“Keep good company, read good books, love good things
and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can.”
Louisa May Alcott
Courtesy of Relaxing Music Life:
“Don’t limit yourself.
You can go as far as your mind lets you.
What you believe, you can achieve.”
Mary Kay Ash
Today’s post returns to the world of kindness, appreciation, and gratitude. The book is about the daily lives of families that had to work hard to survive events that included civil wars, political upheavals, and bad luck. And, overwhelmingly, how these stories can tell readers about human nature – and about the compassion, friendships, generosity, and gratitude that good books can breed.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
29 November 1832 – 6 March 1888
Courtesy of Brut America:
Louisa May Alcott was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, the second of four daughters of a notable proponent of Transcendentalism, Bronson Alcott. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a friend of the family, as were Henry David Thoreau and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Sharing the ideals of many of their circle, the Alcotts devoted themselves to “plain living and thinking.”
Courtesy of GBH:
Despite her transcendentalist pedigree, however, Louisa May Alcott always kept her feet on the ground, working as a seamstress, a governess, a nurse, and, eventually, an author to contribute to the household income. Her most famous work, Little Women, is drawn from her own family life: it is among the most cherished and popular children’s books of all time.
“Lullaby” by Johannes Brahms, performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott:
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a family friend
Within its comfortable domestic compass, many readers first discovered the importance of the questions:
Who am I, and who do I want to be?
Little Women (1868) was an immediate success on publication, selling a then-unprecedented 2,000 copies. The story is based on the author’s childhood memories of her parents and three sisters, and the character of Jo is said to be semi-autobiographical. The publisher urged her to produce more in the same vein, so Good Wives and Little Men followed, as well as many other novels.
Courtesy of Masterpiece PBS:
Little Women (1933)
Alcott campaigned for several political reforms during her lifetime, especially the women’s suffragette movement. She was dogged by ill-health, after she contracted typhoid while serving as a nurse during the Civil War and was treated with a mercury compound that effectively poisoned her; it was the cause of her death in 1888.
“Nocturne in C Sharp Minor” by Frédéric Chopin, performed by Hauser and London Symphony Orchestra:
There have been several screen versions of the novel, the most famous is the version starring Katharine Hepburn as Jo; more recent ones were released in 1994 with Winona Ryder in the role, and in 2019 with Saoirse Ronan.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment:
LITTLE WOMEN
The central figure of the novel is Alcott’s alter ego, Jo March, a spirited fifteen-year-old tomboy who yearns to become a writer the way other girls dream of getting married. She lives with her three sisters at home with their mother, surviving on very little money, while their improvident army chaplain father is away during the American Civil War.
There is Meg, who’s beautiful but prone to vanity; hot-tempered Jo, who wants to be a writer, frail Beth, the sweet, quiet one; and Amy, who can be selfish at times. It is Christmas as the book opens, and Jo and her sisters – Meg is the oldest at sixteen, and Beth and Amy are thirteen and twelve respectively – are at home with their beloved mother, Marmee, while Mr. March is away. Initially, the girls pity themselves for being poor at Christmas, but a letter from their father prompts a pledge to improve themselves by working on their faults – vanity, temper, shyness – in order to make him proud when he returns:
“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman,’ and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else,’ said Jo.
From the first line – ‘Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents’, grumbled Jo – Alcott taps a vein of realism and colloquial expression that was ahead of its time and that still retains its attraction. What follows is a tale of life, love, friendship, illness, and coming of age, one in which the ‘little women’ prove to have more courage, resourcefulness, and character than the adults who ostensibly hold sway over them.
More tellingly, Little Women is the story of four archetypal girls whose personalities remain familiar today; rare is a reader who doesn’t see herself, if only for an episode, as a Meg, a Jo, a Beth, or an Amy, fascinated by her reflection. The story will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. It is easy to understand why this is one of the most popular children’s books of all time.
An extract from Little Women:
“The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp. Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.
‘They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair.’
‘I thought I’d get some with my dollar,’ said Beth.
‘No, I shall!’ cried Meg.
‘I am the oldest,’ began Meg, but Jo butted in with a decided,
‘I’m the man of the family now papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone.’
‘I’ll tell you what we will do,’ said Beth, ‘let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.’
‘That’s like you, dear! What will we get?’ exclaimed Jo. Everyone thought soberly for a minute, then Meg announced as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, ‘I shall give her a nice pair of gloves.’
‘Army shoes, best to be had,’ cried Jo.
