Generations of people—young and old, male and female—have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott's most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy remain united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War. It is no secret that Alcott based Little Women on her own early life. While her father, the free-thinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with "woman's work," including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing. Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the "girl's book" her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America.
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"Well I finally finished this book. And I don't mean for that to sound like it was an unpleasant read because it could not have been more enjoyable. Little Women is really a masterpiece. As my friend and I were once discussing, people just don't talk like, they do in this book, anymore. And it's a shame that they don't. Some of the descriptions of the feeling of love one character felt for another was simply beautiful. And the growth of the characters is astounding. The author knows exactly how to break your heart and heal it all at the same time. Because while this book may not have any real mystery or action it had love and comedy and drama. I don't recommend this book to boys because, simply, they wouldn't understand the beauty of this novel. But all girls and women should read this book at least once in your life. Because it reminded you of the things that truly matter in this world and shows you beauty in this you didn't know could be beautified."
— 1pace_emma (5 out of 5 stars)
" Quite possibly the worst and most anti-feminist novel in history. The whole premise starts with a letter from the father telling them what to do and how to behave. Which everyone but one tries to do. An the only character with an even remote sense of self eventually turns into a robotic version of the sister she replaces. I'm sure I'll probably be slated for this review and people will say I don't understand the historical significance of three women fending for themselves in civil war America, or because I'm not a woman. However, the female characters still submit to the social norms of the time and do what their father asked. Every turn of the page was like a needle through my eye. This is, though, simply my opinion. Read it for yourself and make your own mind up, but don't say I didn't warn you! "
— Sean, 2/20/2014" A classic. A comfort classic. "
— Andrea, 2/19/2014" Spoiler - I loved it! I was thoroughly satisfied with the way that things ended and even appreciated how much the author "sermonized" at the reader. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of immediately reading the afterward that talked about how many consider the resolution a great literary disappointment because Jo and Laurie don't marry, and Jo deserves so much more than to end up caring for a houseful of ragamuffin children. From the opening chapter on, Alcott makes clear her views of domestic bliss and the high value the girls place on hearth and home, practically worshipping at the feet of their dear Marmee. Why it should seem such a shame to any reader for Jo to give up the emotional highs and lows of her literary career to pursue work mothering orphan boys is beyond me. "
— Shannon, 2/19/2014" One of my favorite classics. "
— Lea, 2/17/2014" I rmember reading this one when i was in highschool. I might consider reading it again anytime soon. :) "
— Jo, 2/14/2014" I loved this book as a child, and I finally became absorbed in it half way through. But it really is not the book that I remember (though it was unabridged), which says more about me than it does about the book. It is still a classic. "
— Pat, 2/14/2014" I have always loved this story! It was a little tough for me to get through. After all, I'm so used to the Winona Rider movie. "
— Erica, 2/13/2014" Wow, I am so glad that I finally made the time to read this book. I thought i knew the story from watching the movies, I was wrong. Now i am kinda mad at the movies. In reading the book I was able to really understand who each of the characters really were. I fell in love with them even more. And even though I knew it was coming I still cried like a baby for sweet Beth, and everyone who loved her. "
— Gina, 2/12/2014" Loved it! It is a classic. "
— Alethea, 2/11/2014" This book is so old-fashioned and out-dated(or just a study in a different time period.) but I'm reading it to my daughter and remember why it was one of my favorites in elementary school. "
— Melissa, 2/10/2014" I didn't actually read it, my mom read it to us, but I love the story and love knowing that I've been to Louisa May Alcott's house and saw the places where a lot of the book took place. "
— Amy, 2/6/2014" One of the most laborious reading I've ever had to do! UGH!!! It may be a classic, but it was not to my liking. "
— Holly, 2/3/2014" Good book. Occasionally sad, but turns out to be happy. "
— Shreya, 2/3/2014" I believe this is my favorite classic ever. This novel follows the story of four sisters and their lives in old America. I have reread this book at leads 5 times and I still can't get enough. "
