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The Glory Cloak: A Novel of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton
From childhood, Susan Gray and her cousin Louisa May Alcott have shared a safe, insular world of outdoor adventures and grand amateur theater -- a world that begins to evaporate with the outbreak of the Civil War. Frustrated with sewing uniforms and wrapping bandages, the two women journey to Washington, D.C.'s Union Hospital to volunteer as nurses. Nothing has prepar...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
May 11th 2010
by Touchstone
(first published April 6th 2004)
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***Possible Spoilers***
First of all, this is not really the story of Louisa May Alcott or Clara Barton, it is LMA's fictional cousin Susan's story as told through her eyes. That did not have a negative effect on how I liked the story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed Susan's character and she is the main reason why I gave the book 5 stars, though it's more like 4 1/2.
Susan has spent many a-month during her childhood with the Alcott's. She is more like their 5th sister than co...more
First of all, this is not really the story of Louisa May Alcott or Clara Barton, it is LMA's fictional cousin Susan's story as told through her eyes. That did not have a negative effect on how I liked the story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed Susan's character and she is the main reason why I gave the book 5 stars, though it's more like 4 1/2.
Susan has spent many a-month during her childhood with the Alcott's. She is more like their 5th sister than co...more
Like many girls, I fell in love with Little Women and all the following books written by LMA when I was young. Additionally, I read many biographies of women who helped shape our country. I had great hopes for this story, knowing it was fiction, but hoping there was a real tie between two of my childhood heroes. Unfortunately, this is where the author gets off track. The link between the two women is tenuous at best. LMA was only in DC as a nurse for 6 weeks at the beginning of the Civil War...more
I am sort of a sucker for a book about the Civil War, and I grew up infatuated with Louisa May Alcott and Little Women, so I went into this one with pretty high hopes.
I have to tell you, I was not disappointed.
In this book, Susan- a cousin of Louisa May Alcott, moves in with the Alcott family when her parents die. Through Susan's eyes, we see what life is like for the Alcotts. She and Louisa May Alcott decide to go to DC to work in a war hospital, and there is where we ...more
I have to tell you, I was not disappointed.
In this book, Susan- a cousin of Louisa May Alcott, moves in with the Alcott family when her parents die. Through Susan's eyes, we see what life is like for the Alcotts. She and Louisa May Alcott decide to go to DC to work in a war hospital, and there is where we ...more
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First half of the book: 5 stars. Second half of the book: 3 stars, so it averages out to 4 stars. The good: I really liked how O'Brien wove historical facts into her story, without stepping aside to give the reader a history lecture. She obviously did her research, particularly on Louisa May Alcott, who comes to life in this story. The descriptions of the nurses' lives in the Civil War hospital are taken almost directly from Alcott's Hospital Sketches, a very fine book, but The Glory Cloak gives...more
The problem I have with this publication is the marketing. I'm sure this is more the publishers fault than the author but I felt misled. The front cover of the paperback promises a story of Clara Burton and Louisa May Alcott, but it's more the story of LMA's fictitious cousin's dealings with LMA, Clara Burton and a number of Civil War folks. The story was interesting. A number of characters were of interest, too. I did learn something of the character of Louisa and Clara, but the author stressed...more
When I was a kid, I went through a phase where all I read were biographies of famous women. Amelia Earhart, Hellen Keller, Molly Pitcher and of course Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. I have very strong and fond memories of reading Invincible Louisa in the library of my elementary school. So the thought of reading the Glory Cloak, with its historical fiction take on not one but two of my childhood heros, certainly appealed to me.
For the most part, I think the book works. Adding t...more
For the most part, I think the book works. Adding t...more
This book was amazing. While it was historical fiction, it explored the relationship between Lousia May Alcott, her family, and history from the viewpoint of a fictional friend. The author used many historical documents to create the world of the novel in such a way that it was truly compelling. It was a book that was hard to put down. As an avid reader of all of Louisa May Alcott's novels, it was interesting to read this author's take on her life, however many fictional parts were interwoven wi...more
This was an interesting novel and kept me entertained throughout. I have to admit not being a fan of Alcott, I may have read Little Women when I was younger, but I don't recall it. That will be to be on my TBR list for the future.
