Little Women is one of my favourite books of all time. Written by Louisa May Alcott and published in 1868, this coming of age novel has always been very dear to my heart. 

The story follows four sisters:

Margaret ‘Meg’ March, the eldest daughter. A graceful, kind, responsible girl who yearns for a life of luxury and envies her highborn friends.

Josephine ‘Jo’ March, the second daughter, who is determined to set herself apart from other girls. She’s boyish and fiery, with a temper that matches the sun. She passionately hates and constantly challenges the rules placed on women during the time period of the novel.

Elizabeth ‘Beth’ March, the third daughter, the sweetest and gentlest of the four sisters. She’s a shy pianist whose ambitions differ greatly from the rest of her sisters. She doesn’t dream of a big house or fame, instead she’s simply content with being surrounded by those she loves, which is what makes her such a cherished character. 

Finally, Amy March (the only March sister without a nickname, which always bothered me for some reason), the youngest as well as the most spoiled child. When she’s first introduced in the novel, she’s depicted as a vain little girl: obsessed with the shape of her nose, using big words without knowing their meaning, doing anything to fit in with the other girls in school. However, as the novel progresses, Alcott beautifully writes her character development in a way that ultimately moulds her into a wise, put together young woman.

What makes the novel so special is its domestic setting. Little Women isn’t centered around a knight with a sharp sword, battling a fire breathing dragon or pirates who race to find treasure and throw grenades at each other. It’s simple. It’s understandable. And it’s relevant to today despite the fact it was published more than one hundred and fifty years ago. 

Take Jo, for example. In the first chapter of the book, where all the sisters are introduced, she fiercely exclaims her wish to fight with her father in the war and how she loves boy’s games, work and manners, clearly upset about the restrictions being a girl has forced on her. Her struggles have transcended generations, understood by modern, 21st century girls who have conflicts such as the desire to join male-dominated clubs in school, who are shamed for their tomboy styles or even face misogyny for simply existing. 

The theme of sisterhood also resonated with me deeply. Louisa May Alcott writes of all the ugliness and beauty that comes with it. The screaming fights between Amy and Jo but also the gentle, nurturing relationship between Beth and Jo. Through all the arguing and jealousy, the love between the sisters never falters. 

Little Women will always remain a timeless classic. I too, understand Amy’s anger of feeling left out, strong enough to fuel the rage to burn her sister’s most precious belonging; Jo’s fear of growing up and eagerness to ‘paddle [her] own canoe’ and make her own way in the world; Beth’s longing for her sisters’ accompaniment to visit the poor Hummels and her quiet ambitions; Meg’s envy towards her wealthy friends for living a life she’ll never have. The novel will always serve as a reminder of the importance of love and how it perseveres through everything.