Little Women has been called autobiographical because Louisa May Alcott used so many episodes from her own childhood and that of her family to create the story. But where does fact end and fiction begin? Or does it even work like that? Stern says, “Fact was embedded in fiction, and a domestic novel begun in …
Tracing the steps of Little Women: Madeleine B. Stern’s brilliant analysis, part one
I have always maintained that Madeleine B. Stern’s Louisa May Alcott: A Biography is the standard bearer. Tracing the life of Louisa the writer, Stern gives penetrating insight not only into Louisa’s life, but her very essence as a writer. As a writer myself, I have found much wisdom in these pages and have marveled …
Six women writers (including Louisa May Alcott) and their journeys as writers on film
There is a wonderful film online featuring the stories of six prominent women writers (including Louisa May Alcott, of course!. It is called Behind a Mask: Six Women Finding a Space to Write. Here is the summary from the website, Films on Demand Digital Educational Video: Behind a Mask: Six Women Finding a Space to …
Learning from Louisa: Expanding my writing horizons
I am pleased to announce a new blog, Be As One, conceived and realized because of this blog. Inspiration You may recall a previous post where I shared how Louisa May Alcott had inspired me to write and I unveiled an ebook essay, "Game-Changer". Since writing that essay, I have felt the pull more and …
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Louisa the rabid fan
Louisa May Alcott hated being famous. Or so she said. Stories abounded of how she often masqueraded as a maid before answering the door at Orchard House to discourage would-be fans. She knew that readers imagined her looking like the dashing young Jo with her two tails of chestnut hair flying behind her when in …
Louisa May Alcott Reading Challenge Update
How are you doing on the Louisa May Alcott Summer Reading Challenge? I've been pecking away at the Little Women re-read along with a re-read of Louisa May Alcott: A Biography by Madeleine Stern. I've been keeping a casual reading journal for the latter and I'll share some from that. Still the best biography Louisa May …
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Louisa May Alcott Summer Reading Challenge – What I’m reading
The In The Bookcase blog is holding a Louisa May Alcott summer reading challenge so you know I have to participate! 🙂 Here's what I plan on reading: 1. Finish my re-read of Little Women (and Little Women (Norton Critical Edition) edited by Gregory Eiselein and Anne K. Phillips) 2. Finish my re-read of Louisa May …
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Louisa May Alcott’s brand of feminism: final thoughts on “Moods,” thanks to Sarah Elbert
I finally finished reading Moods a few weeks ago but just couldn't comment on it. After reading both the 1864 and 1882 versions, I concluded that the book left me flat. The characters felt rather two-dimensional. Both versions ended differently and each ending seemed convoluted. It left me feeling the way I did after reading …
The always adaptable Louisa May Alcott
Following up on my last post, one of Susan Cheever's footnotes referred the reader to Madeleine Stern's tour de force, Louisa May Alcott: A Biography, and the outstanding chapter on Little Women. I read Madeleine Stern's book several years ago and and it still remains one of the best books I've ever read. Now voraciously …
