This beautifully written 19th-century classic follows the adventures of the four March sisters as they transition into womanhood; Margaret (Meg), Josephine (Jo), Elizabeth (Beth), and Amy. Meg is portrayed as a beautiful, delicate young lady who dreams of a life of luxury. Jo is shown as a headstrong, tomboyish person with a heartfelt desire to write her own book someday. Beth is an innocent, sweet soul who only wishes for happiness. Amy is a romantic (though somewhat spoiled) girl who longs for a life as an artist. With their father off at war, the March girls have to become better versions of themselves with the help of their friends, family, and most importantly: each other.
Through only words, the author paints an enchanting picture of their journeys, expressed in heartfelt prose. If you liked the movies, you’ll probably adore this book. I’d recommend this novel to teenagers who enjoy character-building and meaningful plots, although teens who prefer action or fantasy may be slightly disappointed. Warning: there are some highly emotional scenes that may leave you in tears.