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marleefayek's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A lovely retelling of Louisa May Alcott's life through the lens of writer. Susan Cheever. Informative and ask questions to fill in the gaps of Louisa's life that are unknown. Something about it that is sad and celebratory at the same time, which I think captures the essence of Alcott's writing and the bittersweetness of Little Women. The author also paints the historical events that impacted Louisa's life.
shelfmadewoman's review
Ugh. Finally decided to DNF because so far it’s been all about her dad who I find BORING sorry not sorry. I came here for LOUISA.
In all seriousness, I understand that her father had a lot of impact on her. However, I’m bored to tears reading about it. Moving onto bigger and more engaging things.
In all seriousness, I understand that her father had a lot of impact on her. However, I’m bored to tears reading about it. Moving onto bigger and more engaging things.
uniquereads's review
3.0
This is a biography of Louisa May Alcott's life from start to finish.
What did I like about this book?
I like the mix of history integrated with it. The author showed me what was happening during certain time periods.
What did I like about it?
Do I feel it was well-written? No. There were a few paragraphs that were a struggle to read.
Do I feel the author went overboard? Yes.
Basically, we can't fully comprehend the gravity of Bronson Alcott and Louisa May Alcott's relationship. I feel it was based on pure speculation. Furthermore, where is the proof of Louisa having Bipolar or an autoimmune disease? It was quite possible that all of her ailments stemmed from mercury poisoning which does have lasting effects on the body. That sounds more plausible than the other theories. The only answers we'll truly receive is if they exhume Louisa's body. I don't believe that will happen. There are always three sides to every story. I do feel the author attacked Bronson Alcott. He obviously can't defend himself.
Bottom line...
It was just okay for me. It wasn't great, and it wasn't bad either.
What did I like about this book?
I like the mix of history integrated with it. The author showed me what was happening during certain time periods.
What did I like about it?
Do I feel it was well-written? No. There were a few paragraphs that were a struggle to read.
Do I feel the author went overboard? Yes.
Basically, we can't fully comprehend the gravity of Bronson Alcott and Louisa May Alcott's relationship. I feel it was based on pure speculation. Furthermore, where is the proof of Louisa having Bipolar or an autoimmune disease? It was quite possible that all of her ailments stemmed from mercury poisoning which does have lasting effects on the body. That sounds more plausible than the other theories. The only answers we'll truly receive is if they exhume Louisa's body. I don't believe that will happen. There are always three sides to every story. I do feel the author attacked Bronson Alcott. He obviously can't defend himself.
Bottom line...
It was just okay for me. It wasn't great, and it wasn't bad either.
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