By Deidre Liebman
As our summer term comes to a close, many of us are reflecting on a busy, fun and productive year and looking forward to another. One highlight which many remember fondly is the Senior School production, “The Addams Family,” which was performed at the Questors Theater in Ealing. Next academic year, the Senior School production will be a version of “Little Women,” with contemporary songs, making this summer the perfect time to enjoy the classic novel.
“Little Women,” published in 1868, has never been out of print. Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical classic tells the story of the four March sisters: beautiful, grown-up Meg, stubborn, tomboyish Jo, gentle, musical Beth and artistic, self-absorbed Amy who are growing up in impoverished circumstances during the American Civil War. Although the four sisters could not be more different, with their father away fighting, they must learn to appreciate each other’s talents and form a supportive family unit.
The novel was originally published in two volumes. The first focuses mainly on the girls’ childhood and friendship with their wealthy neighbor, Laurie, while the second chronicles their varied experiences as adults.
One of the many reasons why generations of readers have found the book enjoyable is that, although it was written 150 years ago, modern readers can easily relate to the timeless characters. Each of the March sisters has her own unique personality, with struggles and flaws that we can still understand today.
Many readers can easily relate to talented, ambitious Jo who longs to become a famous and distinguished author. And who cannot sympathize with beautiful Meg’s desire for riches, quiet Beth’s fear of interacting with strangers or young Amy’s desire for attention and approval?
“Little Women” is a classic coming-of-age story with relatable characters. I highly recommend reading it this summer—and coming to our Senior School production next year!