Little Women is a literature classic-and one of my most favorite books! Created by Louisa May Alcott, who wrote these pages while reminiscing on her own childhood. Alcott has a way of capturing the smallest details in everyday observances, that inspire the imagination of readers and remind of personal- individual childhoods.  

This tale follows the relationship of four sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, as they whimsically explore the excitements of their world. Their adore their mother and father, their housemaid, and rich neighbors. Little Women is filled with the laughter of childhood wonder and the trepidation of knowing – growing up will eventually force change. 

Jo leads her sisters into most of their innovative creative expressions and is bold in her approach to life. She writes plays for all four girls to act out in the attic of their home, and is relentlessly writing at all times, whispering to herself thoughts she has in her mind for another story idea.

While reading I was intrigued by every character, and appreciative of Alcott’s ability to capture the intricate and special details of growing up. Having had a happy childhood, I enjoyed when these passages reminded me of my own childhood. As a wife and mother, I was drawn to a lot of what Jo’s mother shared with her daughters. She praised and loved them constantly, and also gave guidance when needed to try and soften her daughter’s burdens.

She speaks to Jo of her temper and how to control her thoughts when she’s feeling disappointed…

“…remember this day, and resolve with all your soul that you will never know another like it… we all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them… You think your temper is the worst in the world, but mine used to be just like it… I’ve been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.”

In another moment Mother shares with her oldest daughter, Meg, and guides her to remember self care in motherhood, and to include her adored husband in the child raising…

“You have only made the mistake that most young wives make- forgotten your duty to your husband in your love for your children. A very natural and forgivable mistake, Meg, but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways; for children should draw you nearer than ever, not separate you, as if they were all yours, and John had nothing to do but support them. I’ve seen it for some weeks, but have not spoken, feeling sure it would come right in time… Make it so pleasant he won’t want to go away. My dear, he’s longing for his little home; but it isn’t home without you, and you are always in the nursery.”

Alcott’s ability to express the connection a mother can have with her daughters will calm a reader’s heart. Author Louisa May Alcott was never married and never had children; so as a reader it might be impressive to see just how observant she was on all matters of family, amid her remarkable writing talents.

My Beth

Sitting patient in the shadow

        Till the blessed light shall come,

        A serene and saintly presence

        Sanctifies our troubled home.

        Earthly joys and hopes and sorrows

        Break like ripples on the strand

        Of the deep and solemn river

        Where her willing feet now stand.

        O my sister, passing from me,

        Out of human care and strife,

        Leave me, as a gift, those virtues

        Which have beautified your life.

        Dear, bequeath me that great patience

        Which has power to sustain

        A cheerful, uncomplaining spirit

        In its prison-house of pain.

        Give me, for I need it sorely,

        Of that courage, wise and sweet,

        Which has made the path of duty

        Green beneath your willing feet.

        Give me that unselfish nature,

        That with charity devine

        Can pardon wrong for love’s dear sake–

        Meek heart, forgive me mine!

        Thus our parting daily loseth

        Something of its bitter pain,

        And while learning this hard lesson,

        My great loss becomes my gain.

        For the touch of grief will render

        My wild nature more serene,

        Give to life new aspirations,

        A new trust in the unseen.

        Henceforth, safe across the river,

        I shall see forever more

        A beloved, household spirit

        Waiting for me on the shore.

        Hope and faith, born of my sorrow,

        Guardian angels shall become,

        And the sister gone before me

        By their hands shall lead me home.