Book Review — Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women follows the life of a family smiling their way through poverty and war in a materialistic society. Four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – with their unique, and at times conflicting, personalities strive to make their mother and neighbors happy; be it charity or socializing with the quiet Laurie. They have their own bothers to deal with but that has never stopped the March family from looking for the silver lining. A truly captivating and motivational tale of life in the Victorian times.

This book has a halo around it. Period. It is so beautiful and heartwarming that your everyday obstacles seem trifling. The mature and sensible manner in which  the March family deals with their poor state is commendable. I loved how they would stage plays for each other and base their efforts around making the best of what they had. Since they couldn’t afford tickets to musicals and such. There’s a great deal you realize after reading this novel. You learn how not to blow things out of proportion. You learn how the bonds between family members cannot be ruptured by mere sibling rivalry/misunderstandings. There are certain temporary characters who try to discourage the sisters carefree nature. But their attempts are in vain. Mrs March’s upbringing has taught the girls to not feel inferior regardless of what anyone implies. It often reminded me of the care with which my parents brought me up. Romance is not an integral aspect in it and still the novel is rich in morals and good living.

Not only is the writing fascinating but I have always been fond of the Victorian setting. There isn’t much of the fanciful living like balls and jewelery that you associate with the time, but somehow it wasn’t needed to make it a whole. Since the very beginning I was rooting for Jo and Laurie to get together. Their relationship is what I’d call effortless and smooth. There’s no awkwardness because of Jo’s boyish nature or Laurie’s shy manner. He is a very helpful character who had the misfortune of making a slight err in judgment which leads to a rough patch, but he and the family get past it. Meg is the epitome of grace and pleasant conduct. Unlike Jo, she doesn’t speak her mind bluntly. There were some moments that took my breath away, and I’d wish with all my heart that things would get better. All in all, its a classic read; sweet and inspirational. You must read it atleast once.

Ratings – 4 stars on 5.

Meera