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bookmarkedbyfi's review
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
littlelikkel's review
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? It's complicated
4.0
novaturient_bibliophile's review
5.0
This book didn’t surprise me with how great it was since I had really high hopes for it from the get-go, but it definitely did not disappoint in the slightest. All of the characterizations and individual struggles that the sisters had really correlated with those in the original book—never for a second did I doubt that I was reading about Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy. Putting Beth’s perspective into poetry was really clever as well, and I loved how the poems tied into specific details within the chapters. The historical aspect was done well, too. The wartime struggles, the prejudice, the slang, the style…they all seemed very spot-on.
Overall, this book made me feel as pleased as punch. It lived up to my expectations of it and was an extremely enjoyable read.
Not to mention Jo being queer…literal perfection. I loved the execution of it and I could rave about this point for ages so I’ll just leave it at this: Wow. 10/10.
Overall, this book made me feel as pleased as punch. It lived up to my expectations of it and was an extremely enjoyable read.
Not to mention Jo being queer…literal perfection. I loved the execution of it and I could rave about this point for ages so I’ll just leave it at this: Wow. 10/10.
book_concierge's review
3.0
This re-imagined Little Women set during World War II began when Jessica Spotswood posted a story idea she found daunting on Twitter. Her fellow authors joined with her to flesh out this story where Jo is queer and working in a factory, Amy has run away to join the Red Cross in London, Meg is a teacher and living at home with Marmee, and Beth watches over them all.
Each of the four authors assumed the story line of a different March sister. Spotswood wrote Meg’s chapters, Sharpe wrote Jo, Richmond followed Amy, and McCullough gave voice to Beth. I particularly liked how McCullough used poetry to show Beth following her sisters’ exploits.
With four authors, the four sisters had more equal roles than in the original work, which really focused on Jo. Having them each in a separate location helped, as they had fewer shared experiences. This was especially true for Meg and Amy.
And, while the time frame is World War II, this is NOT a soldier’s story, but more a story of how the women left behind dealt with their fears, and rose to the challenge of supporting those fighting overseas.
A favorite quote: A woman with ideas is terrifying to a certain kind of person.
Some libraries, including mine, have shelved this in the Young Adult section, others, as adult fiction. Jo’s relationship is depicted in way that is not at all graphic, but deals more with the feelings of love and connection between the characters.
Each of the four authors assumed the story line of a different March sister. Spotswood wrote Meg’s chapters, Sharpe wrote Jo, Richmond followed Amy, and McCullough gave voice to Beth. I particularly liked how McCullough used poetry to show Beth following her sisters’ exploits.
With four authors, the four sisters had more equal roles than in the original work, which really focused on Jo. Having them each in a separate location helped, as they had fewer shared experiences. This was especially true for Meg and Amy.
And, while the time frame is World War II, this is NOT a soldier’s story, but more a story of how the women left behind dealt with their fears, and rose to the challenge of supporting those fighting overseas.
A favorite quote: A woman with ideas is terrifying to a certain kind of person.
Some libraries, including mine, have shelved this in the Young Adult section, others, as adult fiction. Jo’s relationship is depicted in way that is not at all graphic, but deals more with the feelings of love and connection between the characters.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
3.0
3.5/5
I was skeptical going into the book but in the end it was a nice read. I loved getting the different perspectives of each character and the letters from Jo to Charlie. My problems with the book is that I felt the pacing was odd and at times slow.
I was skeptical going into the book but in the end it was a nice read. I loved getting the different perspectives of each character and the letters from Jo to Charlie. My problems with the book is that I felt the pacing was odd and at times slow.
alannah_rose's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
paige_georgia_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Fun, fluffy, and a fun “what if” for the March sisters. I’ve always loved the idea of Jo March being queer (even if my own personal headcanon for her is that she’s aromantic), so it was nice to see that. A few of Beth’s sections made me cry a little.
plandocalrisian's review
3.0
Thank you, NetGalley and Delacorte, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Although I didn't realize it was a middle grade story, I really did enjoy this heartwarming read. This Little Women retelling is set during WWII after Beth's death. A grief-fueled argument between the March sisters catapults them off in separate directions, as they seek to do their part in the war, while also finding themselves through journeys outside their comfortability. As a retelling, don't expect the same story, but that's what makes this novel worthwhile. It really explored the characters in exciting new ways, while keeping true to the essence of each of the March sisters. I loved that one of the storylines included a sapphic love story, it was raw and thoughtfully explored for a young reader's book. The four different authors were able to effortlessly dive into each of the sisters' stories, and the POVs flowed perfectly. If you like historical fiction and want more of the March sisters, I definitely recommend.
~Little Women retelling
~Multiple POVs (e/sister taken on individually by each of the four authors)
~Historical Fiction - World War II setting
~Middle Grade Level
~Focuses on bonds of sisterhood, being a woman in WWII, love and grief
~Sapphic Representation
~Beth’s chapters in prose
Although I didn't realize it was a middle grade story, I really did enjoy this heartwarming read. This Little Women retelling is set during WWII after Beth's death. A grief-fueled argument between the March sisters catapults them off in separate directions, as they seek to do their part in the war, while also finding themselves through journeys outside their comfortability. As a retelling, don't expect the same story, but that's what makes this novel worthwhile. It really explored the characters in exciting new ways, while keeping true to the essence of each of the March sisters. I loved that one of the storylines included a sapphic love story, it was raw and thoughtfully explored for a young reader's book. The four different authors were able to effortlessly dive into each of the sisters' stories, and the POVs flowed perfectly. If you like historical fiction and want more of the March sisters, I definitely recommend.
~Little Women retelling
~Multiple POVs (e/sister taken on individually by each of the four authors)
~Historical Fiction - World War II setting
~Middle Grade Level
~Focuses on bonds of sisterhood, being a woman in WWII, love and grief
~Sapphic Representation
~Beth’s chapters in prose
ebeubanks8's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was gonna be better, so I’m just disappointed.