Little Women
The Little Women is a story about the lives of four sisters, inspired by the author’s own life and her relationships with her three sisters. Each of the sisters has unique interests and goals. This novel has been translated into more than fifty languages and has been adapted into numerous films. For the author, Little Women brought fame and considerable wealth to the extent that she quit her previous job as a nurse and dedicated herself full-time to writing. The book is a work by Louisa May Alcott, an American author. It is an abridged version specifically rewritten for children and adolescents.
by
Louisa May Alcott
Translator / Cover Artist
Shayesteh Ebrahimi / Rasool Ahmadi
Publishers
International Gaj Publisher
Alcott opens “Little Women” with a quote from John Bunyan’s seventeenth-century work “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” an allegorical novel about leading a Christian life. The narrative kicks off with the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—sitting in their living room, expressing discontent with their impoverished situation. Determined to brighten their Christmas, the sisters initially plan to buy themselves presents but later decide to use the money to purchase gifts for their mother, Marmee. The story unfolds with Marmee’s return, bearing a letter from their father, Mr. March, a Union chaplain in the Civil War. This letter inspires the girls to face their challenges with cheerfulness and avoid complaining about their poverty.
On Christmas morning, the sisters discover books, likely copies of “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” under their pillows. Marmee encourages them to give away their breakfast to the needy Hummel family, leading to unexpected rewards from their neighbor, Mr. Laurence. The narrative follows Meg and Jo’s experiences at a New Year’s Party and the subsequent events involving Laurie, Mr. Laurence’s ward. Jo, in particular, forms a friendship with Laurie’s grandfather.
The sisters encounter various adventures, including Amy’s school incident, Jo’s publishing success, and Meg’s engagement to Mr. Brooke. Part One concludes with a telegram announcing Mr. March’s illness, prompting Marmee to travel to Washington, D.C. Chaos ensues at home, with Beth contracting scarlet fever.
Part Two begins three years later, with Meg married and Jo in New York, encountering Professor Bhaer. The narrative explores Amy and Laurie’s romance, Jo’s evolving writing career, and the sisters’ personal growth. Beth’s death brings emotional challenges, but the story ends on a positive note, with Amy and Laurie’s marriage, Jo’s union with Professor Bhaer, and the family happily gathered together. The novel concludes with each sister expressing gratitude for their blessings and each other.
