Monday, March 03, 2014

Books read in 2014: No. 9 -- Little Women

by Louisa May Alcott

Started: Feb. 6
Finished: March 3

Notes: Every now and then I like to toss a classic of literature into the mix, one I've not read before. I picked this one for a couple of reasons. First, the spouse has been suggesting it for years. Second, I've been trying to read more female authors.

Mini review: This was a surprisingly good read. I like this book for a number of reasons, a big one being that it is so uncynical, a rare treat in today's world and a nice change of pace. Also, the author impressed me right at the beginning by throwing a bunch of characters at the reader, but within a few pages the reader had quite the distinct notion of each characters' looks, ages, backgrounds, personalities, etc., which is quite rare and difficult to do. For those seeking lots of action or a straight plot, this won't be your thing, but for those seeking a little reading that's not too serious and offers simple though not simplistic characters from an era with a more sedate pace, this could be your thing. The story is mainly about four sisters, how they grow from teens to young women, the men they meet and marry (or don't), their children, their spiritual goals and growth, etc. In a few places it becomes overly sentimental, but it doesn't stay that way for long. Overall, I enjoyed it, and can give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

2 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Never read it. I bet I would probably like it though. I should put this on a list of classics to read.

Ty said...

Charles, it's definitely a different kind of book, especially for today's readers, but it had a quaintness to it I found refreshing. Not an exciting read for the most part, but it never really bogs down and I found it a nice change of pace.