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.
As a follow-up to American Bloomsbury, and in an effort to continue to build on knowledge of life in New England for women in the 19th century, I've started reading Mr. Emerson’s Wife by Amy Belding Brown, at the advice of a friend (good advice!). This is a beautifully written book that attempts to fill …
Continue reading "Learning more about 19th century life for women with “Mr. Emerson’s Wife”"
I know I said I would not finish American Bloomsbury but I really do enjoy Susan Cheever's writing style despite the problems her books pose. This is the second non-fiction book I've read by Cheever and it's frustrating that her work is so uneven. She is either utterly brilliant or totally inane. Despite several factual …
In May of 1868, a publisher asked an author to write a book specifically targeted "for girls." His plan was twofold: to capitalize on this up-and-coming author's growing popularity, and to capture a corner of a brand new genre of children's literature. The author begrudgingly obliged, and ended up producing one of the best selling, …
Our friend Jillian wrote an incredible post on her blog, A Room of One's Own about Fruitlands and its cast of characters and she called it "Fruity Fruitlands - an Alcott Family Utopia". I can't add any words to this, it's that good. Check it out.
My husband and I are taking a trek to Concord to see Richard Francis, author of a brand new book on Fruitlands called Fruitlands: The Alcott Family and Their Search for Utopia Sounds like a good one! I'll bring my trusty camera and let you know what he was like (oh, and of course I'll …
Continue reading "Book Signing today at Concord Book Store for new book on Fruitlands"
In Chapter 34, "A Friend," Jo makes not one but two choices. One is exceedingly difficult, the other flows from the first. The choice most commented upon is her decision to give up writing sensational thrillers. Modern feminist critics look to this chapter as a death of sort, of Jo's independent self (see Little Women …
At least that's my take on Professor Bhaer. And what a sweetheart she's created! Kind, gentle, a lover of children . . . an intellectual who can challenge her mind and create stimulating conversation . . . a confidant . . . someone with the courage to be virtuous and defend it . . . …
Continue reading "Louisa creates the perfect man for Jo (and herself?)"
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 