Book Review: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

 

 "You have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to live an ordinary life?"

About the Book

The Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is the warm-hearted story of the four march sisters. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy growing up in 19th century America. Their happy family life is disturbed when their father leaves for the civil war and shaken further when mother must leave to nurse their wounded father back to health. But family love and loyalty keep them together. As the years pass the girls become women and learn more about life and love. Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic shows the joys growing up in a warm and loving family

About the Author

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for writing the novel Little Women and its sequel Good Wives, Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Alcott was an abolitionist and feminist and remained unmarried throughout her life. She died from a stroke in Boston on March 6,1888 just two days after her father’s death.

The Plot

 The story begins with four March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy living in a poverty with their mother Marmee, in Massachusetts during the civil war. their father is away from them serving as a chaplain in the war, leaving the family to fend for themselves. The story centres around themes of family, sisterhood, love, and personal growth.

Meg is the oldest of the four March sisters. She is referred to be a responsible sister because she takes on home chores and caring for her younger sisters in the absence of her father. Jo is usually seen as the novel's primary character. Jo is a tomboyish with a strong sense of freedom and ambition. Beth is the third sister, and she is identified by her sweet, kind-hearted personality and musical abilities. She serves as a peacemakers among her sisters. Finally, Amy is the youngest of the four March sisters. She excels both artistically and socially.

Each sister experiences personal growth while balancing love relationships. Meg marries John Brooke, Jo declines Laurie's proposal and concentrates on her writing, Beth battle illness, and Amy travels to Europe, where she finds Laurie again and finally marries him.

The story follows the sisters as they face several challenges, including financial difficulties, as a result of their father's absence while fighting as chaplain in the civil war. Despite their challenges, the March family cherished virtues such as love, generosity, and unity over material wealth.

 

The climax of the story occurs when Beth died. Beth is a third sister among the four March Sisters. She is struggling with her illness, wherein Beth’s did not survive. Beth's death provides the main characters with an opportunity for psychological healing and self-awareness pushing them to confront their own death.

Analyse their priorities and gain strength from their sisterhood and closeness to family. The March sisters are going through a lot of pain and growth, which leads to personal breakthroughs and stronger bonds between them.

 

Throughout the narrative, the March sisters support one another through their struggles and accomplishments, highlighting the value of family and sisterhood. The novel delves into the varied personalities of women, the achievement of individual goals, and the strength of the human being.

 

"Little Women" is a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the journey to self-discovery. The novel captures the essence of sisterhood and celebrates the strength and enduring bond of the March family as they navigate the challenges of growing up during a tumultuous period in American history.

My Thoughts

After reading “Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott, I felt a mix emotion since I was already lost a brother.  Same as what happen to Beth, my brother also suffers in illness wherein he is now far from our sight, but his presence is always in our hearts. From love and memory to sadness and thoughtfulness. The novel's detailed description of the March sisters' lives and relationships created a strong sense of unity and sisterhood in me. I found myself completely absorbed in the characters' adventures, experiencing their pleasures, dramas, and personal growth as if they were my own personal experiences.

 

The concepts of family, love, sacrifice, and determination in the face of difficulties remained with me, reminding me of the value of nurturing connections and finding strength in togetherness. The individuals' personal difficulties and accomplishments served as a source of inspiration, encouraging me to consider my own goals, beliefs, and relationships with people closest to me.

 

Beth's sudden death in the novel inspired a great sense of grief and the shortness of life, encouraging me to cherish the moments of joy and togetherness spent with loved ones. The novel's study of personal growth, self-discovery, and pursuing one's aspirations made me feel positive and encouraged to face life's problems with strength and determination.

 

Overall, "Little Women" touched me deeply, reminding me of the everlasting power of love, family, and the connections that unite us. It is a timeless work that continues to captivate readers, providing valuable insights into the complexity of human relationships and the beauty of sisterhood.

 

"Little Women" is also a work that continues to elicit debates about gender roles, societal expectations, and the power of storytelling to express human emotion. It encouraged readers of all ages to consider their own relationships, ideals, and goals, making it more than simply a novel, but a profound and important investigation of life, love, and the links that unite us all.

Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

 “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”- Louisa May Alcott

 “I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.” - Louisa May Alcott

 

 “You have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to live an ordinary life?” - Louisa May Alcott

 

“Love is a great beautifier.”- Louisa May Alcott

 

“I am not a genius; I am just a hard-working girl.” - Louisa May Alcott

 

“Go and do something splendid that will make her love you” - Page 211

These quotes from "Little Women" reflect the themes of strength, independence, love, and perseverance that resonate throughout the novel. They capture the spirit of the March sisters and their journey of growth, self-discovery, and sisterhood.

 

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott holds significant importance for readers across generations. The novel's portrayal of strong, independent female characters empowers women to resist societal norms and pursue their dreams. "Little Women" promotes timeless values of kindness, empathy, and moral character, encouraging reflection on personal values and actions to inspire readers with messages of love, family, resilience, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, making it a cherished and piece of literature.