By way of review (as mentioned in the previous post), The Glory Cloak by Patricia OāBrien is an historical novel featuring Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. It covers the Civil War through the eyes of a fictitious Alcott cousin, Susan Gray, who comes to live with the Alcotts after being orphaned. Susan becomes Louisaās …
Louisa has primed my pump and changed my life
I happened to stumble upon a great find: The Glory Cloak by Patricia O'Brien, an historical novel featuring Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. It covers the Civil War through the eyes of a fictitious Alcott cousin, Susan Gray, who comes to live with the Alcotts after being orphaned. Susan becomes Louisa's constant companion, confidant …
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Special kudos to one of our readers!
The Union Leader out of Manchester, NH ran an article on April 1st highlighting one of their own. I'm proud to say she is one of ours too! Jennifer Bernard, whose pictures you've seen on this blog, was honored by the Concord Free Library of having her photo of Orchard House included in their special …
First thoughts on March
I decided upon reading March that I would read with an open mind. Fan fiction is a risky business (although calling March āfan fictionā doesnāt feel quite right, itās a decidedly more serious work). The reader comes in with all kinds of pre-conceived notions and expectations, and the author can quickly fall out of favor …
Hear and see John Matteson discuss Eden’s Outcasts
Here is a video of John Matteson discussing his Pultizer prize-winning biography, Edenās Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father. It appears to have been done at the School of Philosophy at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Update Watching the video while working - Matteson is charming! He says he was told …
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Reading Little Women as a writer
Recently I was asked by my writing tutor analyze the beginning pages of books I've read to see how the author set up the story. IĀ immediately thought ofĀ Little Womenās first chapter as it is so iconic. Louisa did a masterful job of introducing the four sisters and giving the reader a sense of …
“I Always Wanted to Be Like Jo.”
Spring in Concord has sprung, not only with budding trees and flowers, but with a plethora of activities celebrating the centennial of one of the oldest home museums in the country, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Little Women discussion panel On Thursday, March 22 I had the joy of attending the first of three presentations …
Reading Little Women and March simultaneously
For the longest time I have avoided reading March by Geraldine Brooks. I just wasn't interested in Mr. March and had had my fill of Bronson Alcott. March, however, is enjoying tremendous popularity right now due to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. I subscribe to different key words on Google to keep with …
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Eight Cousins: “Tomboys make strong women”
Chapter 14 in Eight Cousins, "A Happy Birthday" lays out Uncle Alec's strategy for Rose's upbringing: she is to run, jump, climb trees and play with her cousins, and she is to ride horses, all in an attempt to strengthen her physical and emotional health. Mrs. Jessie compares the Rose she sees now with the …
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Little Women Open Forum
Let's start talking! This post is acting as an open forum. Feel free in your comments to post any subjects youād like to discuss or anything that you come across as you begin to read Little Women and we will talk about it. For example: the last time I read Little Women I gravitated towards …
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 