So this may be a late review, but it’s one I am really excited to discuss. The book we decided to read in December was Little Women, the perfect choice after the Shining!
I almost wasn’t going to review the book, as I have read it multiple times, but the fact that I love this book is precisely why I should be talking about it. I’m always surprised when someone tells me they haven’t read Little Women, because it’s one of the loveliest books I think you can ever read. It’s what Vanille and I like to call a ‘Cosy read’. A book that you can sit in front of the fire with, on a windy or cold day and feel as if it’s wrapping you up in a blanket.
I love this book especially as it helped me to fall in love with reading again. This along with Jane Austen’s Emma helped me appreciate why I loved reading as a child. It is a very special book, no matter what age you open the pages for the first time.
The book centres around the March family, beginning as Christmas is just around the corner. The March family consists of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, as well as their mother and father. With their father away at war, the girls and their mother struggle to be as merry and happy, as well as having to be frugal with their money during the civil war. However, the girls always find a way to make the best of any situation, and find joy using their imaginations to entertain themselves. We journey with the girls through childhood and teenage problems, getting to know each of them and what brings them joy.
Amy the artist, is the youngest yet also has the confidence to say what she feels and not apologise for who she is, Beth is the quiet sister, always taking care of others and playing her piano as much as she can. We also have Meg, the eldest, who dreams of falling in love and being married. Lastly we have Jo, who is essentially the main character we take this journey with. Jo is ahead of her time, she is a writer, stubborn, creative and funny. I love that most people who read this book will be able to relate to at least one of, if not all of the sisters.
We then meet Laurie. A neighbour to the girls and who becomes a best friend to Jo. Though he has privileges that the girls do not, they all become friends, and we see as each of their lives take different journeys and avenues into adulthood. This is a book that you can easily read in a few days, because although it is not really filled with suspense or too much drama, you really become invested in the girls, and particularly in Jo. This book will may you cry, make you laugh and fill you with a little extra joy I think. What Louisa May Alcott created in this book, is a little bit of magic. I love this book, because it is a coming of age story in a lot of ways, and for more than one character. But it is also a great lesson in not being afraid to be yourself, and staying true to your heart.
I would always recommend this book as it is very special to me. It’s a classic for a reason, and ultimately it is timeless and full of love.
Book rating – 10/10
Recommend – Yes
Read again – Absolutely
