- 4 unique sisters navigate their poverty-filled life with hope and creativity
- their mother guides them with wisdom and patience
- convo: witch and incantation mentioned in a play, one grief-filled part, theology (see below), wine mentioned, mentions a quadroon
- cozy scenes, fear conquering, intimate friendships, learning from mistakes, forgiveness and humility, laughter, sweet family moments, clean romance
- language: mein G*tt, stupid x5, oh Lor, dem’d, for G*d’s sake, L*rd help me
Type: chapter book
Ages: 13+
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Each of the sisters–Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy–have very distinct personalities from the others. Readers will surely connect with them all, though, as their characters are developed throughout.
The father of the family is away for a good portion of the book, acting as chaplain in the U.S. Civil War. Does he make it out alive to return to all his little women? I’ll let you find out.
When the girls were all still at home, they used to play-act out Pilgrim’s Progress (a book by John Bunyan). Once, their mother said of it:
“We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City.”
Interestingly, readers who have read Pilgrim’s Progress and also The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens will have a deeper understanding of a number of references to them. It’s not a prerequisite, though!
Regarding Christianity, however, it would be wise to not pull your theology from Alcott as she certainly strayed from biblical truth in a number of ways. If you’re curious, read biographical works elsewhere. As for theology in Little Women specifically, the main red flag comes in chapter 13 when they speak of being “good enough” to get into heaven. It’s a works-based salvation teaching.
Relatedly, there are a few times when the youngest, Amy, is influenced by a Roman Catholic lady–she recommends doing various Catholic traditions, helps set up an icon of Mary, gives her a rosary for praying, etc. The mother, who is supposedly Protestant, strangely doesn’t mind it when she finds out.
One of my favorite parts of this book is how the family rallies together, despite personality differences. For example, when one gets sick, the others drop everything to take care. Each sister has wise thoughts during these trials and each take away different lessons. What strength that unity can bring!
I know many people read this to younger children and/or watch the movies with them. However, I suggest holding back till they’re at least 13. Though nothing is inappropriate, there are heavier or more mature themes that would be much better absorbed and appreciated at an older age. The book spans several years, and as the sisters grow older, the topics deepen. Many of its implications would fly over the heads of younger kids, and there would be a risk of correlating this beautiful story with boredom.
Overall, this book was like a big nostalgic hug to me. Ignoring the tiny bits of feminism woven in and the quirky theology (mentioned above), I love this book, and I hope you will, too.