‘Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed,’ said Beth.
‘I will get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it, and it won’t cost much, so I will have some left to buy something for me’ added Amy.
‘How will we give the things?’ asked Meg.
‘Put them on the table, bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don’t you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?’ answered Jo.
‘I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the big chair with the crown on, and see all of you come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles,’ said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.
‘Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg.”
Just a final wish to my readers for a very happy start to spring and Mothering Sunday!
“Only Time” by Enya (courtesy of EnchantedEscape)
naturetails 
It was a favourite of mine. I think I must had read it when I was 8. At the time my mother was borrowing books from the US Library as we had no other access to reading materials in English and especially not for children. I did not remember that Mrs March was called Marmee, which is, in fact, the way many kids call their mothers, the way I used to call mine Mummy. Children’s books are so important. They influence us more than I had ever realised. Another great post with all the wonderful extras you always select for us!
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Loved reading Little Women Joanna! Such an emotional story. Wonderful compilation of great books of the world my friend. 📕📖📗
Kym
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Thank you so much, Joanna, for this meticulously researched and beautifully presented post. Really interesting as usual, and I particularly loved the Mother and baby sequences courtesy of Relaxing Music Life!
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Thank you, Peter, for your generous comments! I love the mother and baby video as Mothering Sunday is upon us, and I thought it will be loved by all my readers!
Thank you, Peter, again, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Kym, for your kind comments! It makes me happy to read your words, deeply appreciated! More to follow…
Joanna
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! You raised an important point, the reason why I covered so many
seemingly children books that are in fact books for any age reader because of the messages they all carry, and the fact that they influence us for life. Thank you.
Joanna
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Excellent commentary, as is always the case. It’s amazing that a smallish town produced four influential, famous people (Alcott, Thoreau, Hawthorne and Emerson) who were friends with one another.
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This is an interesting post for me Joanna because I have a copy of Little Women but have never read it. The reason I have it is because it was a school prize for my mother many years ago, and when she died I kept it. It would never have been a book that I would have bought for myself, but now that you’ve gone into the background of Louisa M Alcott and her books I can see why it would have been popular. You’ve done yet another marvellous job of converting me to your way of thinking, and it couldn’t have been more appropriate, as it has reminded me of my wonderful mother on Mother’s Day weekend. Thank you, and thanks again for the magazine 🙂
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Thank you, Malc, for your kind and honest comment! It is a shame we don’t live close as I would introduce you to my 10,000 plus library of the best books and you would realise what you have been missing. Perhaps, my posts will at least tempt you to read those books that I am recommending. There is always a valid reason why some books become “classic”, and in the case of books, the wisdom of the crowd is right.
As to the magazine, it was a pleasure to send it to you, you might one day include Oxford in your erudite tours.
A Mothering Sunday is upon us and to think about your wonderful mother, Malc, is to immortalise her, as living in your and your family’s memory keeps her alive as long as she is remembered.
Joanna
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A fabulous post about a book that I have read and re-read so many times. ❤️
I adored Jo
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Thank you, Luisa, for your wonderful comment! I am so happy that you like this special book!
I greatly appreciate your praise!
Joanna
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You must have more books than Berkhamsted Library Joanna and your knowledge of them is staggering. As for Oxford, the pictures I have are from pre-digital times, but there is always the possibility of writing about Christ Church – but I”ve just remembered, somebody has already done it 🙂 I think of my mother as still being here sometimes Joanna.
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You’re so welcome, my dear Joanna 💐💐💐
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Great book and beautiful film! ❤️ Thank you Joanna!;
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Thank you, Filipa, for your kind comment! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Hi. I forgot to ask if you have a favorite movie version of the book. I saw the version that came out a few years ago, and liked it a lot.
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I think that the quality of the book makes near impossible to make uninteresting film, I like all of them for different reasons.
If you can, watch all and then decide. Thank you again, Neil, for your wonderful comments!
Joanna
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Ah, you truly are doing book after book that is after my heart! Little Women is one of my all-time favorite books. ❤
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Thank you, Layla, for your kind comment! I am glad to be of service! The books I am reviewing are well established as influencing readers, and for that reason – loved. More to follow…
Joanna
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Oh Joanna, you are so very welcome my dear friend. It was a pleasure to dive into the depth of your post. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 🌞💞🤗
Kym
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Thank you, Joanna, for another lovely post on children. Little Women, a semi-autobiographical novel of Louisa Alcott gives a beautiful account of passage of four archetypal girls from childhood to womanhood. All girls face their own personal challenges while growing, but find their love and places in the end.