— Nolena, 2/2/2014" Classic chick-lit. Someone dies, someone gets scorned, someone falls in love. Jane Austen esque without any interesting opinions about society. "
— Emilyann, 2/2/2014" It had been a LONG time since I had read this book. Such simple and great writing. "
— Amy, 2/1/2014" They're not called classics for no reason, are they? "
— Aneta, 1/31/2014" I grew up with this book... Love it still "
— Lisa, 1/30/2014" Beautiful. Simply marvelous. A darling book filled with sorrow, laughter and everything in between. Beautifully written! "
— Annabella, 1/29/2014" Top notch. Anyone who doesn't like this story has no soul! A delightful story set in the mid 19th Century but which people living in the 21st century can still relate. I would've loved to have had the March family as my next door neighors with their warm, love and slight non-conformity. "
— Sabrina, 1/27/2014" Read this one about three times! My favorite book when I was growing up. "
— Donna, 1/27/2014" This book is a very well written classic that shows the hard times of a family and how they can withstand anything. "
— Danielle, 1/26/2014" Different points of views from four little women in one family will have you in tears of joy, and grief. This book is filled with hope but also a little dull at certain parts. "
— Jesse, 1/26/2014" A must read I so love this book as a little girl and as I grew up I loved it even more. "
— Rebekah, 1/25/2014" Didn't have the patience to read it!! "
— Lisa, 1/24/2014" One of the first classics I ever read, and it's still a favorite. "
— Shelby, 1/22/2014" One of the books I enjoy re-reading, and I cannot wait to read it with my girls. Growing up, I wanted to be one of Marmee's girls. As a parent, I aspire to be as calm and wise as she. I would say that this is definitely one of the books that has left an indelible mark on me. "
— Jenn, 1/22/2014" This can get a little bogged down at some points, but after seeing a few movie versions of it and hearing from my mom what a great book it was, I finally read it last winter and was pleasantly surprised at all the depth of the characters, especially Jo, and all the things that happened in the women's lives that were too much to include in a movie! It is a soul-enriching book. "
— Patsy, 1/21/2014" Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy were four brave sisters who made the most of their poverty, imaginations and love for one another during the days their father fought in the war. Ever encouraged by their mother, they experienced many adventures at home, school and throughout the neighborhood. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the name they had for their mother - I found "Marmy" to be more cloying than "Mommy." Yes, I know that is small and will be disputed by others! "
— Sallie, 1/20/2014" Wow, I am so glad that I finally made the time to read this book. I thought i knew the story from watching the movies, I was wrong. Now i am kinda mad at the movies. In reading the book I was able to really understand who each of the characters really were. I fell in love with them even more. And even though I knew it was coming I still cried like a baby for sweet Beth, and everyone who loved her. "
— Gina, 1/19/2014" Loved this in jr. high! "
— Trista, 1/19/2014" I read this book years ago, it is one of my favorites. I believe every young girl should experience Little Women! "
— Georgia, 1/18/2014" I have always loved this story. It is something I can reread and always enjoy =) "
— Shannon, 1/18/2014" A childhood favourite. I wanted to be Jo. "
— Sue, 1/18/2014" enjoyed a lot. trials of tribulations of the "little women" in civil war america "
— Mark, 1/17/2014" I read this as a young adult and loved it. I loved all of them. "
— Patricia, 1/16/2014" Finally done with this one. Was determined to finish it though. It has its fine points. I like how it got all tied up at the end though. "
— Kristie, 1/15/2014" As a classic, I connected to it surprisingly and enjoyed the play of events in the book. "
— Arielle, 1/15/2014" Another classic that made me think in the possibility of becoming a writer. I wanted to be Jo March. "
— Keila, 1/15/2014" I've read this book about 15 times but not in the last 20 years!! Loved it as a kid!!! "
— Kelly, 1/13/2014" I just find this book so comforting. I had not read it in years, and perhaps without the nostalgia factor, I would have found the writing too precious and the plotlines too sexist. Instead, I just enjoyed it so much and appreciated all of its virtues. "
— Cwelshhans, 1/13/2014" How can anyone not love Little Women? You know, I think I need to read it again; it's been a while. "
— Chuck, 1/9/2014" A classic that all women at any age should put at the top their reading list. "
— Kimberly, 1/9/2014" Classic! Wrote my senior composition on this book. Received 100%. An all time favorite. "
— Kathryn, 1/9/2014" Didn't have the patience to read it!! "
— Lisa, 1/7/2014" Beautifully gentle book which, thugh about the loneliness of a family deprived of their father as he's fighting in the Civil War, is never dark or melancholic. Each daughter is painted so well you almost feel they could be your friends. "
