Little Women By Louisa May Alcott

An enlightening story about four young sisters who are transitioning into womanhood, each with their own virtues and demons, and handling life's inexorable problems as society or they deem fit. The four sisters are the offspring of Mr. and Mrs. March.

Mr. March is serving as a chaplain in a civil war in America and Mrs. March is a sensible kind lady who looks after her daughters behind his husband and caters to the needs of the poor nearby.

SYPNOSIS

The four young women are Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, in order of oldest to youngest. Despite their similar upbringing, each individual has a very unique temperament and set of traits. As they determine their future by battling their weaknesses and outshining their strengths, they are all viewed as admirable characters throughout the entire book.

Jo, also called Josephine, is the main character, a fiery tomgirl who takes great pleasure in performing manly tasks. She works as a tutor and wants to be a writer. She writes short plays that occasionally she performs with her sisters in front of no male audience. She has a never-ending passion for literature but isn't a huge fan of romance.

Meg, also known as Margaret, the eldest March sister, is stunning. She is traditional but endearing. She is also Jo's confidante, and when she offers counsel, Jo takes it to heart and acts upon it. Meg aspires to be blissfully married and prosperous. She also enjoys managing household chores and working as a Governess at the King's.

Elizabeth Beth is a sweet and selfless young lady. She sings and plays the piano very well. Jo has a special bond with her as well. She refers to her as "her conscience." Amy Curtis March is the most stubborn and self-centered of the Bennet sisters. Regardless, her love for her family is genuine. She aspires to be the best artist and to mingle with high society. She acts more like an aristocrat, despite living in a small house with a lost fortune and no men to provide for them.

The Bennet sisters are inspired by their mother, who is both compassionate and hardworking. The novel begins on Christmas morning when Mrs. March explains to their daughters about Hammels, a poor German family who lives nearby. She is a widow with six children who are dying of cold. The sisters take their entire breakfast to the Hammels and treat them with kindness. The children refer to them as Angels.

Their deed of generosity persuades Mr. Lawrence, their wealthy neighbor, to give them a sumptuous dinner. The little surprise the girls planned for their mother was well received by her. The girls later execute the drama they had prepared by using topsy-turvy furniture and other props.

Mr. Lawrence had a grandson called Laurie and Laurie had a teacher called John Brooke who later falls in love with Meg and they got hitched. Laurie and Jo become buddies and grow fond of each other. However, realizing his feeling for Jo, he proposes to her but she turned him down saying she doesn’t see their relationship as romantic at all. Meanwhile, Amy accompanies her aunt Carroll to Europe and works to refine her talent for art. Laurie to soothe his heartbreak also goes to Europe separately along with her Grandfather.

Jo travels to New York to become a professional writer and meets professor Bhaer. He criticizes her secret work and requests that she adhere to principles. His impeccable manners impressed Jo, but his criticism was not welcomed. Amy was caring for the Hammels' children who had scarlet fever. Mrs. March must travel to see her husband due to his illness. Amy later succumbs to a fever and dies. 

Despite her feelings for Laurie, Jo marries professor Bhaer. Beth and Laurie's decision to get married opens new avenues for them as a result of their stay in London. Meg gives birth to twins, Daisy and Demy. Aunt Caroll passes away, leaving her mansion for Jo in inheritance. Jo and her husband establish a boarding school for children there. Mrs. March's 60th birthday is finally celebrated by her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren as we turn the last page of the book. 

Reflections

• It was refreshing to read Little women, while Amy's death was heartbreaking, the ending was satisfying. 

• Mrs. March's character was admirable; I loved how she gave her daughters small books as Christmas presents. She teaches them virtues greater than self-adornment and material attachments.

• Mr. March's letters are emotional, and how he refers to them as his little women upon his return made me emotional. 

• While reading about the March sisters, I could almost see my four sisters in them. All with unique characteristics, hobbies, and interests. Everything was fantastic! 

• The only thing I occasionally found puzzling was why being headstrong, successful, and educated entails leading a life as a spinster and avoiding a romantic relationship.  You may be a successful lady with a successful marriage with tolerance and continuous effort.