The Other March Sisters

De: Liz Parker, Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko

Narrado por: Taylor Meskimen, Laura Knight Keating, Rachel Botchan

Giving all the “Little Women” the stories they deserve at last, this imaginative historical novel and companion to the much-loved classic draws Meg, Beth, and Amy March from behind the shadow of Jo—Louisa May Alcott’s alter-ego and the “author” of Little Women—as vibrant and unforgettable characters grappling with societal strictures, queer love, motherhood, chronic illness, artistic ambition, and more.

A riveting reimagining for listeners of March by Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Miller’s Caroline and Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.

I’m sure you believe you know their story from reading that other book, which told you an inspiring tale about four sisters. It told you a story, but did it tell you the story?

Four sisters, each as different as can be. Through the eyes and words of Jo, their characters and destinies became known to millions. Meg, pretty and conventional. Jo, stubborn, tomboyish, and ambitious. Beth, shy and good-natured, a mortal angel readily accepting her fate. And Amy, elegant, frivolous, and shallow. But Jo, for all her insight, could not always know what was in her sisters’ thoughts, or in their hearts.

With Jo away in New York to pursue her literary ambitions, Meg, Beth, and Amy follow their own paths. Meg, newly married with young twins, struggles to find the contentment that Marmee assured her would come with domesticity. Unhappy and unfulfilled, she turns to her garden, finding there not just a hobby but a calling that will allow her to help other women in turn.

Beth knows her time is limited. Still, part of her longs to break out of her suffocating cocoon at home, however briefly. A new acquaintance turns into something more, offering unexpected, quiet joy.

Amy, traveling in Europe while she pursues her goal of becoming an artist, is keenly aware of the expectation that she will save the family by marrying well. Through the course of her journey, she discovers how she can remain true to herself, true to her art, and true to the love that was always meant to be.

Purposefully leaving Jo out, authors Liz Parker, Ally Malinenko, and Linda Epstein draw inspiration from Alcott’s real-life sisters, giving the other March women room to reveal themselves through conversations, private correspondence, and intimate moments—coming alive in ways that might surprise even daring, unconventional Jo.

©2025 Linda Epstein (P)2025 Recorded Books

Sterotypes

I'm struggling to get through even the first section because the characterization of the characters is heavy handed and not at all what was promised. in particular, I feel Mr and Mrs March are horribly mischaracterized and the assumption that Jo must be a lesbian because she's boyish is an enfuriating stereotype that you can't just be tomboyish. It is a modern view that I find distasteful.

memories from childhood

I loved revisiting this wonderful book, with adult eyes and ears. At 80, not often reminded of being a teenager.

Fantasy

I very much disliked the lack of respect given to the personalities of the March sisters as depicted in Little Women. It's as if the characters in this book were imbued with 21st century personalities, regardless of their previous actions in Little Women or the actual time period in which they were living in. Too many 21st century mores and attitudes rendered this book fantasy. Unbelievable as a continuation of a beloved book.

Terrible book.

Louisa May Alcott would be appalled by this retelling. It completely ruins the beautiful imagery of the original book. Making Meg a whiney baby who never wanted to marry Mr. Brook, Jo a needy seeker of a lavender marriage, Beth a closet lesbian and Amy a fierce feminist but willing to settle for a bisexual Laurie was disappointing on all counts. I’m all for accessible material for the LGBTQ community but this completely missed the mark.