War. An event nobody wants to go through. Imagine your father leaving your family behind to serve your country. This not only affects families emotionally and financially, but creates uncertainty in their lives. It is indeed hard to live under poverty, where you have to support your large family during tough and vulnerable times with limited resources. At the end of the day, you have to recognize that being rich is not as important as you think it is. Money can buy materials but cannot buy things like peace, happiness, and a healthy family. Today I will be sharing with you my all time favorite classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This story highlights an important lesson that money does not guarantee happiness in life. But family values and togetherness brings joy in family even during tough times. If you haven’t read this book yet please consider reading it.
From the years of 1863 and 1866 in Concord Massachusetts, the March family are living a simple and happy life despite not having enough money as their father has been away serving in the civil war. The family has four daughters with different personalities.Meg, the oldest, a polite good looking girl, Jo, the second oldest, an ambitious and rebellious teen who enjoys a liking for books, Beth, the quiet and kind young lady, and Amy, the youngest but the sweetest and creative. The girls enjoy themselves and keep one another in company when in doubt. In the beginning of the story, the girls have to spend their first Christmas without their father. Their mother, whom they call Marmee tries to teach their girls lessons on being grateful for what they have and that they should always believe in their inner selves. Meg and Jo work in order to support their family financially. Trouble starts when Beth March falls ill and Marmee has to leave to nurse her husband. However their rich neighbor, Mr. Laurence suggests helping their family. The March girls later meet Laurie, Mr. Laureces grandson and discover a friendship with the boy.They treat him as a brother. As they all grow up into bold women, they start to discover challenges in life. But at the end of the day, they realize that all their challenges in life have turned them into brave women. The 4 March girls have 4 very different personalities but they show that family is the thing that pulls everyone together despite the differences. The story also emphasizes that you should always follow your dreams even if you have many setbacks. What will happen to the March family? To learn more please read the book.
If you like stories of coming of age, sisterhood, family values and growing up, I recommend this book to you.
This book has been turned into a movie and I look forward to watching the movie soon. The ending of the book has made me realize that life is not perfect but you have to work hard to make it better. Last but important lesson is that money cannot solve all your problems and that being happy with whatever you have may bring comfort and peace.
A few years ago, I had read More to the Story by Hena Khan which is a modern version inspired from Little Women. I really enjoyed reading that book and it motivated me to read Little Women to see the difference between them. I really enjoyed reading More to the Story. I know there are many versions and follow ups to this story as a lot of people have enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am sure you know someone who will remind you of March sisters because the characters in this novel are realistic.
This blog is dedicated to all Little Women around the world.
Happy Reading!