Well Read Company Book Reviews: Little Women

Little Women remains perfect for the winter season: picking it up for the first or the umpteenth time remains a cosy, comforting experience. It is easy to slip into the simple, wholesome life of Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth, a life of skating on frozen lakes, delivering food to unfortunate families and worrying about what to wear to the local dance. Since its publication in 1868, Little Women has remained a favourite worldwide, due the warm and acute way it addresses themes we can all relate to: love, family, dreams, growing up. Our vegan handbag design pays homage to this wonderful novel with a pretty design of a profile of a young woman in an ornate locket, highlighting the classic timelessness of the tale. 

Lousia May Alcott’s tale has been adapted into numerous TV programmes and plays, with this age old story of the love between the sisters and the heartbreak of Laurie never becoming one we don’t love to hear.  Beloved by bookworms and romance lovers everywhere, Alcott’s tale has become the blueprint for stories of unrequited love, sisterly relationships and the gruelling ambition that must one have to become a writer. Willful Jo was one of the first feminist female characters in classic literature, vitally proving to young female readers that a woman could wish for more beyond the usual narrative of marriage and children. 

“I like good strong words that mean something…”

Just as importantly, Alcott proves that whatever a woman wishes for, she shouldn’t be ashamed of it. The eldest sister Meg idealises the simple life of marriage and raising a family, which Jo despairs of but eventually comes to realise she shouldn’t begrudge her sister her wishes, even if they’re different to her own. Such a fresh and modern view on womanhood is why Alcott’s tale has endured in the way it has, with all readers being able to identify with one of the sisters and see themselves reflected in their goals and desires. 

“I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.”

There are three sequels to Little Women which go on to detail the adult lives and eventual children of the sisters, but none can compare to the first novel. Alcott captures the confusion and hopefulness of childhood in a way that is relatable to everyone. Join us in honouring this timeless literary classic by treating yourself to our beautiful green Little Women collection!