Louisa May Alcott

I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.' Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth - four "little women" enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England The charming story of the March sisters, Little Womenhas been adored by generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's death, and dreamed of travelling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Future writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, both parts of which are included here, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women. The Penguin English Library - collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.

Little Women

Siobhán Kilfeather

Chronicles the joys and sorrows of the four March sisters as they grow into young ladies in nineteenth-century New England

nico

Teddy, we never can be a boy and girl again—the happy old times can't come back, and we mustn't expect it. We are man and woman now, with sober work to do, for play-time is over, and we must give up frolicking. I'm sure you feel this; I see the change in you, and you'll find it in me; I shall miss my boy, but I shall love the man as much, and admire him more, because he means to be what I hoped he would.

It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me; he isn't sentimental; doesn't say much about it, but I see and feel it in all he says and does, and it makes me so happy and so humble, that I don't seem to be the same girl I was. I never knew how good, and generous, and tender he was till now, for he lets me read his heart, and I find it full of noble impulses, and hopes, and purposes, and am so proud to know it's mine. [...] Oh, mother, I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another!

It's very curious, but the more I try to satisfy myself with all sorts of natural affections, the more I seem to want. I'd no idea hearts could take in so many—mine is so elastic, it never seems full now, and I used to be quite contented with my family; I don't understand it.

She had often said she wanted to do something splendid, no matter how hard; and now she had her wish,—for what could be more beautiful than to devote her life to father and mother, trying to make home as happy to them as they had to her?

With a half-repentant, half-amused expression, Laurie gathered up all Jo's letters, smoothed, folded, and put them neatly into a small drawer of the desk, stood a minute turning the ring thoughtfully on his finger, then slowly drew it off, laid it with the letters, locked the drawer, and went out to hear High Mass at Saint Stefan's feeling as if there had been a funeral; and, though not overwhelmed with affliction, this seemed a more proper way to spend the rest of the day, than in writing letters to charming young ladies.

Love Jo all your days, if you choose,—but don't let it spoil you,—for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.

"Rome took all the vanity out of me, for after seeing the wonders there, I felt too insignificant to live, and gave up all my foolish hopes and dreams."

"Why should you, with so much energy and talent?"

"That's just why, because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a common-place dauber, so I don't intend to try any more."

I try, but every day I lose a little, and feel more sure that I shall never gain it back. It's like the tide, Jo, when it turns,—it goes out slowly, but it can't be stopped.

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT YOU EVIL WOMAN WHY WOULD YOU PUT MY CHILDREN THROUGH THIS

she say hard things to her boy while he watched her with eyes full of love and longing, and lashes still wet with the bitter drop or two her hardness of heart had wrung from him?

Well, the winter's gone, and I've written no books—earned no fortune; but I've made a friend worth having and I'll try to keep him all my life.

She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty; and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be,—"truth, reverence, and good will,"— then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great.

"It may be vain and wrong to say it, but—I'm afraid—Laurie is getting too fond of me."

"Then you don't care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you?" and Mrs. March looked anxious as she put the question.

"Mercy, no! I love the dear boy as I always have, and am immensely proud of him; but as for anything more, it's out of the question."

"Because, dear, I don't think you suited to one another. As friends, you are very happy, and your frequent quarrels soon blow over; but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life. You are too much alike, and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love."

"That's just the feeling I had, though I couldn't express it. I'm glad you think he is only beginning to care for me. It would trouble me sadly to make him unhappy; for I couldn't fall in love with the dear old fellow merely out of gratitude, could I?"

I want something new; I feel restless, and anxious to be seeing, doing, and learning more than I am.

[...] if I have any genius, I shall find it out in Rome, and will do something to prove it.

Teddy is a remarkable boy, and can't be taken as a sample of other boys [...]

SOBBBBBBBED WHY MUST THEY GO THROUGH THIS PAIN IT'S NOT FAIR

They were very happy, even after they discovered that they couldn't live on love alone.

You've got a treasure, young man,—see that you deserve it.

[...] laughter is ready when hearts are light.

People who hire all these things done for them, never know what they lose; for the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them

[...] life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom.

"It can never be the same again. I've lost my dearest friend," sighed Jo.

"You've got me, anyhow. I'm not good for much, I know; but I'll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life; upon my word I will!" and Laurie meant what he said.

I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!

Some old people keep young at heart in spite of wrinkles and gray hairs, can sympathize with children's little cares and joys, make them feel at home, and can hide wise lessons under pleasant plays, giving and receiving friendship in the sweetest way.

