"This is the third and last in the "Little Women" series. It begins 10 years after the end of "Little Men" and takes place in the grounds and buildings that have grown up around the school for boys that Jo started. Jo March has finally become recognized as the "celebrated American authoress" that Laurie foretold in "Little Women." Meanwhile, she and her husband, Professor Bhaer, have raised their pupils to go out into the world to make their way as hard-working and generally honorable men.
The book concentrates on a few of readers' favorites from "Little Men" -- Nat, who is tempted by the world but turns out all right in the end, earning the approval of long-time sweetheart Daisy's parents; Demi, her brother, who assumes the mantle of head of the households when his gentle father passes away; Dan, the firebrand, whose good heart and secret love shine through even the worst of tribulations; Jo and Professor Bhaer's own two sons, Rob and Teddy, who survive a few scrapes on the road to manhood. Of particular interest is Emil, one of the nephews Professor Bhaer has raised as his own; a sailor, Emil survives a harrowing sea journey and learns much about himself and human nature. A few of the girls from the old school days grow up, too; Daisy's love for Nat is unwavering; Nan's strong will and fiercely independent streak stays strong even in the face of Tom's devotion; Josie and Bess, the two cousins who could not be more opposite characters."
My Thoughts: I had never read the series of Louisa May Alcott's series of books starting with "Little Women" followed by "Little Men" the last in the series was "Jo's Boys." So recently I read all three books, and enjoyed them all. I was never much of a classic book reader when I was young, so now I am catching up on some of the classic books I missed as a youngster.
It was fun reading about the March Family in the first book "Little Women." The last two books "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys" follow their life throughout their adult life. As the last sentence in "Jo's Boys" sums it all up: "And now, having endeavoured to suit everyone by many weddings, few deaths, and as much prosperity as the eternal fitness of things will permit, let the music stop, the lights die out, and the curtain fall for ever on the March family."
I gave it 4****, because I liked it.
I own this book.
No comments:
Post a Comment