Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message: “Susan Bailey's new book is part of a series called Literary Portals to Prayer, which is meant to encourage a kind of literary lectio divina, a form of contemplative reading that is a pathway to prayer. An intriguing idea for a book, no? And there’s no better person to write it than Susan Bailey.” Lori Erickson, The Holy Rover on Patheos
“I never fully realized how much spiritual content is integrated into her body of work. Ms. Bailey extracts beautiful and uplifting passages and pairs them with Biblical ones that make similar points. It includes some of Alcott’s less well known works which makes me want to read those that I have missed.” Diane Brandi
Susan Bailey has compiled a remarkable edition of side by side texts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the life, world, and spirituality of Alcott. The matches [with the Bible} are spot on and insightful. Eileen Charbonneau. award-winning author
River of Grace: Susan Bailey’s powerful and beautifully-written book is much more than an insightful spiritual memoir. River of Grace is also a brilliant reflection on the connections between creativity and grace. A book one to cherish. Amy Belding Brown, author of Mr. Emerson’s Wife and Flight of the Sparrow
Susan Bailey is an accomplished researcher of all things pertaining to Louisa May Alcott. I found joy in the way that [she] shares about her favorite authoress. Miss Alcott's books wedged themselves into Susan's soul and allowed her to identify parallels and discover herself again. This is not a story of how to get over grief fast -- but how to deal with it and give your afflictions to the Almighty. Tarissa, In the Bookcase blog
"A very strange and solemn feeling came over me as I stood there, with no sound but the rustle of the pines, no one near me, and the sun so glorious, as for me alone. It seemed as if I felt God as I never did before, and I prayed in my heart that I might keep that happy sense of nearness all my life."
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I think the costumes and design of this production are looking perfect! I never saw the sisters on the beach before…and that shot of Laurie and Amy in Europe…she looks as if she is thinking deeply of all the implications of their situation…and the director’s thoughts all seem true to the tale..it will be lovely.
I thought Gerwig’s reflection on Jo and Laurie’s relationship was wonderful and will add some interesting nuances which we surely will not have seen before.
I, like you, remain cautious of the latest iteration of Little Women. I did enjoy the images of the sets and costumes and I am intrigued by Gerwig’s thoughts on the gender roles of both Jo and Laurie.
Also – I have a question for you. In the article, it references Jo being Aunt March’s namesake. Is this accurate to your knowledge? My understanding is that it is never mentioned and I would be surprised to know that Jo is named after her aunt.
Good question; I have no idea. I will ask around and see if anyone knows and get back to you.
I don’t recall Aunt March having any first name that was mentioned, nor Uncle March for that matter. I think they did mention Aunt Carrol’s name.
I am looking forward to seeing this, although in the picture of the girls looking out the window, the curtains look too fancy for the Marches. The actor playing Laurie, FINALLY, looks like I imagined Laurie would look. Hopefully he can act Laurie as well.
They are going to have to work hard to get a score as beautiful as the 1994 film. I practically ran from the movie theater in 1994 to somewhere that had soundtrack CDs so I could get that music!
Yeah, that music is Iconic. I don’t recall Aunt March having a first name either. I am a little surprised that they did not have Jo with chestnut hair because that’s mentioned so prominently in the book. We shall see!
I thought the ending of the Masterpiece version was a bit rushed, and disappointing, but overall I liked it. I was surprised to read that there was going to be yet another movie version of LW, since there have been so many already that were quite good. I think my favorite version is always going to be the one in my own head!
I’d like to see that one. 😉
Reblogged this on A Thousand Finds and commented:
Last year was a big year for Little Women, its 150th anniversary. But the book as we know it today was published in two parts, and this year is the anniversary of part II! And, there will be a new movie, which looks promising. I have to admit, though, that my favorite version of Little Women will probably always be the one in my own head!
Great, thanks! And so true.