- i found my copy of this novel at barnes and noble at a time when i had no intention of trying this book, but the edition i found was MAGNIFICENT. floppy pages, no folds or scratches or anything, and the art on this penguin classics edition is adorable, i knew then and there i was taking that copy home with me

- such a perfect children's book... it's so so so cute and heartwarming and soft and sweet. every chapter makes your soul melt like words cannot express

- beth jo and laurie are some of my favorite characters in any fictional story ever

- it does, of course, read quite a lot like wartime propaganda, especially in the first third or so as the sisters struggle with their father being away at war. considering the point in history that this was written, i can't really blame the book, but it did take me out of the moment several times early on

"It's like the tide, Jo, when it turns—it goes slowly, but it can't be stopped."

- i found my copy of this novel at barnes and noble at a time when i had no intention of trying this book, but the edition i found was MAGNIFICENT. floppy pages, no folds or scratches or anything, and the art on this penguin classics edition is adorable, i knew then and there i was taking that copy home with me

- such a perfect children's book... it's so so so cute and heartwarming and soft and sweet. every chapter makes your soul melt like words cannot express

- beth jo and laurie are some of my favorite characters in any fictional story ever

- it does, of course, read quite a lot like wartime propaganda, especially in the first third or so as the sisters struggle with their father being away at war. considering the point in history that this was written, i can't really blame the book, but it did take me out of the moment several times early on

- "It's like the tide, Jo, when it turns—it goes slowly, but it can't be stopped."

Or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy

I enjoyed this book, I just wish that I didn't pick the longest one to listen to. It was a good story and I love that each character got their time to shine. 

Tsu 💙

In New England during the Civil War, four sisters experience joys and hardships together.

This book has so much heart. It’s a long journey, but you feel like you’re part of the family and get attached to these beautiful sisters. I got emotional multiple times— reminded by how much love we have and how worthy life is to live. Definitely a longgg read but it’s very wholesome and put me in a different lifetime. 

Valentina Moreno Escobar

It took me so much time to finish this, but I enjoyed it, believe it or not. The pacing of it was off, like it was so boring, but I appreciate and love my little women ❤️, so different, so interesting and so captivating in their own way. There are so many things I enjoyed about them, particularly more when they were younger. When they got old, it got a bit meh. My big sad thing from this book was Jo's end. If I ranked the arcs of the girls, it would go like this: 1- Amy, 2- Beth (yes, even with that end), 3- Meg, and then 4- Jo.

I guessed I just put expectations and hopes into a character written in the 1800s, my bad, tho.

actually 3.75 🌟 

It took me so much time to finish this, but I enjoyed it, believe it or not. The pacing of it was off, like it was so boring, but I appreciate and love my little women ❤️, so different, so interesting and so captivating in their own way. There are so many things I enjoyed about them, particularly more when they were younger. When they got old, it got a bit meh. My big sad thing from this book was Jo's end. If I ranked the arcs of the girls, it would go like this: 1- Amy, 2- Beth (yes, even with that end), 3- Meg, and then 4- Jo.

I guessed I just put expectations and hopes into a character written in the 1800s, my bad, tho.

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women; or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy (1868) follows the lives, loves and tribulations of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War. The story is based on the childhood experiences Alcott shared with her real-life sisters, Anna, May and Elizabeth.Alcott intricately explores the rich nuances of family and family relationships with each character. Avid Alcott readers often identify in themselves one of the four sisters at various phases in their own lives. It's a perfect story for Christmas, or any time of year; a fine example of Romanticism.Alcott's novel is featured in our collection of 25 Great American Novels and Books for Young Readers, Christmas Stories, and Civil War Stories.

 is teaching me about friendship, family, kindness, mindfulness, and all the whimsical qualities of life in a way schools never could. I believe it is the most profound read I’ve had this year that leaves me with strong emotions, especially the pain of parting with Beth. Yet, alongside the sorrow, I also find some sort of sublimation—my heart tender and overflowing with love. I rejoice in the family reunions and can’t help but envy Jo, who has all I’ve ever wished for as a woman. I longed to share the same warm shelter with my own family, but, alas, mine was broken, and it made me realize how much family shapes who we become. Still, despite it all, I continue to hope for a good life, one as full and meaningful as Jo’s.

