by Lousia May Alcott
This is a heartwarming account (loosely based on the author\’s life) of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, growing up absent a father during the Civil War era with a strong-willed mother who teaches them to be moral and kind, independent thinkers and advocates for women\’s rights. Mostly it is a story of family life, squabbles between sisters, the growth of the girls\’ characters as they approach womanhood and marriage and Jo\’s aspirations to be a writer. The characterization is wonderful, the morality lessons are tastefully presented and the tragedy and triumphs of this family has touched many hearts and made this book a classic.
My only regret is that I wish I read Little Women first, instead of after viewing the 1994 film. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but it strongly colored my reading of the book. For once I found it annoying instead of admirable that the script stuck close to the original text, because as I was reading I kept picturing the scenes from the film, instead of re-creating it in my mind. It rather spoiled the reading experience for me, which is why I had to give this book 3 stars. I think I\’ll wait ten years and read it again, maybe I\’ll have forgotten most of the film by that time.
Read more reviews at:
Book Chronicle