— Fatface, 1/6/2014" I have read this before (though a long time ago) and it was wonderful to read it again - I will forever be re-reading this book. "
— Maira, 1/3/2014" One of the best books for young women... "
— Carol, 1/2/2014" It's a feel good book. Just sad that one of the sister had to die. "
— Sheida, 1/1/2014" Literally, sisterhood in a time of hardship before girl-power was even a consideration. Definitely a notable book. "
— April, 1/1/2014" All time favorite, dating back to my teenage years. "
— Carla, 12/31/2013" I think if I had read this book at a younger age and not the age I am now, I would have enjoyed it more. "
— Sofia, 12/28/2013" Couldn't finish it. It was too slow and I wasn't interested. Maybe I will revisit since it was middle school when I read it. "
— Aimee, 12/25/2013" Loved it! One chapter was like early parenting/marriage 101, but still related to life in the 21st century! "
— Katie, 12/21/2013" This book is full of light. It is very uplifting and enjoyable. Reading it again as an adult has made me appreciate it so much more. "
— Bonnie, 12/21/2013" I know it's very timeless and charming, but geez. The entire book, I was waiting for a climax. A breathtaking punch line, an amazing turn of events. Other than this horrible, droning lack of a storyline, though, the book was tastefully descriptive and classy. "
— Annabelle, 12/20/2013" My absolute favorite childhood book! My re-read (yet again) sometime soon. "
— Daryl, 12/20/2013" This book and any version of this story (even in musical form) will leave me sobbing. "
— Bethany, 12/20/2013" I have tried to read this story many times as a teenager. I could never get into it. This time I was ready. What a delightful story with amazing moral lessons! "
— Dawn, 12/19/2013" I've read this novel in a very long time ago .... I liked it ! Definitely gunna read it again :) !! "
— Alaa, 12/14/2013" I grew up with this book... Love it still "
— Lisa, 12/12/2013" Although this book was long, I was interested the entire time I was reading. I found myself relating to a lot of the situations the March sisters were going through, and was glad that my grandmother had read the book so that we could talk about the chapters together. "
— Skyler, 12/9/2013" Read when I was very young. Interesting story, but sad. "
— Vicky, 12/9/2013" It's cute, but nothing really special. The story was too slow-paced and I personally found it a bit boring. "
— Adi, 12/8/2013" I liked it. Good book "
— Avery, 12/7/2013" a great book about growing up in the early 1900s depression era. "
— Katie, 12/5/2013" love the four sisters especially jo "
— Jovanka, 12/4/2013" I like this book so much. Reading this book made me want a sister to talk too. "
— Renee, 12/2/2013" As I previously posted, this is actually March by Geraldine Brooks, not Little Women. The first half was fairly dry and I wasn't eager to finish it. I loved Ms. Brooks's previous works, and I expected so much more from this one, especially since it won a Pulitzer Prize. "
— Diana, 11/26/2013" It's a feel good book. Just sad that one of the sister had to die. "
— Sheida, 11/26/2013" Read this in grade 3 once and I remember that I really did like it. :) "
— Lex, 11/21/2013" I was disappointed that neither Christian Bale nor Gabriel Byrnes appeared in this book. "
— Lisa, 11/17/2013" It was a bit of a slow read at first, but I did enjoy reading about each character's development as years go by. This book was filled with lovely lessons, mostly centered around this: Be happy with what you have. I enjoyed it :) "
— Marie-france, 11/16/2013" Classic that I love to re-read! "
— Genelle, 11/16/2013" I have read this a number of times, one of my favourite childhood 'reads'. "
— Jacqui, 11/15/2013" I loved this book. It was seriously one of the best books I've ever read. My AP English teacher called it "elementary", but it really wasn't. This book changed my life. For an "elementary" book it's deep. This book is also very relatable. I think everyone, both boys and girls,should read this book. "
— Jessica, 11/14/2013" I read the book because I was intrigued. A classic but, I thought it was too long and slow at times but a good example of Christian principles and values as well as family unity. "
— N, 11/9/2013" Loved, loved , loved this as a thirteen year old. "
— Joyce, 11/7/2013" A childhood favourite. I wanted to be Jo. "
— Sue, 11/4/2013" love, of course a classic "
— Kerri-jo, 11/4/2013" endless love for this book <3 "
— Pagli, 10/28/2013" Librivox edition (mostly) through Craftlit "
— Tracey, 10/27/2013" Old favorite, nice to re-visit this old friend; wish my girls enjoyed it more, love Jo the best, doesn't everyone? "
— Cindy, 10/21/2013" I have read this before (though a long time ago) and it was wonderful to read it again - I will forever be re-reading this book. "
— Maira, 9/17/2013" What a sweet, refreshing, and wholesome read. I couldn't help but think of my 3 sisters, of our different personalities and of the way our dear mother raised us. "
— Lanita, 9/16/2013" Probably my favorite book/movie ever. "
