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Little Women

Categories Fiction, Young Readers
Language English
Series No. 1 in the Little Women series
Published 1868
Notes

This popular novel concerns the lives and loves of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War, and was based on Alcott's own experiences as a child in Concord, Massachusetts. After much demand, Alcott wrote a sequel, Good Wives, which is often published together with Little Women as if it were a single work. Good Wives picks up three years after the events in the last chapter of Little Women, and includes characters and events often felt by fans to be essential to the story.

Approx. 186,279 words.

Excerpt

ould go as a drummer, a vivan--what's its name? Or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him," exclaimed Jo, with a groan.

"It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug," sighed Amy.

"When will he come home, Marmee?" asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice.

"Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won't ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared. Now come and hear the letter."

They all drew to the fire, Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair, and Jo leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one little was said of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the homesickness conqu

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Average Rating:

2007.11.14
Maithri Hegde

I first read the abridged version of Little Women when I was about 10 years [6 years earlier]. Since then I have read the unabridged version as well as the sequels. If there is any book that is timeless, truly inspiring and enjoyable, it is this.

The tale of the four sisters is truly touching, more so in Good Wives, where the author shows how life is not all plain sailing, and how even the best of us must struggle to overcome our sorrows and see the best in life. The characters are beautifully portrayed, probably and no other character shall I ever find who will delight me like Jo March.

Louisa May Alcott's books deserve to be spread far and wide and this site is a wonderful way to get most of her works.

2007.08.21
Maddie

A true classic in every sense of the word. I'd never read this book until now and I loved it. I've seen the movie but the book is much better. They always are. I sort of like to watch a movie and then read the book because you can see what they've changed, but when you do it the other way around you are most always disappointed.

2007.03.10
Basudha

this book is the best I've ever read....It's really cool...anyone who reads it will love it....

2007.01.30
J.Green

Little Women is the most memorable book I have read in several years. A single chapter would bring both laughter and tears. The characters were very real-- living, learning and loving through situations which made them all better human beings.

Louisa May Alcott is one of my favorite authors. She weaves solid wisdom and goodness into every tale she tells.

i have never read this book but i would like to

2006.08.14
Kalyani Kansal

Lovely book.. A must read for its honest characters, real plots and deep, good humoured writing.