Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Acquired in: 2019
The book that enthralled many youngsters over more than a hundred years and has been adapted into award-winning films, Little Women is a well-loved classic that everyone should at least read once. Set in the American Civil War, the book tells how a mother and her four daughters, each with polar temperaments, deal with the hardships that wartime presents.
Acquired in: 2019
The book that enthralled many youngsters over more than a hundred years and has been adapted into award-winning films, Little Women is a well-loved classic that everyone should at least read once. Set in the American Civil War, the book tells how a mother and her four daughters, each with polar temperaments, deal with the hardships that wartime presents.
The March sisters; Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, are young girls striving to fulfil their dreams. But dreams aside, the older sisters work to provide for the family, albeit grudgingly, for their jobs are not light or enjoyable. Beth stays at home, too shy to go to school, but determined to make home a happy place, assisted by kittens and dolls. Amy is just a child, who loves sweets and talking 'commy la fo' (comme il faut), and is especially concerned about her 'snub' nose and walks around with pins on her nose to make it Grecian. Over this medley, presides kind Mrs March or lovingly, 'Marmee'.
The Boy Next Door, Laurie, enlivens their day with spurts of mischief, with Jo for an accomplice. Together with Laurie, they bring in the fun factor, what with plays, the Pickwick Portfolio, a dinner disaster and a postbox to send puppies, pickles and floppy old hats to each other.
Being poor, they often miss out on things that they would have dearly loved; and do become miserable at times. Despite this, the girls have much happier times than their affected rich friends. Each tries to cheer the other, the result being a book filled with bonhomie.
This book is simple, yet strikes a deep chord. It is rather moral at times, but surely, we could learn a thing or two from the extraordinary Marches.
This book is simple, yet strikes a deep chord. It is rather moral at times, but surely, we could learn a thing or two from the extraordinary Marches.
Added on 12 Feb: Why did Laurie observe the Marches so intently? We can assume that the orphaned boy, regardless of the comforts that surrounded him, often felt a pang of longing for the family love he was deprived of. Watching how close-knit the March family was would have made him realise that that was the kind of love he would have received had his parents not suffered an untimely death. Perhaps he was ecstatic that he was experiencing motherly love, even though from afar. And of course, a child is naturally drawn to the company of other children, especially if the child has led a sheltered life, not allowed to join those romping outside. If the Marches hadn't settled there, I think Laurie would have gone mad with all the expectations and restrictions imposed upon him by his overly stern grandfather.
Oh I have read this book umpteen number if times as a kid, I loved it. I watched the movie recently but didn’t think too much of it.
ReplyDeleteHave you watched the earlier versions? I've only watched the recent one, but yes, the characters didn't quite match with those I made up in my head.
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