Little Men
Life At Plumfield With Jo's Boys
By Louisa May Alcott
Illustrated in Color by Troy Howell
and in Black and White by Reginald B. Birch and Frank T. Merrill
From the moment that "a ragged boy" asks, "Please, sir, is this Plumfield?" we are drawn into the open-hearted world of Louisa May Alcott's Little Men. Along with Nat, and later, Dan, Nan, and all the exuberant or gentle children who inhabit this "boarding school," we experience a "light and warmth and comfort" possibly not comparable to any other story written for children. Although this tale can be said to be the sequel to Alcott's renowned Little Women, taking up the tale of Jo March's school three years later, it is more truly a universe in itself: almost a modern Garden of Eden. Today's child, reading Little Men time after time, finds it fitting him like a beloved, worn, snug pair of slippers.
At first, we view Plumfield as outsiders, along with Nat, a twelve-year-old orphaned street violinist, who hopes to secure a place at the school. But soon, both we and Nat share a deep trust in this unusual and startling school, where pillow fights are allowed every Saturday night and the delights of childhoof are taken seriously:
In the room on the left a long supper-table was seen, set forth with
great pitchers of new milk, piles of brown and white bread, and
perfect sacks of the shiny gingerbread so dear to boyish souls. A
flavour of toast was in the air, also suggestions of baked apples . . .
This is just part of the Foreword at the beginning of the book. I have read Little Men and if anyone were to ask me what I think of it, I would tell them this:
Little Men is an amazing book to anyone who reads it, and is filled with values meant for everyone.
Although there are many differences from it and the t.v. show, I love them both.
You must read the book for yourself to know what I really mean. You can pick it up at a local bookstore, or borrow a copy from your local library.
Little Men is a great book! It tells how Jo ran a school along with her
husband and faced many troubles but still managed to keep going! Nan and Nat are portrayed very well in this book! I must say that the book is very different than the series but the series still shows and describes what life was like back in the old days!! Alesha:)
If you would like to comment on this book, e-mail me at littlemenfan@excite.com
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