Yes, most Transendentalists were idealist in nature... but idealists were and are not necessarily foolish and preachy hypocrites. Geraldine Brooks's Chaplain March is, unfortunately, all of the above. I realize that "Little Women" is not a sacred text. However, I believe it is the author's responsibility to be more than cautious and gentle when taking literary license with characters from such a popular classic. Not only does Brooks paint Mr. March as being a self-centered fool, but her Marmie is a screaming and often irrational virago. To me, these characterizations were almost sacrilegious. I read "Little Women" for the first time at age ten, and being a quiet and bookish child, these characters became my friends and extended family. I just wish Ms. Brooks had been more careful when painting this particular family portrait.

Truly, one of the worst listening experiences I have encountered. It's led me to create a new component to my audio book-buying algorithm. Avoid Easton at all costs.