Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A Thoughtful Review... by a christian

What a great book to finish a whole year of readings!

I loved this book; it has something that these kinds of period novels have, it is just like you learn a lot from them. I am the kind of person who (unfortunately) watches movie adaptations before reading the book, so as expected, I was waiting for things that happened in the movie (2019 adaptation) to happen in the book, and actually… The book was 10,000 times better (as usual).

I learned a lot about Christian life, family, love, being grateful, pride, modesty, and marriage. Initially, I intended to focus on Jo's perception of herself throughout the book, but in the end, I gained valuable insights from each sister's self-perception. I cried rivers! And enjoyed it a lot.

So here are the things that I learned and that I loved from Little Women! (with spoilers):

1. I loved the Pilgrim's Progress reference and also the recognition of God.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan about a character named Christian. Essentially, the book narrates the various challenges he endures on his journey to heaven. It serves as an allegory for our lives as Christians and pilgrims in this world.

From the beginning, there are references to this, and we see how each daughter has their own little pilgrim's book and throughout this book (Little Women) we see them recalling it and learning from it while going through their little troubles and temptations of life. It's beautiful how Mrs. March taught her daughters to love God above all.

''My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."

2. I learned to be grateful.

I learned, along with them, to be grateful regardless of the economic situation.

''When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.''

''For love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride''

3. Heavy burdens need to be shared.

One of the most beautiful parts of the book occurs when Jo opens up to her mother, seeking help with her strong character. That was so beautiful, especially how Jo felt lighter after expressing herself.

''The knowledge that her mother had a fault like hers, and tried to mend it, made her own easier to bear and strengthened her resolution to cure it, though forty years seemed rather a long time to watch and pray to a girl of fifteen.''

4. The importance of little Beths in this world.

Here is where I cried the most, it was so sorrowful.

''There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.''

5. The character growth.

THIS. It was incredibly beautiful to see how each one of the sisters grew in their character, I learned a lot personally from it.

6. Laurie and Jo.

The most controversial topic about this book is Laurie and Jo. I believe the lack of information provided by the movie about Amy and Laurie is the reason why people were too shocked at how everything ended.

So first, allow me to say this: Laurie and Jo weren't meant to be together. They were just very good friends, something that Laurie misunderstood (I don't blame him, though). This is what Mrs. March said about them and that is what I exactly think of them:

"Because, dear, I don't think you are suited to one another. As friends, you are very happy, and your frequent quarrels soon blow over, but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life. You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love."

It was merely a boyish passion. Laurie was literally begging her to love him, displaying his immaturity, youthfulness, selfishness, and childlike impatience. This is how Jo describes it:

"I've done my best, but you won't be reasonable, and it's selfish of you to keep teasing for what I can't give. I shall always be fond of you, very fond indeed, as a friend, but I'll never marry you, and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us—so now!"

Now, at one point in the movie, Jo regrets her decision, but she didn't do that in the book (thank goodness!) she said this:

''But you are right in one thing (talking to her mother). I am lonely, and perhaps if Teddy (Laurence) had tried again, I might have said 'Yes', not because I love him anymore, but because I care more to be loved than when he went away."

7. Amy and Laurie

Yes, I loved this. Everything feels just right here. They were very good friends since childhood, whereas in the movie, their relationship felt so sudden and cold. Amy learned to be graceful instead of prideful, and she grew beautifully in sweetness of character and manner (I admire her so much). They had so much in common and it felt just right how everything ended.

"It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me. He isn't sentimental, doesn't say much about it, but I see and feel it in all he says and does, and it makes me so happy and so humble that I don't seem to be the same girl I was. I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now, for he lets me read his heart, and I find it full of noble impulses and hopes and purposes, and I am so proud to know it's mine… Oh, Mother, I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another!"

8. Marriage

I learned a lot from Meg's marriage and it was so enlightening. It shows us the roles of both, the man and the woman in a home, how to be a wise wife and a mother, how we need to humble ourselves, how sinful we are, and that not everything is rosy. Forgiveness, oh yes… forgiveness, and to NEVER settle for less.