Peyton answers “What are your thoughts and opinions about...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Little Women (Little Women, #1):

What are your thoughts and opinions about Amy? She's generally not the favorite sister, to say the least. From the time she burned Jo's manuscript to her journey to Europe and eventual marriage to Laurie, readers brush her off as selfish. So, out of curiosity, what are your thoughts? :)

Peyton One of the book's strengths is that the characters grow through the story, in realistic and sympathetic ways. The book takes the sisters from childhoo…moreOne of the book's strengths is that the characters grow through the story, in realistic and sympathetic ways. The book takes the sisters from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood. Along the way, they each grow. Meg learns to value her family over the frills and fancies of a rich life. Beth learns to face her fears of the unknown, first by facing Mr. Laurence and ultimately by marching bravely into death. Jo learns to temper her wildness and use it for her benefit instead of her detriment. And Amy learns that love is more important than security. Amy's burning of Jo's manuscript is childish in every sense of the word: impetuous, impossible to take back, and ultimately forgivable. It is an act of childish aggression, and should not be held against the Amy that we see at the end of the book (for one thing: Jo doesn't!). Like Jo, Amy learns to curb her temper and to appreciate the important aspects of life. And while her ultimate marriage to Laurie still irritates some readers, it is a realistic and beautiful depiction of the way our relationships change as we mature. (less)

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