Little Women

by Joan Collins (Reteller), Louisa May Alcott, Terry Gabbey (Illustrator)

Little Women is a gentle story about an ordinary family in the nineteenth century. It was based on the author's own childhood memories, and although it was published as long ago as 1868, it has proved a favourite with generation after generation of girls ever since.

51 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 1987

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first copy of Little Women, given to me by my Uncle as a present. It's a rewritten version for young readers so I thought I'd re-read it while I'm at my parents for the holidays as I've just seen the latest film version and am going to be re-reading the book proper for book group. It's a plain and simple retelling but what really makes this a nice edition for children is the wonderful illustrations.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a young girl. Since then I have reread it many times. My own edition is a small, thick pocket sized book with a pink cover and library binding, which is not even on this site as an edition. Just goes to show how many ways you have to interact with this book.

I pretty much love everything about this novel. I love how it begins. I love the references to Pilgrims Progress. I love that there are 4 girls, all of them different, with their own flaws and talents. I grew up one of 4 children, 3 of us girls, and I know what it is like to grow as radically different flowers in the same garden, in the same soil, with the same gardener.

I love the scenes of domesticity, and these are my favorite parts of this book, and of any book. I love the glimpse into the lives of women in that place and that time. I love watching all the girls struggle to grow into "Little Women." I love seeing their love for their mother and for each other. I love how even when men and marriages come into the picture, these cannot break the ties that bind them through shared history and shared memory. That is true for my siblings as well.

Perhaps you have to be a member of a large family and grow up with not a lot of money to see what I love about this book.

[Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little women is an epic book that centers around sisters and it depicts the different types of women. Jo is the 'tom boy' but the most cautious of all. Her role is of a woman who defies what the world terms as " a woman's responsibility". An easy but spectacular read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I ever read.

[Chris Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read this book every year. When I was 12'ish, I SO wanted to be Jo!

[Lizzy01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Emma Torrento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I'd seen the movie countless times but just read the book this year. Absolutely wonderful!