“I want to do something splendid…something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.”
A tale of four young girls growing up into four women is the general summary for this classic Little Women, but there is so much more to it. The book spans their story from being little girls until they are grown and have children of their own and the big lessons they learn along the way. Meg is the oldest and would love for them to have finer things even though they are considered poor. Jo is a writer and full of life. Beth is frail but loves to play piano. Amy is the youngest and can’t wait to enter the world and do what her sisters do. Their next-door-neighbor, Lorrie, becomes like a brother to them during most of their childhood; yet, the relationship must change as they all become adults.
It has been many decades since I read Little Women. I honestly had forgotten a lot of the plot and wanted to re-read it before I watched the newest movie with my daughters. After listening to it, I almost think I should re-read all the classics to see them from an adult perspective with life experience. I probably connected more to one of the girls when I first read it and this time I connected more with the mother.
The girls face the departure of their father to fight in the war, getting jobs to help their family, learning to live with their poverty and the sickness of Beth. As they learn to deal with their hardships and personal faults, their mother is always there to listen and guide them. She wishes them happiness and love, rather than pushing them to marry for money. I loved how they all learned their lessons in very realistic ways, especially Meg adjusting to her own motherhood with twins.
I highly recommend Little Women to all readers. Consider re-reading this classic if you only read it in your childhood and see what new lessons you see with your adult eyes. I truly loved Jo throughout the whole book, too, especially since she endeavored to be a writer.
Who is your favorite of the Little Women? Share in the comments below!
Buy Little Women here (affiliate link).
