Little Women

Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel follows the four March sisters growing up in New England during and after the American Civil War.

Author

Louisa May Alcott

First published

1868

Setting

Civil War–era New England

Genre

Coming-of-age novel

Read it if you like

Warm family stories, big ambitions and a heroine who writes.

On screen and stage

Films in 1994 and 2019

Overview

While their father serves as a chaplain in the Civil War, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March live with their mother, Marmee, in a modest Massachusetts home. The novel follows their friendships, ambitions and disappointments over several years: Jo's dream of becoming a writer, Meg's marriage, Beth's illness and Amy's artistic plans. The neighbouring Laurence family, and especially young Laurie, become part of their lives.

Themes

• Family and duty
• Ambition for women
• Money and modest living
• Growing up

Background

Alcott wrote the book at her publisher's request for a story for girls and drew on her own childhood in Concord, Massachusetts, as one of four sisters. Part one appeared in 1868 and a second part followed in 1869.

Why it endures

The March sisters are among the most recognisable families in American fiction, and Jo in particular has been a model for generations of readers who wanted to write.

Quotes