Work

By Louisa May Alcott

First published in 1873, Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel follows the life experiences of Christie Devon, which begin before and conclude after the American Civil War. An enthusiastic, well-rounded, and independently-minded young woman, she sets out from her uncle's house determined to find meaningful work and a sense of self-fulfillment. The series of jobs she performs, from alternately being a maid, an actress, and a governess, to being a companion and later a seamstress, gently convey moral lessons, social duties, and a strong sense of feminine determination. Perhaps even more important are the people she meets along the way, including the runaway slave Hepsey, the 'fallen' Rachel, the domestic Cynthy, and the floriculturist David, all of whom ultimately convey to a modern woman the quiet essentiality of interdependence in the pursuit of happiness in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Start Publishing LLC
• Release date: Nov 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781625581020

Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is the author of the beloved Little Women, which was based on her own experiences growing up in New England with her parents and three sisters. More than a century after her death, Louisa May Alcott's stories continue to delight readers of all ages.

Reviews for Work

[amydross · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A curious paradox of a book -- politically radical in places, irritatingly conventional in others. In one sentence, Alcott advocates movingly for equality between the races; in the next, she portrays the Irish as being lower than animals. In one passage, traditional gender roles are questioned and subverted; in another, we hear all about the strengths and weaknesses supposedly unique to females. Here it ridicules romances for putting silly, impractical ideas in girls' heads; there it resorts to the goopiest of sentimental tropes. Almost like reading two books in one.

[ericakline · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an adult book, and compared to her children's books it is a little more realistic. The topic is a young woman trying to make her way in the world. She wants to earn her living, but there are many obstacles. Deals with predjudice and Women's liberation issues.