Little Women

Hello and welcome back to All About Books. Today, I'm going to review an old classic. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

"Christmas won't be Christmas without presents." Is one of the most famous openings to a book in history. Josephine March's complaint is the beginning of this sweet, heart-felt classic.

Josephine "Jo" March is the fictional Louisa May Alcott. This tall, angular girl is part of the comedic light of the story. She's more like a boy, passing her time by whistling, walking around with her hands behind her back, and talking slang. She is an image of a girl growing into a young woman and not liking it.

This lines up a conversation between the March sisters about their Christmas without presents, or their father. He was "where the fighting was".

The March sisters were growing up in Concord, MA during the Civil War. Their father was there, but I can't remember what he did. They knew they wouldn't have him for many months, and perhaps never. Meg is next to speak.

Margaret "Meg" March is the eldest March sister. She remembers a time when her family was rich, and they had no worries. But, after an incident with helping a poor friend, lost most of their money. She complains constantly about being poor, and often dreams of living in the lap of luxury forever.

Cheerful Beth tries to brighten their spirits. Elizabeth "Beth" March is the third oldest of the girls. She is sweet, selfless, and all together happy with the world. She dedicates herself to housework and her music. Her only wish is to be loved and get a fancy piano.

Last, but certainly not least, is Amy. She's the youngest of her sisters. She thinks herself "a very important person". She can be vain at times, but often catches herself. She is called Raphael 2, because she has a talent in art. She likes to spend her time sketching, or making clay figures.

All of these girls have their own little hopes and dreams. That night, when they were complaining, their father wrote them that when he comes home he hope to be even prouder of his "little women". When the sisters read that, they each make a resolution to be good and what his father likes to call his "little women" and is proud of.

Throughout the years, the girls learn about friendship, tempers, sorrow, love, and pure happiness. Through tragedy, and excitement, they never lose sight of their love for each other.

Little Women is actually made up of two parts. Louisa May Alcott wrote two books that make it up. Good Wives is considered part two of Little Women.

This book is sweet, down-to-earth, and funny. I hope all ages get to read it. I absolutely love this book. I hope you will learn to love it, too.