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crystalisreading's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
So Many Beginnings is a solid retelling of Little Women, thoughtful, well-researched, and true to the original story in a way that a lot of retellings of this story aren't, in my opinion. This isn't just a story about 4 sisters living alone with their mom and having adventures and misadventures. It's also the story of a family living in a limbo of uncertainty, as the American Civil War rages on elsewhere. It's about making due with what they have, and relying on each other for strengths and comfort. So Many Beginnings is perhaps more explicit about those themes than the original Little Women, but it still captures the same dynamic, as well as the dynamic of the sisters--Meg, dutiful and kind but trying to find a life for herself, Jo, the brash and "unladylike" writer with ambitions beyond the life she leads, Beth/Bethlehem, the gentle and artistic sister struggling with grave health concerns, and Amy/Amethyst, the beautiful and charismatic youngest child, hungry for accolades and the finer things of life. The dynamics of their developing relationships with the men in their life, their generosity to those in their community, their love and worry for their absent father--all ring true to the original story. Jo's asexual identity adds queer rep to a story already brimming with Black representation, Black history, and Black joy, and feels much more satisfying for her character than pinning her down to domestic bliss as in the original series.
This wasn't necessarily a quick read for me, but I am glad I read it. I learned more Black history, such as the existence of freedmen's colonies in the American South during the War and enjoyed the story, in both its familiarity and its newness. Plus, that cover illustrations is absolutely gorgeous!
#23for23
This wasn't necessarily a quick read for me, but I am glad I read it. I learned more Black history, such as the existence of freedmen's colonies in the American South during the War and enjoyed the story, in both its familiarity and its newness. Plus, that cover illustrations is absolutely gorgeous!
#23for23
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
Moderate: Sexism, War, Chronic illness, and Medical content
Minor: Death
caidyn's review
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed how this book deviated from the original. Black women living in the 1800s in a freed colony. This book looks at colonialism, racism, sexism, and white privilege. Definitely a good read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Slavery
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