I am pleased to present a guest blog by the author of The Little Women Letters, Gabrielle Donnelly. Recently I reviewed this fine book and had a chance to talk with Gabrielle via email about it. I was intrigued by her biography where it stated that she had no sisters but in fact had 4 …
Why no book displaying May Alcott Nieriker’s paintings?
I'm on vacation this week and no vacation is complete without another tour of Orchard House, this time with a friend who has never been there before. I must say, I am always impressed at how knowledgeable the guides are at Orchard House. I've been there numerous times and always learn something new! Today I …
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Marmee, the Mother of Little Women
Thanks to the advice of a reader (much appreciated, Gina!), I've started reading Marmee, the Mother of Little Women by Sandford Meddick Salyor. Certainly you cannot look at the life of Louisa May Alcott without looking at her parents. There are plenty of works on Bronson but not that much on Abba ("Marmee"). This 1949 …
Coming to Concord this summer? Here’s some recommendations
I just created a page with personal recommendations of places to visit and things to do while visiting Concord, Massachusetts. The one thing I could not recommend is hotels because I live too close to Concord to have stayed overnight. Here's some recommendations for those of you who want to indulge in living history (to …
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Book review: The Little Women Letters captures the essence of Alcott in the here and now
Sigh. Another good friend to bid adieu to. That's how I felt when I finished The Little Women Letters by Gabrielle Donnelly. I became very attached to the London-based Atwater sisters (Emma, Lulu and Sophie) and their family and friends and appreciated the guiding hand of "Grandma Jo," aka Jo March from Louisa May Alcott's …
The core of Louisa May Alcott’s feminism explains her timelessness
After writing yesterday's post on Polly's modern sensibilities, I thought about what Louisa May Alcott's core belief was which motivated her feminism, and why she was so effective in imparting it. Autonomy My conclusion? Louisa's feminism was based on autonomy - the right of every woman to be autonomous, the freedom for each woman to …
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Was the “Old-Fashioned Girl” actually modern?
It's interesting how the supposedly old-fashioned Polly is actually more modern than the sophisticated Fanny. That's if you think in 21st century terms. In the Shaw household, the acquisition of wealth and keeping up with fashion are both considered "sophisticated" and desirable, whereas purposefulness and little kindnesses are considered "old-fashioned." Yet, as Louisa May Alcott …
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How well do you know Louisa May Alcott? Take the challenge!
The Christian Science Monitor has posted a 10-question quiz - test your Louisa knowledge and leave a comment as to how you did. I'll let you know how I did after I hear from you! Take the quiz.
Here’s a fun re-enactment of Louisa May Alcott by actress Marianne Donnelly
Marianne Donnelly recently left a comment on this blog referring readers to this video. She gave me permission to post it here. “Beyond Little Women” celebrated Louisa in this living history performance at Brownell Library, Essex Junction VT. Marianne is available for national bookings with references available. You can contact her at 831-454-6333 or email …
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See the hospital where Louisa May Alcott served during the Civil War
I found this article today which includes a picture of the hospital where Louisa served during the Civil War, plus a photo of the first edition of Hospital Sketches. The diary which the author refers to can be downloaded for free on Google Books. The author is Kevin Konrad, a graduate from the Richard Stockton …
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Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 