🏹

I can’t shake the feeling that Little Women is teaching me about friendship, family, kindness, mindfulness, and all the whimsical qualities of life in a way schools never could. I believe it is the most profound read I’ve had this year that leaves me with strong emotions, especially the pain of parting with Beth. Yet, alongside the sorrow, I also find some sort of sublimation—my heart tender and overflowing with love. I rejoice in the family reunions and can’t help but envy Jo, who has all I’ve ever wished for as a woman. I longed to share the same warm shelter with my own family, but, alas, mine was broken, and it made me realize how much family shapes who we become. Still, despite it all, I continue to hope for a good life, one as full and meaningful as Jo’s.

Little Women is one of the best-loved children's stories of all time, based on the author's own youthful experiences. It describes the family life of the four March sisters living in a small New England community. Meg, the eldest, is pretty and wishes to be a lady; Jo, at fifteen, is ungainly and unconventional with an ambition to be an author; Beth is a delicate child of thirteen with a taste for music and Amy is a blonde beauty of twelve. The story of their domestic adventures, their attempts to increase the family income, their friendship with the neighbouring Lawrence family and their later love affairs remains as fresh and beguiling as ever. This edition also includes the sequel, Good Wives, which takes up the story of the March sisters some three years later when, as young adults, they must face up to the inevitable trials and traumas of everyday life in their search for individual happiness.

Little Women (Exclusive)

oh i loved this sm!!!! the relationships made more sense than in the movie thank god...

obviously a part of me wished that jo would end up on her own and do great things, but the ending she got also made a lot of sense, in how she wanted to do things on her own accord and only if it made her happy...

Stas

oh i loved this sm!!!! the relationships made more sense than in the movie thank god...

obviously a part of me wished that jo would end up on her own and do great things, but the ending she got also made a lot of sense, in how she wanted to do things on her own accord and only if it made her happy...

one of the best books i have ever read in my entire life, i bought 3 copies of it. beth dying was one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the book, and i nearly cried when jo rejected laurie. the character development in this book is absolutely incredible, especially jo controlling her anger. and john’s relationship with meg is so pure and sweet i love it.

zeina

Esta es la historia de la señora March y sus cuatro hijas, Meg, Jo, Beth y Amy, quienes desde la inocencia de la niñez experimentan el despertar de la juventud. Con la guerra civil estadounidense de trasfondo, la novela sigue la vida de las cuatro hermanas, con sus enamoramientos, sus aspiraciones intelectuales, sus alegrías y complicaciones. Con una fina y delicada descripción de cada personaje, se conocen las experiencias de crecimiento que cada una va teniendo, con un gran énfasis en la libertad individual, muy inusual para la época. A lo largo de la novela, las muchachas traban amistad con el vecino, el joven adolescente Laurie, que se vuelve el mejor amigo de Jo. El libro describe las actividades de las hermanas y su amigo, y los roces por los que pasan Jo y Laurie, así también cómo Meg se convierte en una mujercita, comprometiéndose con el señor Brooke. Basada en las propias experiencias de la autora, quien creció junto a tres hermanas, Louisa May Alcott se inspiró en su propia familia a la hora de crear los personajes, con realismo y cariño. Es sin dudas una novela revolucionaria para su época, ya que cuestiona los arquetipos femeninos. La novela ha sido adaptada varias veces al cine, al teatro y a la ópera. En 2019 se estrenará una película con la participación de Emma Watson y Meryl Streep. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) fue una escritora estadounidense reconocida por su famosa novela Mujercitas (1968), una novela autobiográfica de su infancia, y sus secuelas, Hombrecitos (1871) y Los muchachos de Jo (1886), clásicos de la literatura. Fue también activa a nivel social y político durante toda su vida, comprometida con el movimiento abolicionista y el sufragismo, al igual que sus progenitores. Debido a las condiciones de pobreza de su familia, trabajó en diferentes empleos desde muy joven hasta que pudo empezar a vivir de lo que escribía. Se destacó principalmente con la creación de relatos para jóvenes mujeres, caracterizados por su descripción intimista y la lealtad familiar; así como también con una línea más adulta que publicó bajo el seudónimo de A.M. Barnard, una serie de novelas de tipo romántico, además de una obra seria denominada Un Mefistófeles moderno (1875) en los que tratan temas tabúes para la época como el adulterio y el incesto. También sirvió como enfermera en la Guerra Civil estadounidense y escribió una serie de cartas a su familia, publicadas como Apuntes del hospital (1863).

