Let me start by saying I didn't read this as a re-telling. I didn't set out to compare this to Alcott's Little Women. Instead, I read this a telling of a situation, a way of life, during and after the Civil War that is rarely if ever told using a remix of characters and relationships with which we are all familiar. Those who haven't read Alcott's Little Women may still be familiar with at least one of the movie adaptions. Jo is synonymous with a fierce and independent mind, Meg is known for her mild envy of others and desire for her own simple joys, Beth creates beauty with her hands, and Amy is wide-eyed with extensive dreams. Their mother is their rock and encourages each to their future.
In Morrow's adaptation, the sisters are just as connected and varied as the original. Meg longs for marriage and family. She truly is a little mother to her youngest sister. I thought the touches of her backstory were eye-opening and a heartbreaking view of Southerners that saw people as property. Jo has a way with words but has to be encouraged to write them down. She isn't used to having paper and ink for her musings. Soon her musings turn to expressive editorials published in Northern newspapers. She wants the North to know what happens in the Freedpeople Colony of Roanoke Island and what the freedpeople are doing for themselves.
Beth is kindhearted and creates beautiful clothing from the remains of garments the plantation owner and family left behind. Nothing is wasted and she breaths new life into each piece. There is still the tragedy of her illness, but happily, Beth does not succumb to it. Instead, it is treatable and connects her to a lost part of her history. Amy is much more likable in this variation. She is still high maintenance but not as stuck up or spoiled. She has dreams and aspirations but doesn't give a second thought to helping out her family with her newfound wealth.
And the biggest surprise of all... Jo and Lorie are together but in a more platonic relationship. I liked the ace representation with Jo's character. It felt like a seamless and natural addition to her character.
As for the history of the Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island, this story has fueled a desire to learn more about it. I appreciate the author's use of this little-known piece of history to educate readers.
Whether you have or haven't read Little Women, I highly recommend this book. I would also recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction set during the Civil War that doesn't focus on the war itself.
In Morrow's adaptation, the sisters are just as connected and varied as the original. Meg longs for marriage and family. She truly is a little mother to her youngest sister. I thought the touches of her backstory were eye-opening and a heartbreaking view of Southerners that saw people as property. Jo has a way with words but has to be encouraged to write them down. She isn't used to having paper and ink for her musings. Soon her musings turn to expressive editorials published in Northern newspapers. She wants the North to know what happens in the Freedpeople Colony of Roanoke Island and what the freedpeople are doing for themselves.
Beth is kindhearted and creates beautiful clothing from the remains of garments the plantation owner and family left behind. Nothing is wasted and she breaths new life into each piece. There is still the tragedy of her illness, but happily, Beth does not succumb to it. Instead, it is treatable and connects her to a lost part of her history. Amy is much more likable in this variation. She is still high maintenance but not as stuck up or spoiled. She has dreams and aspirations but doesn't give a second thought to helping out her family with her newfound wealth.
And the biggest surprise of all... Jo and Lorie are together but in a more platonic relationship. I liked the ace representation with Jo's character. It felt like a seamless and natural addition to her character.
As for the history of the Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island, this story has fueled a desire to learn more about it. I appreciate the author's use of this little-known piece of history to educate readers.
Whether you have or haven't read Little Women, I highly recommend this book. I would also recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction set during the Civil War that doesn't focus on the war itself.