plot and were frankly boring. I’m referring to the chapters where Amy has her dinner party, the one where they go on calls, and the one about Daisy and Demi in particular. They could have been cut out, and I would not have missed them. Some of Alcott’s advice too was difficult to swallow particularly as it was so gendered, but I suppose it was written at a different time period. My last bit of criticism is that I feel like she “broke” Jo in the end of the story. I don’t mind that she got married. I like her and the professor together. However, she went from being such a wild and free spirit to being “Mother Bhaer” and that was just very disappointing to me.