Mujercitas

Es un libro muy ok, pero ugh no me gustó nada la edición ur compré, lo compré de una editorial cualquiera y la adaptación tiene tantos tantos tantos detalles que no me gustan que se me hizo extremadamente incómoda la lectura

Manis

Anne Boyd Rioux

Patti Smith

taylor

muy lindo, me hace querer amarme más y amar mucho a los demás 

Faywawa

This review is about the first volume of little women.

I don't think a book has ever made me as happy as little women. This book was an easy-read but that doesn't mean it wasn't deep, it makes you appreciate the mundane and simple things, your current circumstances, your blood and found family. Yes, it does have some 19th century views (duh) such as women behaving a certain way (polite, quiet, "clean", like a maid), the thoughts about marriage, etc. but you can easily adapt the teachings to modern times, to your own beliefs and your own life. 

Beautiful book, 100% recommend, great summer reading.

micaela

This review is about the first volume of little women.

I don't think a book has ever made me as happy as little women. This book was an easy-read but that doesn't mean it wasn't deep, it makes you appreciate the mundane and simple things, your current circumstances, your blood and found family. Yes, it does have some 19th century views (duh) such as women behaving a certain way (polite, quiet, "clean", like a maid), the thoughts about marriage, etc. but you can easily adapt the teachings to modern times, to your own beliefs and your own life. 

Beautiful book, 100% recommend, great summer reading.

Louisa Alcott

Little women

Just found a new top favourite book, I need to read part second ASAP. What a novel man. I love Meg and Jo and Beth and Amy. Meg is the oldest, although not much older than Jo. She's growing quickly and struggles to find happiness when they aren't as rich as they used to be. She finds her own happiness at the end. Jo is the second oldest; she's always in good spirits, always happy, and is the tomboy of the family, always claiming to be the "man of the household"  when her father goes to war. She makes friends with the lonely neighbour "Laurie" and goes on to call him Teddy. I hope to see their friendship turn into a relationship. Jo struggles with controlling her anger, but with the help of her mother, she's able to tame it. Amy is the second youngest, and she's in school, and suffers from school punishment and jealous young girls. She's learned she can be quite selfish while at her Aunt March's, and sets out to change her ways. Finally, dear old Beth. 12 years old and so innocent with her kittens and house duties and dolls. Evidentally, everyone loves Beth. 

Lousia May Alcott has written a spellfounding masterpiece.

surtified™

Just found a new top favourite book, I need to read part second ASAP. What a novel man. I love Meg and Jo and Beth and Amy. Meg is the oldest, although not much older than Jo. She's growing quickly and struggles to find happiness when they aren't as rich as they used to be. She finds her own happiness at the end. Jo is the second oldest; she's always in good spirits, always happy, and is the tomboy of the family, always claiming to be the "man of the household"  when her father goes to war. She makes friends with the lonely neighbour "Laurie" and goes on to call him Teddy. I hope to see their friendship turn into a relationship. Jo struggles with controlling her anger, but with the help of her mother, she's able to tame it. Amy is the second youngest, and she's in school, and suffers from school punishment and jealous young girls. She's learned she can be quite selfish while at her Aunt March's, and sets out to change her ways. Finally, dear old Beth. 12 years old and so innocent with her kittens and house duties and dolls. Evidentally, everyone loves Beth. 

Lousia May Alcott has written a spellfounding masterpiece.

elinabel hidalgo 

i read the collins classics version and was that the alternate ending?? no one died and laurie didn't propose. i think i have to find and buy another edition.

Chronicles the joys and sorrows of the four March sisters as they grow into young ladies in mid-nineteenth-century New England.

𝚕𝚒𝚕𝚢

5 ★ - (adored, absolute favorite)

I DON'T THINK THERE ARE WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT AN ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOK THIS IS. 

Full review to come. For now: Jo March is the best, I sobbed over Beth, Laurie and Prof. Bhaer are dears, and - as a writer and avid reader - I can never forgive Amy to this day. 12/21/23


gUeSs WhO fOrGaVe AmY?! I read the sweetest devotional (by Rachel Dodge) and I finally realized that by the end of the book she was a changed girl. What she did was terrible but I don't hate her XD 1/24

CWs or things that caught my attention: Mentions/descriptions of death, deceased characters, grief, poverty,

