Book Review: Little Women

Having recently had to read Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women for my Women's Lit class this semester, I thought I'd write a little review on the book and share my thoughts on it with all of you.  Now,  I have read the book before- I was a summer reading assignment for my freshman year of high school, so it's been quite awhile since I'd read the book, and I'd expected my thoughts on it to change a bit.  But nope, I still felt the same way about the end off the book.

First, let's start off with the biggest character transformation of all- Jo.  I can relate to Jo in so many ways- wanting to be a writer, having a temper, having ambitions, etc.  But I always felt that by the end of the book she completely squashed her personality to conform to society's wants and became someone that wasn't her.  She married someone who forced her to stop writing, even after she began making substantial money off of her work, and who I feel is just unsuitable for her.  I'd always kept this little romantic image in my head of her going off and marrying Laurie and the two of them running off to Europe together and being crazy little kids forever.  But instead, she changes into society's version of a 'woman' and that fundamentally changes who she is.  

Meg, the eldest sister, ends up happily married, but does not get her rich husband that she'd always expressed desire for.  I think this does show some growth in character as she eventually realizes that perhaps money isn't everything in life as long as one is happy and comfortable.  And she has two adorable children.  I mean, who could beat that?

Now onto Beth.  Despite many peoples' hatred of the Beth character for her meekness, I've always appreciated Beth because I relate to that shyness.  I'm certainly shy and uncomfortable around people that  I do know very well, things that people often mistake for different personality traits, which I think is that case with Beth.  I always dread the moment that Beth dies because it is just so heartbreaking to me.  

And lastly, Amy.  Where to begin?  Let's start with her marriage.  I never did think she was deserving of Laurie.  I always took Amy to be conceited and vain- two traits which I completely identify with- but Laurie is too good for her.  With Amy, Laurie is settling for the last March sister- the only one that is alive and would have him.  On the other hand, I do feel bad for Amy.  Amy's art is mocked in the first  part of the novel by the narrator as being sub-par, and when you compare her with her sisters, Amy is just not as talented or intelligent.  The only thing she seems to have going for her are her looks.  But, she is used to getting what she wants, and makes sure that everyone suffers when she doesn't- classic youngest child syndrome.  In my family, I'm the oldest child, and I just can't stand that nonsense.

So there you have it!  If you've never read the novel, I highly encourage you too.  While Huck Finn is considered the great American novel, consider this one to be the great novel for girls to read.  It is a great primer on lessons for young ladies on how to act and how to be good daughters.  And if you have read it, leave your comments and thoughts on it below.  Let's get a conversation going.  I'd absolutely love to hear what you think!