Aadhyaa Kedia

The novel, “ Little Women” has been written by Louisa May Alcott. Alcott was an American Novelist, short story writer and poet. In 1868, Alcott published her most popular work, Little Women. The novel was published in a series of short stories, but was eventually compiled into one book. The novel is loosely based on the lives of the author and her three sisters and is classified as a semi-autobiographical novel. It is a coming of age story, which depicts the story of March sisters. Margaret or Meg, the eldest of four and worked as a governess in a household. Jo was like a tomboy who didn’t care how the world sees her as long as her family is happy. She had got a bit of a temper which leads her into troubles every now and then. She loved to write. Elizabeth or Beth, was the sweetest child of the family. She had got a musical quality, loved play the piano. Amy, the youngest, was ambitious and wishes to become rich. Other characters were Mr. March, Mrs. March, Laurie, John, Old Mr. Laurence, Hannah, Aunt March. Every character is aptly weaved. With their father, Mr. March fighting in the American Civil War, sisters Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth are at home with their mother, a very outspoken woman for her time. The story tells of how the sisters grow up, find love, and find their place in the world. The end of the novel was very beautiful but there was a tinge of sadness as the sweetest character Beth was no more. The best thing about little women would be the characters. Each character is unique and has different personalities enabling different readers to connect with them. My favourite character was Beth because she was sweet, humble and has a peaceful mind. She was well disciplined and can not see anyone sad which makes her even more special. I also liked Jo, as she was confident and cares a lot about her family. She does not believe in money, and writes her stories with emotions. The writing style of author was simple and straight forward. The narrator knows the girls’ personalities, thoughts, and feelings intimately. The book does not comprise any major drama and tragedy. It’s the simplicity of the book that made it a masterpiece. The most important thing which fascinated me a lot is the love between the family members. Like, when Jo sold her hair for the recovery of her father. The love and loss faced by the four characters bring out many moral characters as well. The drawback of the book is, it’s not much interesting and is suitable for growing girls only. Other thing which forms a weakness for the book is Jo, as she doesn’t prefer to be a girl and had masculine habit, like earning money for family, which in 18’s saw as a work of man. While reading the book, I found myself crying and laughing and connected with March sisters a lot. This novel taught me countless life lessons and inspired me like no other book, therefore I’d rate it 4.5 stars. There is also a good bond between the daughters and their mother which make me connected with the story till end. I also taught me that happiness can not bought by money and having a family is the best gift.