— Christopher, 9/13/2013" Little Women is a classic, pure and simple. I adore it. "
— Brooke, 9/4/2013" Delightful read! Light hearted and very addicting "
— Kat, 8/29/2013" Old time favourite-passed it on to my little women, my daughters "
— Pamela, 8/27/2013" My favorite book as a child. "
— Debbie, 8/24/2013" One of my favorite books of all time. "
— Jamie, 8/16/2013" I enjoyed this book. You learn more about the characters than the movies show. I always thought it was an interesting contrast to Gone With the Wind. How different the Civil war affected those living in the North and those living in the South. "
— Shari, 7/31/2013" One of my favorite books of all time. My grandmother read it to me, chapter by chapter, when I was a little girl. A must read! "
— Kristina, 7/26/2013" one of my childhood books :) "
— Chris, 7/23/2013" Little Women was one of my all time favorites as a young girl. "
— Mimi, 7/10/2013" a tender tale of girls growing up into women, complete with love, faults and tragedy "
— Tracey, 6/21/2013" One of my favorite books ever!!!! Love this book. "
— Heather, 6/18/2013" Great classic. Wanted to re-read , since I will be reading March in the near future. "
— Barbara, 5/17/2013" I loved this book when I first read it growing up. To me, Jo and her sisters were good role models--independent, loving, hard-working, not afraid to dream even in hard times. Now I read it to my daughter. "
— Kari, 5/13/2013" A nice story to cuddle up with. Full of love and relationships, differences coming together and standing together as a family. "
— Samaira, 5/13/2013" I loved the idea of a book teaching values. This book tells you about respect, friendship, honesty, responsability, in a pretty direct way. And I enjoyed that for a while...up until 70% of the book. Then I just lost interest. It got boring. "
— Roza, 4/30/2013" A fantastic book to read which meet all my expectations from what I heard about it! "
— Rosanne, 4/29/2013" One of my Favorite Books! "
— Becky, 4/23/2013" Timeless classic. My favorite book of all time. "
— Elizabeth, 4/21/2013" Great book with a lovely story! There were a few dry moments but altogether a lovely book! Very excited to watch the movie now and see how much they followed the book! "
— Sarah, 4/19/2013" Good story of a great family live the closeness and the forgiveness "
— Hayley, 3/21/2013" My father found a copy of this in the trash and passed it on to me so I am rereading it. "
— Amy, 3/20/2013" Enjoyed the book but not so crazy about who Jo ended up with at the end. "
— Deverna, 2/13/2013" I cried. I cried a lot. "
— Ellie, 1/4/2013" This book helped me understand life after sickness and the importance of family. "
— Lisa, 12/23/2012" Really good, but didn't like the ending... "
— Nici, 12/23/2012" A classic that all women at any age should put at the top their reading list. "
— Kimberly, 12/21/2012" My favourite book of all time... "
— Kate, 12/11/2012" This is my favorite book. I love how Alcott tells us the story of the girls growing up. There's no violence, just a little bit of love, and is mainly a coming-of-age story. This book makes me feel content. Overall: sweet and sincere "
— Bess, 10/17/2012" A definite all-time favorite. I can picture the family sitting together and reading, talking, planning. "
— Poppy, 8/29/2012" Loved it. My mum read it to me when I was a child and I have now done the same with my daughter. What a beautiful, heartwarming, sad story. Jo is by far my favourite character. "
— Anne, 8/26/2012" One of my favorite read and re-read books. "
— Nikki, 5/1/2012" Another childhood re-read. There's no way to get around the fact that this is a very, very preachy book. Immensely preachy. I didn't notice it as a child, but certainly do now. (Of course, since it's a childhood re-read, I'm rather well-disposed to ignore said preachiness.) "
— Anie, 3/10/2012" One of my favourite books which I have read over and over again "
— Betty, 1/31/2012" One of my favorite books of all time. I've read it seven or eight times. Its beautiful and well written. "
— Amne, 1/18/2012" A very sweet and inspiring story. "
— Ginger, 1/11/2012" I loved this as a young 'un. I don't even know how many times I have read and re-read this book. "
— GeckoEcho, 1/11/2012" I loved this novel. The adventures and stories of the March sisters, will make you laugh, anger you, and reduce you to tears. This is definitely a novel I would read over and over again. :) 5/5 "
— Samantha, 12/25/2011" A very sweet and inspiring story. "
— Ginger, 12/10/2011" Didn't have the patience to read it!! "
— Lisa, 11/25/2011" Always hated this book for its enforcement of female stereotypes. Typical in that time and carried into this one by giving of this book to young girls. "
— Phoebe, 10/26/2011" I enjoyed reading of this group of women each with their unique personality and relationships as sisters and meeting their loves. I enjoyed the spirit of Jo and the shy mellow and talented Beth. "
— Annie, 8/20/2011" This book was given to me as a gift and I was inspired by the strength of the characters even at my young age and even thought the writing was not as in-depth as the novel. I've hung onto this book until this day. I read it now to my daughter. "