Anna 

bála jsem se, že kvůli stáří malých žen se přes ně nikdy nedostanu, že nepochopím narážky v textu nebo že se do postav nevcítím. ovšem milované sestry marchovy mne uvedly v opak. během četby jsem s nimi navštívila například nádherné barevné plesy, tiché pláže, psací koutky a nebo rozkvetlé parky v itálii. zamilovala jsem si všechny do jedné, amy pro její něžnost, beth pro oddanost, jo pro potrhlost a meg pro její povahu starší a moudřejší sestry.
knížka se četla krásně, je přímo nádherně přeložena a nechybí mi v ní vůbec, ale vůbec nic. všechny postavy mají svou vlastní povahu, každé jsou originální a něčím zajímavé. u knihy jsem se jak smála, tak i plakala, a to mi na tom přijde nejkrásnější. je ze života mladých dívek, který se sice odehrál před 130 lety, ale přesto jsem v něm našla spousty rysů podobných naší době. na konci každé kapitoly bylo skryto ponaučení, což se mi taky moc líbilo.
jediné, co bych mohla vytknout, je ten stereotyp, že každá žena si někoho vezme a má děti, ale to bych tady ani neměla zmiňovat, vždyť je to román z devatenáctého století :D
.
5*/5*, bylo to vážně nádherné.

Pensavo sarebbe stato più difficile da leggere ma l’inglese è perfettamente comprensibile e la storia procede senza fermarsi troppo su passaggi noiosi di descrizione (come i classici romanzi dell’epoca). 

I capitoli sono brevi e veloci da leggere, e ho apprezzato il fatto che ognuno si focalizzasse su un’avventura diversa, rendendo chiaro quanto tempo fosse passato da un avvenimento all’altro, cosa che non é scontata. 

È un libro che mi ha fatto molto riflettere sul rapporto coi propri fratelli, e mi sono chiesta quanto diversa sarebbe stata la mia vita se avessi avuto una sorella al posto di un fratello, cosa su cui non mi ero mai soffermata a pensare. 

mirta <3

Pensavo sarebbe stato più difficile da leggere ma l’inglese è perfettamente comprensibile e la storia procede senza fermarsi troppo su passaggi noiosi di descrizione (come i classici romanzi dell’epoca). 

I capitoli sono brevi e veloci da leggere, e ho apprezzato il fatto che ognuno si focalizzasse su un’avventura diversa, rendendo chiaro quanto tempo fosse passato da un avvenimento all’altro, cosa che non é scontata. 

È un libro che mi ha fatto molto riflettere sul rapporto coi propri fratelli, e mi sono chiesta quanto diversa sarebbe stata la mia vita se avessi avuto una sorella al posto di un fratello, cosa su cui non mi ero mai soffermata a pensare. 



Ryan Mateyk

An absolutely iconic classic! I was inspired to read after re-watching the Greta adaptation and this book is just pure joy.

Coralie Bickford-Smith

Elaine Showalter

Siobhan Kilfeather

Vinca Showalter

JO DOVEVA FINIRE O CON LAURIE O DA SOLA I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL

elizabeth

This has been on my list for the majority of my life at this point simply because it's such an American classic, and I've put it off. And, to be honest, I'm glad I did--not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wouldn't have enjoyed it when I was younger.

This novel is famously packed with lovable, or at least sympathetic, characters. It's famously cozy and warm; it transports you to the glow of the March family hearth, even if it often dips into a sort of trite preachiness (it's peak transcendentalism, so what do you expect?). It's also famously the subject of a sort of overly-simplistic debate about whether the book is or isn't "feminist." 

I don't really think a book can be feminist, and it's a little reductive to call this book "anti-feminist" or "feminist" or or even "feminist for its time." Rather than keeping a tally of feminist vs. antifeminist sentiments, it might be more productive for the reader to try to gain a more holistic grasp of Alcott's seemingly conflicting and/or nuanced sentiments about womanhood. Yes, characters are rewarded for conformity to feminine virtue (as defined by a patriarchal system) and housewifery. Concurrently, Alcott amplifies the value of domestic labor and celebrates feminine/familial models of cooperative leadership. I don't think it's worth seeing this as two "sides" competing to dominate the narrative; the challenge (and the beauty) is taking it as a whole.

Steffi'sBookShelve

Een fantastisch boek, heb er veel van geleerd vooral van Jo en Mrs. March. Zeker een aanrader!

Little Women (Priory Classics - Series One)

I honestly don't remember much from this book since it took me 2 years to finish it. I'm a fast reader, especially when I like the book (not that I hate this or what) but I just can't pick it up and read it for some reason. This is my first Collins Classic book and I bought it for a really cheap price. My bias among the four sisters would be Jo. And I am looking forward on watching the movie.

Little Women

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