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.
Julian Hawthorne once speculated about Louisa May Alcott: “Did she ever have a love affair? We never knew; yet how could such a nature so imaginative, romantic, and passionate escape it?” Choosing the life of a spinster Louisa made the conscious decision to remain single, preferring to “paddle my own canoe.” Much has been made …
Continue reading "Where did Louisa May Alcott’s sexual energy go? And what fueled it?"
On Thursday I toured Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. I was anxious to see the artifacts pictured in The Annotated Little Women, edited by John Matteson and took a vacation day to see them as November can get swallowed up in holiday preparations. If you live anywhere near Concord and can get to this exhibit, …
I pondered that question during the two years spent writing my book, River of Grace. Because Louisa was an important part of this book, I had to figure out first, why I was obsessed with her, and second, how she has acted as my grief counselor, and as a result, guiding me back into my …
Continue reading "Why are you obsessed with Louisa? Why am I?"
Note: Mr. Burby kindly gave me his presentation (handwritten notes and all) in lieu of the fact that I was unable to attend the Monday session of the Summer Conversational Series. I thank him for doing so. This is a longer post than usual as I found his presentation to be quite thought-provoking. * * * …
On a cool and cloudy day a group of dedicated teachers, writers, academics and hard-core fans gathered together at ground zero to celebrate the love of an author who had, in one way or another, transformed their lives. Thus was the gathering of the Louisa May Alcott Society as we celebrated ten years as an …
Lots of great links this week! Through the month of May, the Concord Public Library is celebrating 160 years of Flower Fables, Louisa May Alcott's first book. They will have displays (including the first edition of the book), children's activities and a visit with "Louisa" herself in the form of Jan Turnquist, executive director of …
Continue reading "Louisa Links of the Week (formerly known as Fun and Fascinating Links)"
What did Jo March mean when she said she wanted to create something "spendid?" Perhaps gaining recognition for her writing. Maybe even being hailed as a great writer. Writing a book of artistic merit and universality that would stand the test of time. Yet we find in Little Women that Jo's goals would evolve from that solitary …
Continue reading "Jo’s evolution as a creative, and as a woman"
I have just finished my second reading of Little Women. Both times I have listened to the free audio book on Librivox.com. The first time around wasn’t too bad until I got into the crux of Jo’s relationship with Professor Bhaer in chapter 46. The reader unfortunately had such a loud and grating voice that …
Continue reading "Thoughts on Little Women the second time around–seeing Jo in a new light"
In part three of this interview about Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, we meet the documentary's producer and filmmaker, Justin King. Hear his motivation for making this film: I wish to thank WCOM-FM for granting permission to rebroadcast this interview. It originally aired on October 1st on the "Courage Cocktail" hosted by Lee Anne McClymont. Host Lee Ann McClymont …
In part three of this interview about Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, Executive Director Jan Turnquist shares a poignant story of a pilgrim visiting Orchard House from the other side of the world and how Little Women impacted this visitor: I wish to thank WCOM-FM for granting permission to rebroadcast this interview. It originally aired …
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 