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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Loved to hear the story of what happened to Mr. March during the war. I really enjoyed the way his morals were tested and shaken. I didn't care for the portrayal of Marmee as much, but all in all a very interesting book to those who read and enjoyed "Little Women".
For a variety of reasons, I enjoyed this book more than my recent re-read of Little Women. This book is written in a more interesting combination of perspectives and has a more ambiguous ending than its YA source material.
This is the third book I've read by this author. The writing is very good, but she takes a historical tone for her historical subjects, and I get a little weary of it. To prepare for reading this, I reread Little Women; turns out that wasn't necessary, but it did somewhat enhance the reading of this story of the March sisters' absent father.
I knew that the story's action would take place during U.S. Civil War engagements. What I didn't expect was that there would be a lot about slavery, including some very brutal scenes. Mr. March, a Northerner and a staunch abolitionist, has a lot of his assumptions challenged during his experiences in the war-torn South. In a fairly short space, the author succeeds in showing us the deep damage to the land, the social order, and the enslaved people themselves. Mr. March suffers, and he does not so much pity himself as he judges his actions and condemns them.
When he ends up in a hospital in Washington, D.C., and Marmee (his wife) comes to his side, we are treated to a few chapters told from her point of view, and I think those were my favorite parts, because she reveals herself as that headstrong, fiery woman that she once described to her daughter Jo. Her anger puts the actions of her husband into context, and I think most readers would (like me) regret his selfish choices.
The character of Grace, an enslaved woman who makes three significant appearances in the story, is problematic for me. The Marches, husband and wife, get to speak in the first person, but Grace appears only as they see her and does not get to speak for herself. Her origins and her story are believable enough, but her actions in regard to Mr. March are not, for me at least. I felt I understood the man, and I had sympathy for him and his weaknesses, but I don't accept that Grace would have felt so charitable toward him. He wasn't a special or noble or appealing man — just an average, flawed man (and quite lucky, I think, to have Marmee at his side).
.
I knew that the story's action would take place during U.S. Civil War engagements. What I didn't expect was that there would be a lot about slavery, including some very brutal scenes. Mr. March, a Northerner and a staunch abolitionist, has a lot of his assumptions challenged during his experiences in the war-torn South. In a fairly short space, the author succeeds in showing us the deep damage to the land, the social order, and the enslaved people themselves. Mr. March suffers, and he does not so much pity himself as he judges his actions and condemns them.
When he ends up in a hospital in Washington, D.C., and Marmee (his wife) comes to his side, we are treated to a few chapters told from her point of view, and I think those were my favorite parts, because she reveals herself as that headstrong, fiery woman that she once described to her daughter Jo. Her anger puts the actions of her husband into context, and I think most readers would (like me) regret his selfish choices.
The character of Grace, an enslaved woman who makes three significant appearances in the story, is problematic for me. The Marches, husband and wife, get to speak in the first person, but Grace appears only as they see her and does not get to speak for herself. Her origins and her story are believable enough, but her actions in regard to Mr. March are not, for me at least. I felt I understood the man, and I had sympathy for him and his weaknesses, but I don't accept that Grace would have felt so charitable toward him. He wasn't a special or noble or appealing man — just an average, flawed man (and quite lucky, I think, to have Marmee at his side).
.
Brutal and brilliant. I will have to read Little Women now.
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A beautifully written account of one man's year at war. Imagination so precise, it could be seen in history books. To anyone that appreciates surges of inspiration, hope and heart ache, this novel will not let you down.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not a page turner for me, but would definitely make for a great book group discussion.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was a very fast read! I'll admit I have only read about half of Little Women, upon which this book is based, but I had no trouble following the life of Mr. March. The story was frank - Brooks does not shy away from the harsh realities of slavery, wartime, or personal struggle with fidelity and self-worth. In some ways, her honest portrayal of life was quite depressing, but in others, it made the book relatable and raw - and was I'm sure what won her the Pulitzer Prize! I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoyed Little Women, but be warned that the writing and story are very different!