Product Description

Little Women has remained enduringly popular since its publication in 1868, becoming the inspiration for a whole genre of family stories. Set in a small New England community, it tells of the March family: Marmee looks after daughters in the absence of her husband, who is serving as an army chaplain in the Civil War, and Meg, Jo,Beth, and Amy experience domestic trials and triumphs as they attempt to supplement the family's small income. In the second part of the novel (sometimes known as Good Wives) the girls grow up and fall in love. The novel is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny. The introduction to this edition provides a fascinating history of the Alcotts,and of Louisa Alcott's own struggles as a writer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12185 in Books
• Published on: 2008-12-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 530 pages

Customer Reviews

Best novel I've ever read!
NEVER in my life have i ever enjoyed a novel as much as i enjoyed this one. This edition had both 'volumes' of Alcott's novel allowing me to continue the novel in one go. I could not put the novel down. Every single character is intoxicating, hilarious and unique and their relationships could capture even the most stone-hearted of people. I have recommended this book to every person i know.
The story is based around four sisters, each different in their personalities, however, they all have one thing in common - a love for each other. although they argue and banter like any other family, they have a bond like no other. they see each other through ups and downs. this book involves the reader so much that i felt like i was in their lives watching over them, feeling every emotion they felt.
THIS BOOK IS SIMPLY INCREDIBLE AND DESERVES TO BE CALLED ONE OF THE GREATEST CLASSICS OF ALL TIME.

A difficult read
The story of four sisters in nineteenth century America and their journeys into womanhood. It tells mainly of how they learn to modify their personalities and ambitions to adapt to the role society demands of them as wives and mothers. To be fair to the author she also illustrates (in the character of Laurie) that boys also have to make sacrifices. For both girls and boys the freedom of childhood must be given up for the responsibilities of adulthood. Tedious.

Super dose of nostalgia
As a child I read Little Women and its sequels repeatedly and loved them. Having to read it again for a course recently I wasn't sure if it would live up to my extremely fond memories. It did.

This is an excellent edition which combines the first two volumes, Little Women and Good Wives, along with a fascinating introductory essay. The notes are clear, simple and easy to understand and as a study edition I doubt that you could find better.

I still love the story of the four March sisters, flung into genteel poverty and trying their best to become the good little women of the title. Despite the fact that I was much more aware of the overtly moral sentiments of the text this time around it didn't detract from the lively characterisation, the humour and the fact that Alcott allows you to inhabit their world to such a degree that you are sad to leave by the end.