The story is told in the first person by Alcott's fictional cousin, Susan Gray. She recounts their childhood, family and famous residents of Concord. As adults, the Civil War begins and Mary and Louisa volunteer as nurses in a Washington DC hospital, where ...more
The story is told in the first person by Alcott's fictional cousin, Susan Gray. She recounts their childhood, family and famous residents of Concord. As adults, the Civil War begins and Mary and Louisa volunteer as nurses in a Washington DC hospital, where ...more
Well, a shock to me, I absolutely loved this book. I read Little Women in elementary school, and while I remember enjoying it, I haven't thought much of that experience since. Now I'm excited to research her other novels, and more obscure works. This book pulled me in from the first page, and the addition of other well known literary and historical figures just made me consume this book wholly. I loved it, and would recommend to any woman. Uplifting though sad, very emotionally written, a w...more
I was very impressed with this book. It was a historical fiction book. I really liked how the fictional character, Susan, made me feel as if I was experiencing the story myself. It made the plot seem more real and it really brought to life the characters of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. I was so excited about this book when I finished it that I made my husband read it so I would have someone to discuss it with. I would reccomed this book to anyone because I think it can teach us more about...more
absolutely wonderful book! run out and get it NOW!
narrated by a relative of louisa may alcott, she tells the story of their childhood, how their friendship was formed and what was happening in the country at the time. they travel to wash,dc and meet up with clara barton. a lot happens to them in what seems a few short years. it is a wonderful historic novel-and this isnt usually my type of book! oh my... i'm totally ruined until i find another book as good as this was!! go! run! you need t...more
narrated by a relative of louisa may alcott, she tells the story of their childhood, how their friendship was formed and what was happening in the country at the time. they travel to wash,dc and meet up with clara barton. a lot happens to them in what seems a few short years. it is a wonderful historic novel-and this isnt usually my type of book! oh my... i'm totally ruined until i find another book as good as this was!! go! run! you need t...more
O'Brien allows us to get a glimpse of two of the most well-known women of the late 19th century. The story, told by a fictional cousin of Louisa May Alcott, centers around the friendship of Alcott and Clara Barton, who became acquainted while tending the Civil War wounded at a Union hospital. The reader gets a real sense of the human casualties and devastation caused by the Civil War as Alcott and Barton nurse the injured soldiers. We follow their lives and the paths they took after the hospital...more
This was a pretty quick read about the life of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton as seen through the eyes of a fictional person, Susan. I really like this time-period (the Civil War) and the "behind-the-scenes" look at Union hospitals and the search and identifying of missing/deceased soldiers after the war. I love reading historical fiction and this book did not disappoint.
One of the best books I've read in a long time. So happy that I randomly picked it up at the library! Has peaked my interest in the Civil War, LMA and CB. There is a good mix of history and drama. Very emotional ride we follow Susan on. Great book.
Evelina C
rated it
Excellent read. It reminded me of other books I've read about this subject: a combination of THE LOST SUMMER OF LOUISA MAY ALCOTT; MY NAME IS MARY SUTTER; and MR EMERSON'S WIFE. I particularly liked the portrayal of Clara Barton who has been a favorite historical figure of mine since I wrote a report about her in the 5th grade!
yet another book that just didn't cut it for me. This time, however, I think that it's because I'm not a big fan of LMA as a person. Love "Little Women" but not necessarily her. She kind of annoyed me in this book. Oh well.
This was a wonderfully done historic novel about Louisa Mae Alcott. The narrator is sara, her ficticious cousin and friend. There are several famous historic figures featured in the book, and a very realistic look at the Civil War.
I really loved this book. Louisa May Alcott's Little Women was a huge part of my life growing up in many ways: It was my grandma's favorite book, she named my mother Amy Jo after two of the characters, and I also read it/watched the movies periodically as a child and young adult. So Louisa May Alcott has always been a part of my life, and to read a book about HER life was truly fascinating.