— Laura, 8/7/2011" One of those books you read when you are fairly young, and optimistic. Went on to read most of the rest a few years later, they were more interesting than this, but less well known. "
— Jackie, 5/25/2011" after reading the book i felt as though the characters were my friends. i loved this book and plan to read little men and jos boys (the second and third books) "
— Craig, 4/12/2011" Little women could have been any family from this period. A story of how one family copes with life, love, growing up in a time of strife. I wanted to be a part of this family and time period. "
— Candee, 4/8/2011" I re-read this recently... I enjoyed it more when I read it as a teenager! But it is a classic and well written. "
— Debi, 2/28/2011" it'll always be my favourite! "
— Puja, 2/1/2011" This was my favorite book as a teenager...and still deserves a place in my Top 10! "
— Rebecca, 1/20/2011" Transports you to another time when siblings enjoyed each other's company & used their minds to come up with ways to be entertained! Novel idea! :) "
— Kim, 12/9/2010" A classic that I used to read over and over again. I will never tire of this book. "
— Danielle, 12/5/2010" Loved this book. Read several times. "
— Dina, 11/22/2010" Fun reading, just ok to me "
— Heavenlyharpstringsgmail.com, 9/19/2010" Another classic that made me think in the possibility of becoming a writer. I wanted to be Jo March. "
— Keila, 8/15/2010" This may be a classic but the girls were so saccharin sweet I couldn't bare it. I like my protagonists a bit more real. "
— Jakeyfatdog, 6/17/2010" Fantastic book! I loved each character equally for different reasons. Of course, it's easier to relate to Jo but I always felt a small connection to each of the sisters. Easy to read over and over again. "
— Karly, 2/24/2010" One of my favorite books from my childhood. "
— Heather, 11/21/2009" A book that I learned valuable lessons from and experienced them.. way much better than the movie. "
— Hanan, 11/13/2009" I didn't finish it, because I took a break one day, and never came back, but I liked all that I read, and recommend it as an easy classic "
— Lanie, 10/14/2009" A delight! I read this wonderful tale of family, independence, sadness, happiness, and pure joy each Christmas! "
— Deboreads, 9/19/2009" I liked it! - The classics are my thing I guess. "
— dominique, 9/6/2009" It's a wonderful book, if occasionally preachy. Just don't bother with the abridged versions. "
— Anne, 8/1/2009" What can you say about a classic? It was and will always be... "
— Kesha, 6/5/2009" Probably one of the greatest pieces of American fiction. "
— Yasmin, 4/3/2009" Enjoyable, though parts of the storyline were frustrating. "
— Lily, 4/2/2009" enjoyed a lot. trials of tribulations of the "little women" in civil war america "
— Mark, 3/23/2009" I loved parts of this book, and my eyes glazed over in parts. I love the story overall, and the journey of the girls as they grow into women. But osme of the descriptive paragraphs just went on and on and on. A classic story, full of life's messages. "
— Heather, 1/27/2009" This is my favorite book. I love how Alcott tells us the story of the girls growing up. There's no violence, just a little bit of love, and is mainly a coming-of-age story. This book makes me feel content. Overall: sweet and sincere "
— Bess, 3/17/2008" I can't help it. I'm a fan of this book and these stories. I don't remember if it's "good" or not. "
— Momowithamic, 3/6/2008" Does anyone remember when Joey read ths book on Friends? I wish I'd known about the freezer the first time I read this and I reached that part about Beth. Just one of the best books ever. "
— Judy, 11/16/2007" Jo, Beth, Marmie, etc reading this book was an experience that I often repeat. I even liked little men! "
— Mary, 11/13/2007" Loved it! One chapter was like early parenting/marriage 101, but still related to life in the 21st century! "
— Katie, 10/15/2007" If I was left in a deserted island..., this one of the books I'd want with me "
— Laura, 8/5/2007" I'm still a Little Women LOVERRR!!!!:)<3 "
— Christine, 11/20/2006" I've read this book about 15 times but not in the last 20 years!! Loved it as a kid!!! "
— Kelly, 11/12/2006" I loved this as a child and I love it now as well as all the movies this story has generated. "
— Becky, 11/3/2006" Read this in grade 3 once and I remember that I really did like it. :) "
— Lex, 10/29/2006Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Educated by her father until she was sixteen, she also studied under Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Theodore Parker. A prolific writer, her most famous work was Little Women, a timeless American classic.
Justine Eyre is a classically trained actress who has narrated many audiobooks, earning the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is multilingual and known for her great facility with accents. She has appeared on stage, with leading roles in King Lear and The Crucible, and has had starring roles in four films on the indie circuit. Her television credits include Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.