#BookReview: “Little Woman in Blue” by Jeannine Atkins

Summary:

May Alcott spends her days sewing blue shirts for Union soldiers, but she dreams of painting a masterpiece—which many say is impossible for a woman—and of finding love, too. When she reads her sister’s wildly popular novel, Little Women, she is stung by Louisa’s portrayal of her as “Amy,” the youngest of four sisters who trades her desire to succeed as an artist for the joys of hearth and home. Determined to prove her talent, May makes plans to move far from Massachusetts and make a life for herself with room for both watercolors and a wedding dress. Can she succeed? And if she does, what price will she have to pay?

Based on May Alcott’s letters and diaries, as well as memoirs written by her neighbors, Little Woman in Blue puts May at the center of the story she might have told about sisterhood and rivalry in an extraordinary family.

Review:

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jeannine Atkins brought back to life a wonderful memories, and I learned so much!  I am glad I had the chance to learn more about the Alcott’s lives.  This book is one I will always treasure.  It is already up on my bookshelf next to Louisa May Alcott’s books.  Jeannine was a genius to write this book!

I devoured this book from beginning to end.  It was like reliving my youth.  I was meeting new characters, but, they already felt like “home”.  I never knew that “Little Women” was loosely based on Louisa May Alcott’s family.  Needless to say, I will be going back to read that book again!

I have so much to learn about Louisa May Alcott.  Her book, “Little Women” is one of my all-time favorite novels.  It was the first book I read as a young lady that made me realize that I really wanted to read, and possibly write.  As influential as this book was to me, I knew I had to read, “Little Woman in Blue” once I laid my eyes on it.

Jeannine Atkins brought us back to the same family referenced in Louisa May Alcott’s book and it was such a joy to read.  Her writing is nothing short of brilliant.

Amy March was not the most likable character in “Little Women”, but this book will help you see that was just an embellished story, by an older sister…..that may have been a little jealous of her youngest sister.  Louisa May Alcott based Amy on her real sister, May Alcott.

This story is all about May Alcott and her love of life.  She had goals of being an Artist.  One that would be featured in Museums, and sought after. She wanted to be married, and she wanted to be a mother.  The question is: Is this too much to ask for?

I highly recommend this book, as I am off to do research on the Alcott’s and see if Jeannine Atkins has any other books…because I will certainly be more than pleased to read them.

Fantastic. Inspiring. Brilliant.

5 Stars.