Louisa May Alcott is My Passion
Begun in 2010, this blog offers analysis and reflection by Susan Bailey on the life, works and legacy of Louisa May Alcott and her family. Susan is an active member and supporter of the Louisa May Alcott Society, the Fruitlands Museum and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
Born on October 8, 1800, Abigail May came from a long line of wealthy, prominent Boston families. They included the Sewalls (Judge Samuel Sewall, the “repenting judge,” who had presided over the Salem Witch Trials to which he spent the rest of his life atoning for those actions), the Mays (who fought in the American …
Continue reading "Marmee and Louisa Book Discussion: Chapter One “A good child, but willful”"
I am pleased to announce that we will be doing a book discussion in the coming weeks on Marmee and Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and her Mother by Eve LaPlante. Each Thursday I will do a post on one chapter of the book, giving a brief reflection and offering discussion questions. …
In my continuing research on Elizabeth Alcott, I find that letters by her mother offer the most poignant moments. I am already obsessed with Lizzie and Abba's comments act as gasoline on an already roaring fire. I'm told that obsession with a character will produce a good story; I sure hope so! I believe in …
Continue reading "Lizzie’s favorite hymn, perhaps the one sung at her funeral"
Work is progressing, albeit slowly, on my book project. I am enjoying all aspects of the process from the thinking and planning while I drive (I’m one of those crazies that talks to myself all the time), to the research, to the paragraphs percolating in my head, to the final writing. I’m falling more in …
I had the pleasure of having my books signed by author Eve LaPlante at Fruitlands yesterday. The setting was lovely: typically cold for December with light snow falling. The spirit of Fruitlands Having just completed a series of books on Fruitlands (which I will be writing about soon), the spirit of the Fruitlanders was palpable …
Continue reading "Meet and greet with author Eve LaPlante at Fruitlands"
When I requested Lizzie’s diary at Houghton Library, I received a thick, bound volume full of many treasures. Some of those treasures included Anna’s childhood diaries. Anna is an engaging writer While Lizzie’s writings read more like lists, Anna’s read like little stories. Anna was very faithful about keeping her journal and lamented if she …
Continue reading "My 3 days with Louisa (conclusion): Windows into the past, and a lasting memento"
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 