I loved the details of this book. I thought Susan was an amazing character, and I thought she p...more
I loved the details of this book. I thought Susan was an amazing character, and I thought she p...more
Great story premise but the writer just doesn't deliver.
Easy, quick read but don't bother.
Easy, quick read but don't bother.
I really enjoyed the author's take on what might have been.
I was curious because it is about -theoretically- Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton and their nursing during the Civil War. It touched on several interests from my last semester in school. But not this book. It was told from an oustide perspective, rather than from inside LMA's mind, for example, which was surely the safer road to take. But it left me thinking "Did that really happen? Did she really have a crush on Thoreau?" And as I skimmed ahead to see if I was really that motivate...more
very interesting
very historical
very historical
Interesting and informative.
I discovered this book because a woman I interviewed for a job in Honolulu brought the book to the interview (to read while she was waiting). I asked her about it, and she recommended it. Then we ended up not hiring her--and she sent me the book with a thank you note--sign of a true book lover!!
I loved this book! Delicious historical fiction loosely based on the lives of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. A beautiful story of women's friendship in the time of war and trials.
I loved this book! Delicious historical fiction loosely based on the lives of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. A beautiful story of women's friendship in the time of war and trials.
I absolutely loved this book and once I got past the first few chapters I could not put it down. Just an amazing story told from the viewpoint of a fictionalized cousin of Louisa's. Great historical detail regarding experiences as a civil war nurse and Louisa's struggles with writing. Definitely has sparked my interest to learn more about the lives of Alcott/Barton and civil war history in general. Wonderfully engaging.
Elisha (lishie)
rated it
Recommends it for:
historical fiction/civil war/Little Women lovers
Shelves:
historical-fiction
This was great historical fiction told by a fictional cousin of the Alcott's about Louisa May Alcott, her writing, her life, her loves and her stint as a Union Civil War nurse under Clara Barton. In the 5th grade, I wrote a paper on Barton and unbeknownst to me, my teacher entered it in a contest. I won 1st place so she is dear to me. Some of the war hospital's procedures are graphic but it is worth it to read through them.
It pains me that I didn't love this book; it's about Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton, after all. But, I put it down to read something else and then never picked it up again. That says it all.
"The women who went to the field, you say...
A few names were writ, and by chance live to-day;
But's a perishing record fast fading away,
Of those we recall, there are scarcely a score...
And what would they do if war came again?...
They would stand with you now, as they stood with you then,
The nurses, consolers, and saviors of men."
— Patricia O'Brien
A few names were writ, and by chance live to-day;
But's a perishing record fast fading away,
Of those we recall, there are scarcely a score...
And what would they do if war came again?...
They would stand with you now, as they stood with you then,
The nurses, consolers, and saviors of men."
— Patricia O'Brien
More the story of an imaginary friend of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. Learned a bit about the time during the civil war, but the story wasn't great.
I love historical fiction and this was a clever use of character to do that. I liked to story although there are some parts I didn't care for but on the whole a good book especially for anyone interested in LMA.
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Patricia O'Brien is the author of the critically acclaimed novel The Glory Cloak and co-author of I Know Just What You Mean, a New York Times bestseller. She lives in Washington, D.C.
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“He had illuminated the heartbreaking cruelty of war: When men who fight become nothing, only packages of bones and blood deposited in the earth with no clarion call to memory, those they love are left without a way to make such devastating loss hold meaning.”
—
10 people liked it
“The women who went to the field, you say...
A few names were writ, and by chance live to-day;
But's a perishing record fast fading away,
Of those we recall, there are scarcely a score...
And what would they do if war came again?...
They would stand with you now, as they stood with you then,
The nurses, consolers, and saviors of men.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
A few names were writ, and by chance live to-day;
But's a perishing record fast fading away,
Of those we recall, there are scarcely a score...
And what would they do if war came again?...
They would stand with you now, as they stood with you then,
The nurses, consolers, and saviors of men.”
