Little Women
Pure
Sweet
Timeless

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott โ€” 2018
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.
Sign up to use

Reviews

Photo of surtifiedโ„ข
surtifiedโ„ข@heartrender081
5 stars
Aug 28, 2024

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.

Photo of elinabel hidalgo
elinabel hidalgo @cookiejar
5 stars
Aug 3, 2024

I'll never get tired of little women!

Photo of ryn
ryn@rynreads
4 stars
Jul 19, 2024

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.

Photo of ๐š•๐š’๐š•๐šข
๐š•๐š’๐š•๐šข@avonleawritings
5 stars
Jul 16, 2024

5 โ˜… - (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,

Photo of Anna
Anna @ann_omalia
5 stars
Jul 13, 2024

bรกla jsem se, ลพe kvลฏli stรกล™รญ malรฝch ลพen se pล™es nฤ› nikdy nedostanu, ลพe nepochopรญm narรกลพky v textu nebo ลพe se do postav nevcรญtรญm. ovลกem milovanรฉ sestry marchovy mne uvedly v opak. bฤ›hem ฤetby jsem s nimi navลกtรญvila napล™รญklad nรกdhernรฉ barevnรฉ plesy, tichรฉ plรกลพe, psacรญ koutky a nebo rozkvetlรฉ parky v itรกlii. zamilovala jsem si vลกechny do jednรฉ, amy pro jejรญ nฤ›ลพnost, beth pro oddanost, jo pro potrhlost a meg pro jejรญ povahu starลกรญ a moudล™ejลกรญ sestry. knรญลพka se ฤetla krรกsnฤ›, je pล™รญmo nรกdhernฤ› pล™eloลพena a nechybรญ mi v nรญ vลฏbec, ale vลฏbec nic. vลกechny postavy majรญ svou vlastnรญ povahu, kaลพdรฉ jsou originรกlnรญ a nฤ›ฤรญm zajรญmavรฉ. u knihy jsem se jak smรกla, tak i plakala, a to mi na tom pล™ijde nejkrรกsnฤ›jลกรญ. je ze ลพivota mladรฝch dรญvek, kterรฝ se sice odehrรกl pล™ed 130 lety, ale pล™esto jsem v nฤ›m naลกla spousty rysลฏ podobnรฝch naลกรญ dobฤ›. na konci kaลพdรฉ kapitoly bylo skryto ponauฤenรญ, coลพ se mi taky moc lรญbilo. jedinรฉ, co bych mohla vytknout, je ten stereotyp, ลพe kaลพdรก ลพena si nฤ›koho vezme a mรก dฤ›ti, ale to bych tady ani nemฤ›la zmiลˆovat, vลพdyลฅ je to romรกn z devatenรกctรฉho stoletรญ :D . 5*/5*, bylo to vรกลพnฤ› nรกdhernรฉ.

Photo of mirta <3
mirta <3@marga
4 stars
Jul 6, 2024

Pensavo sarebbe stato piรน difficile da leggere ma lโ€™inglese รจ perfettamente comprensibile e la storia procede senza fermarsi troppo su passaggi noiosi di descrizione (come i classici romanzi dellโ€™epoca).

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

รˆ 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.


+5
Photo of Ryan Mateyk
Ryan Mateyk@the_rybrary
5 stars
Jul 4, 2024

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

Photo of wen
wen@orchidsboat
3 stars
Jun 18, 2024

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

Photo of elizabeth
elizabeth@ekmclaren
4 stars
May 11, 2024

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.

Photo of miu
miu@miureads
5 stars
May 5, 2024

Oh it's beautiful ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Photo of Steffi'sBookShelve
Steffi'sBookShelve@steffidenys
5 stars
Apr 30, 2024

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

Photo of Lindsay Ornedo
Lindsay Ornedo@lind_saythename
3.5 stars
Apr 26, 2024

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.

+1
Photo of Megan
Megan@meprevost024
4 stars
Apr 15, 2024

4.25

Photo of neri
neri@indigostar
4 stars
Apr 1, 2024

Always coming back to this!!

Photo of Rosibel Silva Pineda
Rosibel Silva Pineda@gatiegirl
4 stars
Mar 29, 2024

Una historia llena de sentimientos que deja muchas lecciones invaluables que se pueden aplicar totalmente a nuestros dรญas. Simplemente hermosa.

Photo of Elisabeth Bontrager
Elisabeth Bontrager@livingforjesus08
5 stars
Mar 7, 2024

Lately Iโ€™ve been reading a lot of fantasy or YA books so when I started this one again (Iโ€™ve read it several times before) I had forgotten how much slower paced classics were. It took me just a bit getting into but once started it once again had me hooked. I think if I had to choose between always reading classics or always reading fantasy, I would pick Classics. They may be slower paced and never have me on the edge of my seat holding my breath but theyโ€™re full of good values and virtues and theyโ€™re good stories about humans that mess up and learn from their mistakes. Little Women is such an amazing book in that aspect. I think every girl should read it and if youโ€™re no longer a young girl but havenโ€™t read it yet you should read it too. Itโ€™s full of little tidbits of wisdom about growing up and becoming women, about marriage, about presiding over your own home, and just about being modest virtuous ladies. I love how slow paced the book is. I believe it covers 10 years (skipping some years in between). Itโ€™s so so much fun watching the sisters grow up and get married. Thereโ€™s parts of the book that will make you laugh and parts will make you cry, I canโ€™t recommend this book enough.

