Book Review: Little Women

Having just posted on the topic of classics, I thought it would be fitting for the first of my monthly book reviews to be on a personal favorite classic. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a well-known classic, beloved by many. I found it a wonderful place to start on my journey through the exploration classics. The story is engaging, cozy, and fairly easy to understand, making it a great book for a wide variety of ages.

My Experience:

This story is a childhood staple for me. I grew up listening to it as an audiobook on repeat. By now, I have easily read or listened to it over twenty times. It is perfect for all sorts of settings, from road trips, to family reading nights in the living room, to quiet spots with a cozy blanket and a hot cup of tea. This book is an absolute delight!

About the Book:

Originally published in the 1870’s, this book takes place in New England around the time of the Civil war. The story focuses on the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy — and their journey through womanhood. As they grow, they long for their father to come home. They work hard in their day-to-day life and learn how to become strong Christian women. This book is sprinkled with romps of all shapes and sizes, cozy winter workdays, household disasters, twists of romance, and, as the heartbeat of the story, applicable lessons in faith.

Themes/Morals:

The messages portrayed by this story are numerous, but the one that stands out to me is the importance of relying on God through everything. He is always there in the highs and lows, in quiet moments and in tempests, in life and in death. We need God every day. God is our strength and if we turn to Him, He will be there. He is fully willing to guide us through difficulty, to comfort us in grief, and to be by our side through every mundane task of life.

Conclusion:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott truly is a treasure among classics. I highly recommend this book next time you feel the need of a cozy, relatable, old-fashioned novel with threads of romance and wholesome reminders to lean on God throughout our everyday life.