The story may sound simple, but I love reading and writing about anything that revolves around kindness, gratitude, etc. Alcott’s own penchant for many reforms is reflected in this novel, and above all, your own way of presenting such classics, interspersing with amazing images and videos, is so unique and interesting that compels one to read and re-read.
Having read 10,000 books, Joanna, you are a walking library. Thanks one again for sharing a piece of your wisdom every week.
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Joanna, with music from the era of her life and the animal mothers and babies video capturing the best of what family life could be you create the scene which celebrates Louisa May Alcott. Although she featured her family in “Little Women”, they did not always have “the best” life as a family since hard times were always in the background. Still, her life was rich: famous New England writers of that era were often guests in her home and her parents supported her independence and her writing.
Louisa was an independent woman and truly a woman’s rights advocate at the beginning of the political movement. As a nurse in the Civil War and publishing her famous book only twenty years after the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca, NY, she epitomizes independent womanhood. What better way to welcome the birth of spring, mothers and the anticipation of new life. Stewart
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderful comments! The books that influenced generations of readers, whatever their age, has to be of value and immortal. I have well over 10.000 books and read more and more. The latest interesting finds are a book by
Adrija Roychowdhury – “Delhi, in Thy Name.” The Many Legends That Make a City, and Stephen R. Covey “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People.”
I am deeply appreciative of your words of praise, Kaushal!
Joanna
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Thank you, Kym, for your kind comment, greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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A wonderful book, turned equally engaging movie, a few times. 📕🎬 Lovely share, Joanna.
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Always my pleasure, Joanna! You’re welcome! I have read Covey’s book, but not of Adrija’s.
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A childhood favourite! Am in awe of your diligent research and beautiful post, Joanna.
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When I finish it, Kaushal, I will tell you more. I understand she is a journalist, now a writer, and it seems passionate about her city and her country.
Joanna
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Thank you for your generous comments! You are very kind and
I deeply appreciate your words!
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna! She was working with Indian Express, I think.
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I will check!
Joanna
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You are so welcome.
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I re-read Little Women, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys at least once a decade. Louisa May Alcott wrote several other good books including Eight Cousin, with it’s sequel Rose in Bloom, and Old-Fashioned Girl, and Jack and Jill. Good Wives has been included in Little Women in the versions of the book that I have read, including Project Gutenberg. Another magnificent job, Joanna.
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I will reply, Pat, tomorrow as my laptop is misbehaving again, and I just lost what I have written!
Joanna
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That is so frustrating, Joanna. Buddy has a new daughter. Don’t know her name and haven’t seen her yet. He seemed lonely today. He sends his love.
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Little Women is one of my favorites, Joanna. Another fabulous post!
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Thank you so much, Lauren, for your kind comment! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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I learn so much in your posts about authors of my favorite books. Now I plan to find a good old copy of Hospital Sketches and enjoy the only Alcott book to escape me. Thanks so much for enriching my day, Joanna! 🙂🌺🙏
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Thank you so much for your kind comment! It made me happy but I would be even happier if you could advise me what name or even a capital letter I could use when saying thank you!
Joanna
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I sign my posts ~Sunnyside, but my online friends call me either Sunny or Sunnyside. My first name is Deborah. Please use any of these names – whatever your preference. 🙂🌺
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Thank you so much Sunny! I am called often Sunshine because I am never in bad mood, not even earlier in the morning!
And thank you again, Sunny, for your wonderful comment!
Joanna
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😎❤️🌺
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How lovely to be called Sunshine! I have called my oldest daughter Sunshine since the day she was born. 😎
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That is great news! I am sure she lives up to her name!
Joanna
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Oh my pleasure Joanna. You are so very welcome! Cheers my friend.
Kym
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I have to put my hand on my heart and admit that I have not read any of this author’s books! However, I have seen many of the stories on the tv. On Sunday early evening tv on the BBC in the 50s & 60s many, many of your authors books were televised. Thank you, Joanna for this wonderful post 🌸🌷🤗💓🙋♂️
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Thank you, Ashley, for your kind and honest comments! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
PS. Special thank you for your “gift” of many emojis!
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Little Women is a really great novel, thank you for sharing Joanna and for the lovely music too.
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Thanks for this Novel .Anita
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Thank you, Anita, for your kind comment. Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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