Marmee And Louisa: The Untold Story Of Louisa May Alcott And Her Mother (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Very interesting book. I hadn't realized how much of an activist for women's rights the Mays and Alcotts were. Louisa's father comes off as very self-centered and delusional, though his later thought and feelings redeem him somewhat. It's a shame that many of Marmee's and Louisa's journals and letters were destroyed - what was a way of protecting reputations at the time is a loss to later generations. The author is Louisa May Alcott's first cousin, 4x removed. Since Louisa is Kerri's favorite author, we have both read several books about Louisa's life. Most depict her father Bronson as the parent who most encouraged her and with whom she had the closer relationship. In most books, her mother plays a minor role in Louisa's life. I was VERY excited to realize this was not the case. The author of this non fiction book was a great niece of Louisa's mother who made a surprising discovery several years ago when she came across several journals and writings in an attic. This book is based on those writings and portrays Abigail in a much different light. Although Bronson was a very educated man who also was an abolitionist he did not provide for his family's financial or emotional needs. He often traveled for long periods of time and it was left to Abigail to provide an income for the family. Her brother and cousin and their families also were very generous in their financial support for many years and fellow Concord residents Thoreau, Emerson, and Hawthorne were as well-in some cases providing housing for the family. Abigail totally supported Louisa's quest to be come an author and also encouraged all of her children to be strong, independent women. Abigail worked diligently for women's rights and was very dedicated as well to the aboloitionist movement. I also learned a great deal about the history of that time period and about the men, as well as the women, who worked so hard to improve equality for women.
What do You think about Marmee And Louisa: The Untold Story Of Louisa May Alcott And Her Mother (2012)?
The perfect inspiration for the woman writer. Talk about overcoming obstacles.
—rajat
I loved it for the history about what women faced in those days.
—brittany
Good so far especially for recent concordian visitors !
—ELLI
