Winner of the Pulitzer Prize–a powerful love story set against the backdrop of the Civil War, from the author of The Secret Chord.
From Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic Little Women, Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story “filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man” (Sue Monk Kidd). With “pitch-perfect writing” (USA Today), Brooks follows March as he leaves behind his family to aid the Union cause in the Civil War. His experiences will utterly change his marriage and challenge his most ardently held beliefs. A lushly written, wholly original tale steeped in the details of another time, March secures Geraldine Brooks’s place as a renowned author of historical fiction.
I love Little Women, so was delighted to read this account of Mr March’s war experience. Very well written.
Beautifully written and complex and layered description of Civil War experience. Exposure of “benign” as well as blatant racisim. Brillianat.
did not finish the book It was not my type of reading . I know this book is for our book club for aug. I tryed to get into it
A great way to learn about aspects of the history of US and tragedies of war and slavery.
I have told so many people about this book. It is a great reminder of all the Civil War and slavery meant and continue to mean to our country. The waste of war is dealt with so well. The characters are complex and the plot is gripping. And, the writing is beautiful. Even if you have never read Little Women, the book is compelling on its own. It well deserved its Pulitzer. You will not be disappointed.
A nice complement to the Little Women series
Beautifully written
March tells “the rest of the story” about the March family from the Alcott books; specifically about the challenges he faced while absent from the family during the Civil War. The hardships, temptations, and challenges of a man separated from his family in the interest of public service are imagi Ed here. Geraldine Brooks is a masterful storyteller, and this is certainly a wonderful example.
A great look @ what life was like for those affected by the civil war. I’m a history buff and it kept me spell bound.Wove in the Louisa May Alcott books nicely.
Excellent,!!
Loved this book!
I liked this book, I didn’t think I would, but I did. It deals with the Civil War so it can be gory, but gives a realistic look at war and how ordinary people deal with it.
Brooks uses the father from Little Women who is away as a chaplain in Civil War as the main character. Gives view of US prior to the war and shows the immense cost in life lost and economic destruction. It is fiction and does not always move quickly and smoothly.
G.Brooks never disappoints. A surprising & interesting take on Poppa March of Little Women fame. Brooks does a good job of fleshing out a peripheral character in the original
I read this book years ago and it still haunts me. For such a short and simple story, it packs an amazing amount of life and impact. She beautifully conveys idealistic, flawed people, powerful and inspiring people who persevere with dignity in spite of oppression, and the casual cruelty of the Civil War and the institutions that led to it. It is a wonderful book.
What do you know about the father of “Little Women?” This is a very plausible story!!
Great story with real characters who present the missing war years of Amy Jo Beth and Meg the Little Women and their mother.
Gave me a very different take on the March family. Now will have to go back and read LITTLE WOMEN again, as well as the other Alcott books.
If you have read Little Women you must read this – the story from their father’ point of view. Great read.
This book was riveting to read- although not always particularly easy to take in some of the content. It did a wonderful job of interweaving pieces of Louisa May Alcott’s classic book, “Little Women”, with a version of the unspoken story of what went on at the other side with the March girls’ father, during his years before meeting their mother, the pre- war years & his time apart from the family during the Civil War. It portrayed a much more complex story, & at times disturbing scenes, of what happened to him during these years. I wonder what Alcott’s reaction would be to this narrative- I imagine she would hail its honesty and faithfulness to her characters. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time.