Little Women

By: Louisa May Alcott

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Length: 19 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Most people know this book from the Academy Award-winning motion picture starring Winona Ryder. Now, introduce them to the sparkling American classic behind the movie: a charming portrait of the joys and hardships of the four sisters in Civil War New England. Separated by the war from their beloved parents, these "little women" struggle to find their place in the world.

Public Domain (P)2005 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Barbara Caruso gives a delightful reading of an old-fashioned, reassuring classic. For all ages." (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)

A Timeless Classic!

Years ago I watched the 1994 movie adaptation with Winona Ryder and loved it. Listening to this book, the movie was vividly in my mind’s eye. They did such a good job with the movie, staying very true I felt to the book… well, perhaps a tad more kissing, lol.

It’s a literature classic, a timeless masterpiece. Yes, it gets preachy at times. But that is depictive of the era. What was a good book for if not to help you to do as God would have you? The first third drags a bit, but once everyone starts marrying (in the second half, Good Wives) things begin to get exciting. And Jo breaks Laurie’s heart, and you sigh all over again that it really never could have been, but of course he was always meant to be with Amy.

On the whole a delightful, endearing listen. I found myself wishing that we in this modern age spoke more affectionately and called one another, “Hearts Dearest” etc. Great narrator too!

Aspiring Motherhood

As a mother to both one girl and one boy, this book rightly found its way into my heart. What more could a mother pray for than that her children walk in Truth, humbly serving their family and neighbors with contentment - whatever their social standing?

Classic, enjoyable though preachy

I feel as if I had always meant to read this, but for ten years just never could get around to it. Had I read it some years ago though, I think I should not have enjoyed it. It was sweet, and a good-hearted story, though at times it did break my heart. But it does preach and moralize so very often. It's as if it is a little instruction book for girls like the sisters, to teach virtue and piety - and it does present them quite plainly most of the time. And I was never one for being preached at. I am sure I could take a lesson and enjoy a story that was not so blatantly doing so, but this really does revolve around them so plainly, I'd likely have dropped off reading it before finishing more than a few chapters. But I was determined to see the story through and try not to mind it when they reflected on their burdens and sins and their pilgrim's progress.

It took me longer to finish than it should have. The story was not gripping, but I did hope to see happy ends for the girls. Though I was at times bored with tales of their poverty and homemaking, I did like Jo's poems and adventures with Laurie. I have heard many critics/reviewers say that those two should have fallen in love, but I think things turned out just as they ought. The concluding few chapters did brighten my mood after a mostly ambivalent (when not distressed by tragedy) feeling overall. It was a very pleasant scene to end on. Not at all the kind of life I live nor ever envisioned (for, even though it is set over 100 years ago, in many ways life is just the same, and some families do live as the Marches did).

Narration was well done, she had a good narrative voice, and adopted good voices for the various characters. I loved some of Jo and Laurie's little emotional outbursts and enthusiasms.

Sweet and mostly pleasing, but not my style. Good, but not good enough to return to. I'd give 3.5 stars if audible allowed fractions...

Delightful!

Reader's voice was a perfect fit to this old-fashion yet timeless story of the March family. So full of wisdom; why isn't this required reading in school?!

Best tone for the book! But...

Narrator incredible! But theres a problem where the chapters don't line up with Audible's. There is 3-4 chapters from the book within each chapter Audible has set, often which breaks chapters in half. It's very annoying when trying to find your place, or use the timer settings. Please fix!

Gold

Though it's on the longer side, this story has an incredible way of grabbing your heart and ringing it out like a sopping wet towel. plan to have my future children listen to this story!

Echo

I love this book so much, and I did enjoy the lady reading it, but I felt like I could feel an echo in the recording. I tried listening different ways: the car, earbuds, a speaker. I could still hear it. It distracted me.

thoroughly enjoyable

refreshed by the simplicity of a womans life in that era and the constraints of passion.

I Could Listen A Thousand Times...

And still be giddy when I go to start it again.
What better compliment could I pay?

Beautiful story, perfect narrator

This has been a favorite, read-again book since I was a kid, and now that I have a daughter of my own, it is all the more poignant. Barbara Caruso’s voice is absolutely perfect for this novel. Her cadence and rhythm suit the time period of the story while also making it timeless. She gives each character little affectations which are charming without being distracting. All in all, highly recommend.