Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Book Review: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Edition Details:

• E-book: Kobo, Public Domain, 449 pages, English edition
• Audiobook: Storytel and InAudio, 19 hours, English edition
• Narrator: Erin Bateman

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

★★★★☆

Blurb:

"Little Women" follows the lives of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—during the American Civil War. The novel details their journey from childhood to adulthood, capturing their adventures, struggles, and the bond they share. Despite financial difficulties and their father's absence due to the war, the sisters find joy and strength in each other and their dreams, including Jo's aspiration to become a writer.

Audiobook Blurb:

The audiobook version of "Little Women" highlights the sisters' dynamic personalities and their growth through love, loss, and life's trials. Narrator Erin Bateman brings to life the timeless themes and emotions that make this classic novel resonate across generations.

Review:

Spoiler Alert!

Reading "Little Women" was a significant accomplishment for me, as I engaged with both the e-book and audiobook versions in English. While classics can be time-consuming, they offer a unique challenge and timeless relevance.

During my reading journey, I encountered numerous spoilers, which are almost inevitable with such well-known classics. Despite this, I found the story of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—deeply engaging. The narrative spans their childhood to young adulthood, primarily through Jo's perspective. At around 19 hours, the audiobook was extensive but enriching.

The spoilers didn't dampen my enjoyment; in fact, they prompted me to explore the author's background. Louisa May Alcott's life parallels the novel's events, as she also had a close-knit family, a passion for writing, and experiences that inspired her characters and stories. Interestingly, unlike her character Jo, Alcott never married, but she did take care of her niece after her sister's death.

Finishing "Little Women" took me almost three years. After reading, I watched the latest film adaptation, starring Saoirse Ronan as Jo. The movie's non-linear narrative was initially confusing, especially as it began with events from the second book. However, this structure kept the story fresh and engaging.

The film's ending, while slightly open-ended, aligned with the book's conclusion. Jo's story in the movie also merges with Alcott's real-life experiences, highlighting the author's influence on the character. Despite some differences, such as Jo's eventual marriage (at her editor's request), the film stayed true to the book's spirit.

Watching the movie, I found myself emotionally invested, particularly in Beth's storyline. Reading the book beforehand enhanced my emotional connection to the film. Overall, both the book and its adaptation left a lasting impression on me.

About the Author:

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Raised in Boston and Concord, Massachusetts, she was influenced by her father, Bronson Alcott, and prominent intellectuals like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. A tomboy with a passion for writing, Alcott published over 30 books and collections of stories. "Little Women," based on her own family experiences, remains her most celebrated work. Alcott's dedication to her family and her determination to succeed in a society with limited opportunities for women are reflected in her enduring legacy.