BOOK REVIEW: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott; review by Saanvi Kunisetty

The classic literary work Little Women by Louisa May Alcott has remained a sensational and everlasting book throughout time, grabbing the attention of various types of readers. The story tells of four young girls during the time of the Civil War, and how they handle their daily life and challenges- whether it be an extreme amount of work, life without riches and expensive trifles, illness, and dark times. Through these challenges, we are able to see the girls morph and develop, from a young and immature state of mind to a mature one. 

The four girls are named Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Meg is the oldest, and a feminine dainty woman with a special place in her heart for beauty, trifles, and such riches. As time progresses, she falls in love with the kind and sacrificing John, who previously worked in the army and is now a tutor. Jo’s demeanor is quite contrary to Meg's, as she is an exuberant tomboyish girl who is straightforward, and doesn’t give a care in the world about all “girlish things,” very similar to her best friend and prankster Laurie. Beth is the gentle and kind-hearted soul who doesn’t dare disobey and only cares for others, always doing her work. And finally Amy, the youngest, is a beautiful girl with beautiful hair and talented artistic abilities, who craves for a high social status and life. 

So what is it, what is the difference between this uniquely crafted book and others that has drawn readers for years? The ongoing pattern is evident throughout the book; The girls learn through experience. Though Mrs. March knows that what the girls are doing might not be beneficial she knows, that in the course of time, the girls themselves will learn so. This is best displayed in the chapter regarding the “experiment”, where the girls are tired of working, and decide to the motto “All work, no play.” Mrs. March allows them to try this out, and leaves them to fend for themselves with headaches, messy rooms, chaotic scenarios, and dinner disasters. At the end of the week, they realize that a balance between work and play is necessary.

This book appeals to me specifically because I love the way the author develops each of the four girls' characters throughout the story. A vivid description is always provided of the characters appearances, and a multitude of actions and thoughts to depict the character's internal trait. Throughout the story, I love visualizing how each character is growing and maturing throughout the years. It's a very different kind of book, because it doesn't have a specific plot. It is more that each chapter is like its own individual story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the short stories of every girl's experiences. Ultimately, the author has crafted the book in a way that I feel like I can witness the characters growing up right in front of me.

Little Women will forever remain a masterpiece, an ageless work of literature capturing the regard of readers forever, and holding a special place in their hearts.