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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Story of Mr. March, the absent father from the classic novel Little Women. I loved Little Women as a girl, so I really enjoyed this. Most of it is told from the perspective of Mr. March, but part way the voice shifts to that of Mrs. March. I found the historical detail interesting and the writing rich.
Okay, so when I first finished this book, I thought to myself that there was no way that Mr. March would be like she characterized him. Then I read the author's afterword and realized how much she based the character on Louisa May Alcott's own father. It radically changed my opinion. I still didn't love the book as it really messed with my viewpoint of Little Women, but maybe that is a good thing. It certainly makes me want to go back and re-read Little Women with a whole new perspective.
4.5 Stars. Brooks is such a wonderful writer. I believe the book explores what happens when a very idealistic person (March) faces the dilemmas of life and the horrid experiences one faces in war. How does one act? What is the right decision? What do you do when you have failed (again and again) to live up to your self expectations? Loosely based on Louisa May Alcott's father, Bronson Alcott, and inspired by Little Women.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The father from Little Women is the March of this book. There were interesting things about the Civil War as well as an interesting imagination of the other side of the letters in Little Women.
I love historical fiction and Geraldine Brooks does an excellent job of putting the reader into the early story of the Civil War - the role of abolitionists, the view from the perspective of the slaves, and the toll war has on the fabric of family life and the humans involved in the struggle.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Tells the story of the father in "Little Women." A beautifully written take on his story, and a look into the Civil War and northern abolitionism, with vivid characterization and an interesting POV shift. Quick read.
Little Women backstory of what Daddy really got up to in the war. Very clever
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes