Look what I got in the mail the other day:
This is an advance copy of Elise Hooper’s first book, The Other Alcott, published by Harper Collins in which she imagines May Alcott’s life beginning in 1868. Elise gave a wonderful talk last summer at the Summer Conversational Series on May’s life as an artist. You can listen to an interview I did with her here.
I am looking forward to this read (and so far it reads well). The book debuts this September and is available on Amazon for pre-order.
Here is the write-up on Amazon:
Elise Hooper’s debut novel conjures the fascinating, untold story of May Alcott—Louisa’s youngest sister and an artist in her own right.
We all know the story of the March sisters, heroines of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. But while everyone cheers on Jo March, based on Louisa herself, Amy March is often the least favorite sister. Now, it’s time to learn the truth about the real “Amy”, Louisa’s sister, May.
Stylish, outgoing, creative, May Alcott grows up longing to experience the wide world beyond Concord, Massachusetts. While her sister Louisa crafts stories, May herself is a talented and dedicated artist, taking lessons in Boston, turning down a marriage proposal from a well-off suitor, and facing scorn for entering what is very much a man’s profession.
Life for the Alcott family has never been easy, so when Louisa’s Little Women is published, its success eases the financial burdens they’d faced for so many years. Everyone agrees the novel is charming, but May is struck to the core by the portrayal of selfish, spoiled “Amy March.” Is this what her beloved sister really thinks of her?
So May embarks on a quest to discover her own true identity, as an artist and a woman. From Boston to Rome, London, and Paris, this brave, talented, and determined woman forges an amazing life of her own, making her so much more than merely “The Other Alcott.”
“Elise Hooper’s thoroughly modern debut gives a fresh take on one of literature’s most beloved families. To read this book is to understand why the women behind Little Women continue to cast a long shadow on our imaginations and dreams. Hooper is a writer to watch!”—Elisabeth Egan, author of A Window Opens
You can find out more by visiting www.elisehooper.com
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I love books like this that imagine their lives. Some are awful lol, but I’ve loved so many–Loving Frank is a great example. The Paris Wife is another. So many more great examples. I hope this one is like those two!
Me too! I’ve often been tempted to imagine Lizzie’s life in a novel but I don’t normally read fiction so I have no idea how to write it.
I nearly messaged you the other day to see if you’d heard of this one. I thought it sounded like something you might like. Also, if you don’t know about a fellow Alcott fan, I thought I’d point you here:
https://marchandlaurencelittlewomen.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/16-books-the-march-sisters-read-the-little-women-library/
{Hello, by the way!} x
And hello to you! 🙂 Oooo, very cool, thanks for that link!
Wow! This sounds like it could be good. I’ve not read much yet on May, so I’m quite intrigued.
Her story is equally fascinating.
Yes! Cannot wait!