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Original poster

So I finally read Little Women (with spoilers)

62 replies

Flamebat · 06/10/2008 18:38

hell of a struggle I might add - please someone who loves it tell me why?!

Anyway, googled Good Wives to see the outcome - and how did Jo NOT marry him eventually????

OP posts:
Lauriefairycake · 06/10/2008 18:53

I like Malory Towers now

also love Little Women but probably more because of the original film - it's just what i wanted Christmas to look like as a child

VintageGardenia · 06/10/2008 18:53

Yes but that is the sting! The book would have been much more predictable schlock if they'd ended up together and you would have criticised from firmer ground!

Feenie · 06/10/2008 18:52

I think you are right, Tigerschick. In the US, Little Women and Good Wives were just one book, published under the first title.

Original poster
Flamebat · 06/10/2008 18:51

But they were so good together.

OP posts:
VintageGardenia · 06/10/2008 18:51

Yes coming to it as an adult not good.

As a child you are less bothered by the saccharine bits and not distracted from plot and action, which you must admit are GOOD!!

VintageGardenia · 06/10/2008 18:50

OF course there's a lot in it that's very pukey, and all the Patience and Goodness and Charity etc is irritating, but you have to cut through that, I think. And it's of its time, blah blah but you know that.

Jo didn't love him! Not like that.

Found GW the other day, was opening at random and reading bits I came across. Meg - good God can you imagine her in real life? Jo and Amy at least were spirited.

Original poster
Flamebat · 06/10/2008 18:49

I think it probably is one of those you needed to read as a child. A bit like trying to read Malory Towers now

OP posts:
LilRedWG · 06/10/2008 18:48

I love it so much DH bought me a first edition for my 30th birthday. Can't explain why I love it, I just do.

suedonim · 06/10/2008 18:48

Because it makes you cry, what with Father being away and Mama being so lovely and all the Marches being so good and what happens to Beth. I guess you haven't seen the film with Susan Sarandon? I still weep buckets at that! Guess who Jo does marry, btw...

RubyRioja · 06/10/2008 18:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Feenie · 06/10/2008 18:47

She turned him down, but I can't remember why. Maybe she didn't fancy him He ended up marrying Amy, but I expect you knew that if you googled.

I have always loved it - every bit of it. It's hard to explain why, with something you've loved since you were a child. I always wanted to be Jo, of course, but I liked all of the characters, even Amy when she was being a pain in the arse.

You've made me want to go and read all 4 of them, now!

Tigerschick · 06/10/2008 18:46

LOL!

You have to read Good Wives to find out
I have to say that GW was my least favourite of the books. I'd read LW about 3 times before I managed to make it through GW - only did so because someone bought me Little Men and Jo's Boys for Christmas and my mum hid them until I'd read GW!!

I love it, but I first read it as a child; don't know how I'd feel if I came to it now for the first time. I think that LW is more of a kids' book whereas GW is more aimed at 'young ladies'

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