Book Review - Little Women

Title: Little Women
Series: -
Author: Louise May Alcott
 
Description: Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn’t be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they’re putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there’s one thing they can’t help wondering: Will Father return home safely?
 
Review: “Little Women”, an all-time favorite of mine, and my second reread of this classic.
 
You recognize in the book much of author Louise May Alcott’s own social context of life. She grew up in America during times of slavery, but her family was against it. You can see this reflected in the book: the mother of the four March sisters is proud of her husband fighting in the war for civil rights. Alcott also thought the emancipation of women was important. The character of Jo is the biggest example of this. And some of the sisters struggle with their traditional roles. Do I get married or pursue my own career? A dilemma that was not very common for that time. A book everyone (especially women) should at least read once.
 
The family was once wealthy, but have almost lost all of their wealth by the beginning of the book. One sister fins this more difficult than the other, but you see all four of them are trying their best not to constantly desire more money or more stuff. There is already much awareness among the sisters that even rich people can be unhappy and that the most important thing is to have a good time together. And being grateful for what they do have.
 
“Little Women” is a favorite classic for a reason. It’s easy to read, heartwarming, has amazingly loveable characters and is very relatable, even for a book that was first published in 1868. It was very ahead of its time when it comes to female emancipation.
 
Rating: 5/ 5