Christmas Special: The Quiet Little Woman and Other Stories

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Author: Louisa May Alcott
Acquired in: September 2010


Little Women made Louisa May Alcott a legendary figure in English literature, but her writing talent cannot be defined by this book alone. Apart from the popular series featuring the March sisters, she has numerous other pieces, including poetry, novels and short stories to her credit. Though relatively unknown, the short stories in this anthology—The Quiet Little Woman, Tilly’s Christmas and Rosa’s Tale—number among the beautiful short stories that Alcott fans would love. 


This short book contains three heartwarming Christmas stories about the little virtues that give this beautiful day a deeper meaning. The Quiet Little Woman is a story about Patty, a lonely orphan who wishes with all her heart that a good family would take her in, even if only as a helper. When the jovial Murrays adopt her, she works hard to show her gratitude but realises that their appreciation is just not the same as filial love. Luckily, you can always count on Christmas to make things right. 


Extolling the virtues of neighbourly love, Tilly's Christmas is about a poor little girl who loved her neighbours as she loved herself. Unlike her rich friends, Tilly can only wish for Christmas presents, but she bravely resolves to be content with the meagre things her mother can afford. When an injured sparrow turns up on the path, she happily takes it home as her Christmas present and cares for it just as she would want someone else to care for her. In a magical turn of events, the delighted little girl finds that kindness benefits the giver as much as the receiver. 


What could a horse have to say to her human handler? A lifetime's worth of stories, it seems. As Belinda sat in a stable with a horse, Rosa, the clock struck twelve on Christmas Eve. Musing on the legend that said that animals are endowed with speech for one hour after midnight on Christmas day, Belinda voiced her wish for Rosa to speak. To the young lady's bafflement, Rosa lifted her head from the hay and talked to the amazed girl at length about her life as a racer, riding into wars, pulling carts and being loved by her favourite mistress, Miss Merry. Using a famous Christmas legend, this poignant tale recounts a mute animal's ordeal at the hands of callous humans. I can definitely imagine Alcott's strong disapproval of how animals were treated when they were used extensively for transport and on the battlefield. 


These stories are small, but by no means do they lack meaning. Christmas is not only about the colourful display that cloaks the world in December or the frantic purchases. As this ancient day of celebration is turning into a whirlwind of superficiality, find a bit of peace amidst the noise and think about what it actually heralds — hope for all humankind. 


At the end of another year that tested our mettle but proved our fortitude, I pray that the hope the season brings fills your hearts and homes, placing the foundation for a beautiful new year.

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