Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was an amazing read. Everything ranging from the writing style to the lovable characters made the book immensely enjoyable for me.
I watched the film a few months back, and fell in love with the story immediately. The book was, in my opinion, better than the film (which was amazing). Although both were staggering, I prefer the novel as it has a more detailed plot and draws out the individual characters more than the film does. However, I did enjoy reading key parts of the story and remembering the scenes from the film- as I loved both.
As a standalone novel, it was exceptionally well-written. Alcott is a master storyteller and appears to have a personal connection to the plot (on researching this, she does), as she draws the reader in with her intricate and rich language choices. Although it was written in 1869, the writing is not archaic- as some other novels written in the period are- but easily understandable to the modern reader. Even so, it taught me many new words and was an overly pleasant read.
Another incredible aspect of the novel is the characterisation. Alcott makes us fall in love with the March girls and Laurie (other characters as well) and even more so than the film did. ‘Little Women’ is a history of the March girls and takes the reader through time- starting in the four sisters’ teenage years (part 1) and ranging through to early adulthood and even parenthood (part 2). Alcott describes the girls playing together, having picnics and even acting in younger years, with warm and genial elucidation. Laurie is introduced- and effectively becomes a brother to the March girls, as he plays with and looks after them. Then, in part 2, the girls grow up, overcome various difficulties, and get married (over a number of years) as the reader looks on with satisfaction as the girls’ childhood ‘Castles in the air’ turn out very different to what they actually do.
Overall, Little Women is an incredible read and is one of my favourite books of all time. The way the characters grow up and overcome adversity make It a heart-warming and lovely tale that will have you gripped until the very end. 5*
Congratulations on your launch! The articles are very interesting and it all looks almost professionally laid out. Keep writing!
Great review, Harry! Some provocations to perhaps consider at your leisure:
1) In what ways do you think the American Civil War is another character is this novel? Do we see Alcott make any criticism or comments on it?
2) In what ways does this novel chart the changing understanding of men and women at this time? I think perhaps, again, of the Civil War, and its ramifications on parenting and the social understanding of masculinity and feminimity.
3) This novel has mostly been understood as written in the sentimental genre, a very popular kind of fiction written in the 19th century (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentimental_novel). Is this a fair classification? Does it break with genre tradition in any way, or is this a ‘protest’ sentimental novel in the style of Uncle Tom’s Cabin?
4) How does the movie play with the original novel, and to what end?
This is great, Harry! I read this yesterday, and thought of you: https://electricliterature.com/the-best-part-of-little-women-is-that-it-contains-no-bad-men/