You should read Little Women multiple times throughout your life. This timeless classic by Louisa May Alcott is a must-read for any book lover, especially those seeking thoughtful Little Women book club questions. The characters are loving and relatable, and Alcott uses beautiful language to tell the story inspired by her own life. I hope you enjoy this Little Women book review, including the reading guide at the end, which is perfect for book clubs or discussing the story with your child. Please share in the comments your experience reading this beloved novel and how it has impacted you.
Summary of Little Women
Little Women is a coming-of-age story about four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—who live in a quaint home with their wise mother while their father is away during the Civil War. They cherish a sweet childhood full of games, laughter, and love. As they grow older, their family grows in size and develops in character.
This classic novel is incredibly relatable, featuring characters and life events that are easy to connect with. I read this story with a book club, and each time we met, we asked the question, “Which March sister do you most relate to?” For me, it was consistently Jo March. I’d love to know your answer as you read through the book—feel free to share in the comments!
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Age Level for Little Women
Many women I’ve spoken to read Little Women at a young age. While they may not have fully understood it, they still appreciated the experience and felt nostalgic about it later in life. I recommend Little Women for ages 12 and up, though it’s a book you’ll gain more from with each reading as an adult.
This novel makes an excellent gift, especially since there are so many beautiful editions available. I’ve shared some of my favorite cover designs below for you to explore.
Little Women Book Club Experience
I had the pleasure of reading Little Women with a virtual book club led by Melissa Zaldivar, Jamie Ivey, and Annie B. Jones. Each of these ladies brought unique insights to our discussions, making the experience even more meaningful.
- Jamie Ivey is an author and podcast host of The Happy Hour.
- Annie B. Jones runs The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia, and hosts the From the Front Porch podcast.
- Melissa Zaldivar is an author, host of the Cheer Her On podcast, and a tour guide at Orchard House, where Little Women was set.
If you get the chance, I recommend reading Melissa’s article “What You Need to Know About Little Women” before you begin. It will deepen your appreciation for the novel.
About Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is a semi-autobiographical novel, with Louisa May Alcott basing the characters on her own family living in Concord, Massachusetts. Alcott wrote herself into the story as Jo March, a book-loving writer with a fiery spirit. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights, and this influence is evident in the story’s themes.
Interestingly, Louisa never married. Publishers encouraged her to have Jo marry by the end of the story, believing it would make the book more appealing to readers. Alcott’s father, a progressive educator, faced financial struggles, which led Louisa to begin writing short stories to support her family. Little Women was so successful that she wrote a second part, often referred to as Good Wives, and used the earnings to pay off her family’s debts.
Orchard House: The Setting of Little Women
Little Women takes place in the Alcott’s family home, known as Orchard House. This is a literary destination, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a must-see for fans of the book. Two buildings were joined to create the home the Alcotts lived in, and it still stands as a historical landmark today.
The 2019 film adaptation of Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig, even featured Orchard House in a few scenes. If you can’t visit in person, I recommend watching the documentary Orchard House: Home of Little Women to learn more.
Illustrations and Book Covers
There are countless illustrated editions and book covers for Little Women. May Alcott, the youngest sister (and the inspiration for Amy March), illustrated one of the earliest editions herself, making it a rare and special copy.
I’ve linked some of my favorite book covers below, along with a few art prints from The Journey of Books on Etsy. My sister runs this shop, and she offers beautiful Little Women prints and book quotes perfect for framing.
Film Adaptations of Little Women
Little Women has inspired multiple film adaptations, including:
- 1918: A silent film version.
- 1933: Starring Katharine Hepburn as Jo.
- 1949: Featuring Elizabeth Taylor as Amy.
- 1994: My personal favorite.
- 2019: Directed by Greta Gerwig, which has grown on me over time.
For a more in-depth look at the various adaptations, including ones not mentioned here, check out the detailed breakdown on PBS.org.
Reading Guide: Little Women Book Club Questions
If you’re looking for Little Women book club questions, here are some thoughtful prompts to spark discussion:
- Which character from Little Women do you most relate to and why?
- Could you see yourself being friends with any of the March sisters?
- What are your thoughts on Jo’s struggle with controlling her anger?
- Why does Laurie enjoy visiting the March home so much? What qualities make their home so inviting?
- Why is the Hummel family important to the story? How do they compare to the March family?
- Would you be willing to share a meal from your own table with another family in need?
- The March family values strong principles. Share a belief you hold strongly and why it matters to you.
- Why do you think Jo resists growing up?
- How did you feel about Jo rejecting Laurie’s marriage proposal?
- What do you think Mr. March meant by calling his daughters little women? How does the meaning evolve?
Other Books to Pair With Little Women
If you love Little Women, you might enjoy other classics with beautiful cover art and illustrations. Here are some of my recommendations:
Little Women (Painted Edition)
Little Women (Puffin in Bloom)
Little Women (150th Anniversary Illustrated Edition)
Little Women (Wordsworth Collection)
Little Women (Penguin’s Clothbound Classics)
Little Women Illustrated Originals (Usborne)
This book only includes part 1 of the story, but it is perfect for young readers since it is smaller and size and includes beautiful illustrations.
Little Women: A BabyLit Storybook
Here are some other great books to enjoy:
March
by Geraldine Brooks
Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals
by Ednah Cheney
The Selected Letters of Louisa May Alcott
by Louisa May Alcott & Edited by Joel Myerson & Daniel Shealy
Jo’s Boys
by Louisa May Alcott
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Find other book reviews and reading guides in our book review library, and be sure to check out my other resources to help you make the most of your reading time with your kids!
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