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.
I apologize for the raw format of this post – these are the original notes I took while watching Little Women on my computer. I am under a lot of deadlines right now and don’t have the time to fashion this as I would like. But I did want to share my thoughts with you. …
Little Women on Masterpiece is a series that grew on me; it took two viewings to fully appreciate it. As mentioned in my previous post, this is an adaption worthy of reflection and study for there is much beneath the surface. In listening to Heidi Thomas describe her reading of Little Women, I was struck …
Heidi Thomas is an award-winning English playwright and screenwriter, whose previous television adaptations of classic novels include Cranford, I Capture The Castle, and Madame Bovary. She is especially known for her writing on the long-running PBS series, "Call the Midwife." I am thankful to Gabrielle Donnelly, member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who conducted …
As the date for Little Women on Masterpiece nears, I wanted to share a few thoughts on this three-part series (hopefully without giving away spoilers). I was fortunate to have received an advance copy from Laura Garvey of WGBH in Boston and for that, I am grateful. Reactions from across the sea A lot of …
This is the latest update from Orchard House on their long-awaited documentary: For a sneak peek at our Documentary, click to view a two-minute trailer. "We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to you, our Documentary donors, the film has been completed! It will be shown on public television stations nationwide this month, and will also …
It pays to keep up the Little Women Sesquicentennial site! I just saw today exciting information regarding the opening session for this year's Summer Conversational Series at Orchard House. The theme, of course, is "Little Women in the 21st Century - 150 Years of Inspiration." Traditionally the opening session features a panel discussion. This year …
Excitement is building as details are revealed about the upcoming Little Women series on PBS' acclaimed Masterpiece. It will air on May 13th and 20th at 8 p.m. EST. I have pre-screened the series and will write more about my impressions as we come closer to the air date. I also have an exclusive interview …
Anna Alcott Pratt was one of the better writers in the family. Fluid, thoughtful and precise, her letters and journals provide valuable insight into Alcott family life. I have often referred to her as the family secretary since she presents each family member just as they are with no commentary on her part. The details …