March

By: Geraldine Brooks

Narrated by: Richard Easton

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize—a powerful love story set against the backdrop of the Civil War, from the author of The Secret Chord.

From Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic Little Women, Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story "filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man" (Sue Monk Kidd). With "pitch-perfect writing" (USA Today), Brooks follows March as he leaves behind his family to aid the Union cause in the Civil War. His experiences will utterly change his marriage and challenge his most ardently held beliefs. A lushly written, wholly original tale steeped in the details of another time, March secures Geraldine Brooks' place as a renowned author of historical fiction.

Don't miss Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women.

©2005 Geraldine Brooks (P)2005 Penguin Audio and BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Brilliant...Geraldine Brooks' new novel, March, is a very great book.... Brooks has magnificently wielded the novelist's license." (Beth Kephart, Chicago Tribune)

"A beautifully wrought story.... Gripping.... A taut plot, vivid characters and provocative issues." (Heller McAlpin, Los Angeles Times Book Review)

"Honorable, elegant and true." (John Freeman, The Wall Street Journal)

Interesting book on the absent father of Little Women

This book was 4.5 for me. I really enjoyed hearing about his life as he was an absent member of the March family in Little Women. He was every bit as interesting as each of their characters.

great book

Very interesting story. It kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. Had a hard time putting it down.

Story about the March family, with focus on the father and mother:

It was a relief to get to the end of this book to the author’s notes. These were very interesting, and helped me to perceive the author’s approach in putting together this story, the resources used, and facts about Louisa M Alcott’s family and time period.

The reader’s voice and inflection is appropriate to the main character who tells most of the story, a whiny, myopic, ineffective, self indulgent individual, despite noble intentions.

I wish the author had read the notes at the end.

Brilliant!

A thoroughly researched imagining of the back story of the shadowy father in Little
Women.

I had a little trouble getting into the story at first, but stick with it and gradually you will find yourself being pulled back into 19th century America. An awesome accomplishment; but then I would expect nothing else from such a fine writer!

Wonderful!

The version I listened to was narrated by the author. The story is absolutely wonderful, the narration a bit monotone.

Great writing

I was Disappointed and disillusioned by Mr March as a man in the end. Weak willed.

Loved the story...

... and connection to Alcott's Little Women. Mr March is egotistical and his driving pride is his nemesis, yet he strives for self awareness. Loved his charscter and many others.

Phenomenal! Beautifully written.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve read such a poignant and beautiful book. It is a gift that should be read!

Regarding “March”

A wonderfully written companion to the story of the March family which has remained a favorite for years! It fills in many of the events from the original story and gives even more depth to the characters. I give this book a “thumbs up”!

Impressed narrative

Very clever idea and clearly well researched. She is honest about the liberties she took but they were not striking as I listened.