Part of Penguin's beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality colourful, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design.
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 Women has 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 traveling 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.
- ISBN10 0141192410
- ISBN13 9780141192413
- Publish Date 1 October 2009 (first published 1 January 1900)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
- Imprint Penguin Classics
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 544
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/isbn/9780141192413
Reviews
readingwithwrin
As we all know by now I struggle to read classics, yet it somethings I strive to read more of each year. Well this year I think I've finally figured out how to read and enjoy classic books. it's to buddy read them with a friend.
I remember reading Little Women back in middle school and not liking it at all. But I wanted to give it another try as it has been adapted into a movie again and this adaption has several actors I like in it. I am so glad I gave this book another try this year.
I had forgotten so much of this book from the last time I read it, so rereading it was almost like reading it again for the first time. This book surprised me several times with the direction it went in and the things it covered for its time.
Jo was of course my favorite character from the book, and I adored Laurie as well and the friendship they had. This book does show the perspective of all four march sisters, but Jo is the primary character of it. Because we get to see all of their different points-of-views I did find myself enjoying some more than others. In fact I found one sister practicularly annoying until they got to be a little bit older.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I am so glad I gave it another try. I'm countinuing on with the series and I have already started reading Little Men which is book two in the Little Women series.
Emma (SCR)
The March girls all have very different personalities but they are all loveable in their own way. I love a full-cast audio and the BBC did an excellent job with these narrators. I went through a lot of emotions in this book. I was immersed in this story so easily. I was welling up on more than one occasion.
It's easy to see why this is a classic and I am glad that the BBC made this adaptation for those like me who struggle with those classic stories that have a reason for being loved.
abookishblether
Little Women follows Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy as they begin the arduous process of growing up quickly as their father is away fighting in the American Civil War. I feel as close to these girls as I did when I was reading the books growing up, almost like no time has passed. I still relate to Jo and her tom-boyish ways.
I found the story to be charming and endearing, but a slight too heavy handed with moral lessons for my liking. I think for the most part the story still feels relevant and relatable, and the characters create a strong impression on your mind. I really love this series, and I can't wait to complete my re-read.
alisoninbookland
Little Women was vastly better than Good Wives for me.
I'm still annoyed that Laurie marries Amy.
I wasn't keen on Professor Bhaer the first time around but I've grown fond of him on my listening of the story.
Steph L
anastasia
The Author Louisa May Alcott prefaces Little Women with an excerpt from John Bunyan’s seventeenth-century work The Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegorical novel about leading a Christian life.
This story begins with the March girls sitting in their living room. Marmee comes home with a letter from the girls’ father, who is serving in the Civil War. The letter inspires the girls to bear their burdens more cheerfully and not to complain about their poverty.
The girls have various adventures. Amy is caught trading limes at school. Jo refuses to let Amy go with her to the theater and as a result, Amy burns Jo’s manuscript, and Jo, in her anger, nearly lets Amy drown while ice skating. Meg goes to Annie Moffat’s party and allows the other girls to dress her up in high style. Meg learns that appearance is not everything.
The family receives a telegram saying that Mr. March is sick in the hospital in Washington, D.C. Mrs. March the girls mother, goes to tend to him. Beth becomes very sick, she contracts scarlet fever from the Hummel baby. Beth recovers, though not completely, and Mr. Brooke, Laurie’s tutor, falls in love with Meg, much to Jo’s dismay. Mr. Brooke and Meg are engaged.
Many years pass before Part Two begins. Meg marries and moves into a new home with Mr. Brooke. Meg struggles with the duties of keeping house, and gives birth to twins, Demi and Daisy. Amy goes to Paris. Jo thinks that Beth loves Laurie. Jo moves to New York so as to give Beth a chance to win his love. Jo meets Professor Bhaer. When Jo returns home, Laurie proposes, but she turns him down. Beth dies.
Amy and Laurie reunite in France, and they fall in love, marry and return home. Jo begins to hope that Professor Bhaer will come for her. He does, and they marry a year later. Amy and Laurie have a daughter named Beth. Jo inherits Plumfield, Aunt March’s house, and decides to turn it into a boarding school for boys. The novel ends with the family happily gathered together, each sister thankful for her blessings and for each other.”
This is the first time i've read this book and i loved it! This book shows the daily life of the 4 March sisters and their struggles.
A must-read!