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daumari's review against another edition
3.0
Read for The Bière Library Storytime Book Club's December/January pick. Looks like I gave it a 3 upon initial Goodreads ratings when I joined in 2009; I think "liked it" still suffices here though I do have a greater appreciation for it with the first reread out of childhood! As always, I wonder if we should consider then-contemporary novels as historical fiction now because they ARE historical, or simply fiction? idk.
I've finished... part one! Because that's all this edition contains, as Aladdin decided to publish Good Wives separately (flap does suggest ages 8 and above, so I assume this edition is aimed at a middle grade audience and the cartoony cover art would support that). I have checked out LW from my library's digital collection so I can read part 2/[b:Good Wives|78960|Good Wives|Louisa May Alcott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1282713827l/78960._SX50_.jpg|6582437] next to properly finish out, though. Part one ends on a peaceful, hopeful note after a year (bookended by Christmas scenes), which probably would've been fine. Reading half reminded me which events are actually in the back half and honestly? Good for you, Louisa May Alcott for introducing surprises to the reader then when pressed to write sequels.
One of the things we discovered as we've read/discussed this for book club is how LMA didn't actually want to write Little Women initially- it was a request by her publisher to write something for young women, with encouragement from her abolitionist minister father (she preferred to write lurid sensation novels). Jo is definitely something of an author avatar, a writer who would rather focus on her dreams than becoming a demure young lady etc. And while LW ostensibly is here to show coming of age and how the youth can become good people, the four sisters are all distinct with their own personalities, foibles, etc. (except Beth, unless poor health is her negative trait? shyness, maybe). Though contemporary to the 1860s and a period piece to us today, there's something still incredibly timeless about sibling squabbles and the vanities of school fads (pickled limes!), of getting into imaginary adventures with your siblings and your bestie next door.
The other thing I noticed on this reread is how literary/well-read the sisters are, with plenty of references to contemporary literature of the day. One of the girls' secret clubs is the Pickwick Club where they all assume pseudonyms from [b:The Pickwick Papers|229432|The Pickwick Papers|Charles Dickens|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360795072l/229432._SY75_.jpg|3315230] (haven't read yet), with probably references to those characters. Jo regularly comments on what she's reading/borrowing from the Laurence's library next door. When I encounter similar references in literary fic, I do sometimes thing about how it dates/anchors the story into a particular time and place, but that's part of world building and maybe using that cultural shorthand works for readers familiar with references (just provides additional homework to future readers, ha).
I've finished... part one! Because that's all this edition contains, as Aladdin decided to publish Good Wives separately (flap does suggest ages 8 and above, so I assume this edition is aimed at a middle grade audience and the cartoony cover art would support that). I have checked out LW from my library's digital collection so I can read part 2/[b:Good Wives|78960|Good Wives|Louisa May Alcott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1282713827l/78960._SX50_.jpg|6582437] next to properly finish out, though. Part one ends on a peaceful, hopeful note after a year (bookended by Christmas scenes), which probably would've been fine. Reading half reminded me which events are actually in the back half and honestly? Good for you, Louisa May Alcott for introducing surprises to the reader then when pressed to write sequels.
One of the things we discovered as we've read/discussed this for book club is how LMA didn't actually want to write Little Women initially- it was a request by her publisher to write something for young women, with encouragement from her abolitionist minister father (she preferred to write lurid sensation novels). Jo is definitely something of an author avatar, a writer who would rather focus on her dreams than becoming a demure young lady etc. And while LW ostensibly is here to show coming of age and how the youth can become good people, the four sisters are all distinct with their own personalities, foibles, etc. (except Beth, unless poor health is her negative trait? shyness, maybe). Though contemporary to the 1860s and a period piece to us today, there's something still incredibly timeless about sibling squabbles and the vanities of school fads (pickled limes!), of getting into imaginary adventures with your siblings and your bestie next door.
The other thing I noticed on this reread is how literary/well-read the sisters are, with plenty of references to contemporary literature of the day. One of the girls' secret clubs is the Pickwick Club where they all assume pseudonyms from [b:The Pickwick Papers|229432|The Pickwick Papers|Charles Dickens|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360795072l/229432._SY75_.jpg|3315230] (haven't read yet), with probably references to those characters. Jo regularly comments on what she's reading/borrowing from the Laurence's library next door. When I encounter similar references in literary fic, I do sometimes thing about how it dates/anchors the story into a particular time and place, but that's part of world building and maybe using that cultural shorthand works for readers familiar with references (just provides additional homework to future readers, ha).
kcoleman's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
3.0
Read it because it was Rachel Greene's favorite (bet has to do with fact that she two had two sisters). It has its little moments assuning it caters to your idea of light reading but for me, it is just too vanilla.
ashify's review against another edition
5.0
“Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!”
In this delicate little tale, Louisa May Alcott artfully weaves boyhood, passion, trials and triumphs, family and friendships. The story follows the March sisters - Margaret, Josephine, Elizabeth and Amy as they maneuver childhood, tackle adolescence and settle into adulthood. They are surrounded delightful characters of family and friends whose presence taught little lessons all throughout.
In this hearty tale, we meet so many wonderful characters beside the girls, the youthful Laurie, the wonderful old man Laurence, grumpy Aunt March, patient Mr March and kind soul Mrs March. We have Hannah, John and Frederick. We have the next generation of the March girls. Every character embodied flaws and perfections and each became so dear to me. It felt like I have see old friends prosper as I finished this book and a gave me immense satisfaction.
christina_a_f's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Color me surprised that Pilgrim’s Progress played such a huge role in this??? I read a “child friendly” version of this as a kid and it was one of my favorites then, and it’s even better now. Lots of important lessons that were just as timely in modern day as they were in the 1860s.
But also someone please point me to a Jo x Laurie they-end-up-together au fanfic, because I was literally *in tears* when she rejected him?? I was like. This cannot be???
But otherwise a delectable read.
But also someone please point me to a Jo x Laurie they-end-up-together au fanfic, because I was literally *in tears* when she rejected him?? I was like. This cannot be???
But otherwise a delectable read.
guada13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shabab's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
krista114's review against another edition
4.0
Filled with so much wisdom and kindness, so glad I finally got around to reading it! Laurie’s romance broke my heart though so 4 stars it is
janet_haviland's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Absolutely adored the first 75%. The wrap up I didn’t love as much (some of it was due to outdated societal roles, some of it was feeling no connection or fondness for Prof Bhaer, some of it was just not liking the wrap up that much), but was otherwise so fond of the stories and relationships.
lina_harrysversion's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This became one of my favourite books!
Every chapter radiates love and the passion with which Alcott wrote the story and each character is crafted so beautifully. I truly admire everyone's appreciation and hopeful perspective on life and can't express my love for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy enough!
Every chapter radiates love and the passion with which Alcott wrote the story and each character is crafted so beautifully. I truly admire everyone's appreciation and hopeful perspective on life and can't express my love for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy enough!