Alcott's American tale about a modest family struggling during the Civil War is preachy, pious, and romantic, and yet my
own copy is very well worn. Its the ideal book to pick up when youre feeling lonely or nostalgic- the literary equivalent of a nice cup of hot chocolate and a warm crackling fire.
We are introduced to the hub of activity that is the March house: Mr. March is off doing his patriotic duty while Mrs. March minds her daughters.. all four of them are more personality types than living, breathing, 3 dimentional people. Eldest Meg is the looker whose main source of pride in this world is her white hands, Jo is the tomboy/ aspiring authoress, Beth is sickly sweet to every child, kitten, and doll to cross her path, and youngest Amy is spoilt.. her only affliction in life being her imperfect nongrecian nose.
The novel chronicles the sisters' path towards adulthood, ending for most of them, in weddings and babies. Thankfully before that stuff ensues, there are
beautifully written chapters describing homemade theatre productions, secret literary societies, lively games of 'pilgrims progress' , and of course, the obligatory fancy dress ball or two. Joined by their attractive (and deceptively nicknamed) neighbour , Laurie, the girls manage to get into a few scrapes, however each episode is resolved with a hug and moral lecture from Mrs. March.
The real heroine of this novel is Jo, our tomboy. Her 'boyish' behaviour is
especially interesting to think about from a modern perspective.. whether it be wearing trousers, writing a novel, etc, Jo doesnt strike me as being particularly 'boyish', but then again, that must have been just a tricky label for 'doing as you please'. It is a relief to watch Jo enter the big bad word and raise some hell, especially in comparison to the delicate composition of the other female characters.
So.. Little Women is one of my favourite guilty pleasures.. Preachiness, neat little endings, and Pilgrims Progress aside, it is a beautifully written tale of growing up and not compromising your values just to please society.