Photo of Krisha Lei
Krisha Lei@aeyizhuo
5 stars
Feb 21, 2024

not a first time read but aahhhh always a pleasure to visit this every time

+5
Photo of Laura Hurst
Laura Hurst@lolaknitface
5 stars
Feb 6, 2024

I absolutely adore this book. The only thing wrong with it is that I didnโ€™t read it when I was a kid. I would have loved to have known Jo March back then!

There are two things I love most about this book: the small but poignant life lessons, and how modern it is in terms of feminism. At times I had to remind myself that I was reading something written in the 1860s.

Even though sheโ€™s only three right now, Iโ€™ve given Little Women to my niece as a birthday present. She already loves books and I want her to read it as soon as possible.

+3
Photo of julia
julia@ctrljulia
5 stars
Jan 31, 2024

comfort book

Photo of D.
D.@travelling_bookworm
4 stars
Jan 29, 2024

โ€œI want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.โ€ -- Can you believe that it is the first time that I have ever read this book? Probably, even more surprising is that I have never seen one of the movie adaptations either. All this time, I was thinking this was a Dickensian story of 4 orphaned sisters. I was obviously wrong. This is an extremely charming and heart-warming story about family and innocence above all. However, it is not afraid to touch upon heavier and tougher subjects such as poverty, death, ethics, and nationalism. After finishing it, I am still unsure as to who the target audience might be: children? young adults? all adults? Maybe, that's a part of the charm of this book, it has something for everyone. My favorite above all is how well the author has shown the best and worst moments of having a sibling. Although all characters are lovingly sketched out in the story, this is clearly Jo's show, and it is impossible not to love her. Overall, it is a sweet story, but it feels a little preachy and lesson-y at times. But over all, a pleasurable read.

Photo of shadee
shadee@shadeeqa
5 stars
Jan 19, 2024

a book i would pass on to my grandchild i am still in awe how all characters were so real about emotions, all was just so pure. reading this felt like a trip with someones family who gives nothing but love.

Photo of Gracie Marsden
Gracie Marsden@marsdengracie
3 stars
Jan 18, 2024

One of the he very few books in which I enjoyed the movie more than the book! Greta Gerwig's rendition of the book is masterful!

Photo of Matcha Donut
Matcha Donut@bowdonut
5 stars
Jan 13, 2024

In the first book I can sense that Laurie liked Jo. But he is such a gentleman he must cool down his horses so that their friendship will not be destroyed.

Photo of Syahla Aurel
Syahla Aurel@owhrel
5 stars
Jan 10, 2024

But, you see, Jo wasn't a heroine, she was only a struggling human girl like hundreds of others, and she just acted out of her nature, being sad, cross, or energetic, as the mood suggested. Although it was a long read, this book was really wholesome. While I absolutely liked how each sister's personality developed, I still believe Jo would be better off not getting married.

Highlights

Photo of aybรผke
aybรผke@cescedes

โ€œIโ€™ve been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.โ€

Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

"only don't go the other extreme, and delve like slaves. Have regular hours work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will he delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty."

Page 118
Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

"You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for concert spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty."

Page 70
Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.

Page 64
Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

She tried not to be envious or discontented, but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life.

Page 37

Amen to that

Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

but, dear me, let us be elegant or die.

Page 26
Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

"We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is a guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City."

Page 10
Photo of Mey
Mey@mey

"Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that whole we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted."

Page 8
Photo of Lizzy Jensen
Lizzy Jensen@lizzyjensenn

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.

Photo of Lizzy Jensen
Lizzy Jensen@lizzyjensenn

Her face looked tired, grave, and rather sad, for tomorrow was her birthday, and she was thinking how fast the years went by, how old she was getting, and how little she seemed to have accomplished. Almost twenty-five, and nothing to show for it. Jo was mistaken in that. There was a good deal to show, and by-and-by she saw, and was grateful for it.

Photo of Julie <3
Julie <3@julieanna

โ€œIโ€™ve been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo; but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.โ€

Page 122
Photo of nadhirah
nadhirah@moonsong

i ought to have read more, for i find i donโ€™t know anything, and it mortifies me

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

We love one another, and that makes all the rest easy to bear.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

For womenโ€™s special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

For honesty is the best policy in love as in law.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

Was it all self-pity, loneliness, or low spirits? Or was it the waking up of a sentiment which has bided its time as patiently as its inspirer? Who shall say?

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

If it is a feminine delusion, leave us to enjoy it while we may, for without it half the beauty and the romance of life is lost.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

When women are the advisers, the lords of creation donโ€™t take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

Death canโ€™t part us, though it seems to.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

You men tell us we are angels, and say we can make you what we will, but the instant we honestly try to do you good, you laugh at us and wonโ€™t listen, which proves how much your flattery is worth.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

I want to be great, or nothing.

Photo of Ashlyn Barrett
Ashlyn Barrett@ashlynbarrett

He found himself admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers.