Eight Cousins

By: Louisa May Alcott

Narrated by: Flo Gibson

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Orphaned at 13, Rose goes to live with her Uncle Alec. Here she meets her seven spirited boy cousins with whom she has home-spun fun, many exciting adventures and in the process learns valuable lessons about life, love and friendship.

Public Domain (P)2008 Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

Alcott's Quaint Notions

Louisa May Alcott had quaint notions for her day: voting rights for women; girls should be educated to the highest level; children should be running around in the fresh air getting exercise and having fun; children's, especially girls' clothing should be loose to allow freedom of movement; food should be fresh and wholesome; reading material should be likewise wholesome and moral. What we eat is what we are; what we read is who we are. Perhaps today, we could add TV, movies, video games, and music to that list of who we are.

Let hasten to add that this is not a preachy tract but rather a fun romp in the grass and fresh air with seven mischievous boys and our heroine Rose Campbell, the lone girl. If any good notions get passed on, it is completely unnoticed. In addition, there are any number of aunts who absolutely have different ideals how a girl should be raised.

Nevertheless, using Alcott notions outlined above, under the guidance of a rather dictatorial doctor-uncle, the prim, proper and somewhat sickly Miss Campbell turns by degrees into pretty much an out and out tomboy. Need I say eight kids running around a farm can have a great many adventures and much fun. It is a bit of irony that the tomboy Rose Campbell turns by degrees into a proper young lady as she grows. Did I mention, she is an extremely rich heiress? It is also interesting that the tiny creature exercises amazing authority over seven unruly boys. I toss that out as a thought about what a pretty young thing or even a pretty older thing can do if she chooses. Thus ends part one of the story. Part two is "Rose in Bloom"

Flo Gibson is not quite my favorite narrator but she is the only one who recorded this book at the time so I am grateful.

Refreshing

What did you love best about Eight Cousins?

The thing I loved most is knowing I didn't have to worry that the story would be inappropriate in any way. I so enjoyed listening to Flo Gibson narrate with her voices and accents. I highly recommend this classic.

What other book might you compare Eight Cousins to and why?

Beautiful Joe was my favorite book as a child. I think if I had read Eight Cousins it would have been right up there as an equally favorite.

Which character – as performed by Flo Gibson – was your favorite?

It touched me the way Rose honored Phoebe. When the cousins were out having fun, Rose stayed behind so that Phoebe could enjoy herself.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It touched me the was Rose honored Phoebe. When the cousins were out having fun, Rose stayed behind so that Phoebe could have the experience of joining in.

Very enjoyable

Flo Gibson did a lovely reading of this story, which I had not read before. Enjoyed the sweet story greatly.

Perfect!

Beautiful story about family values. Read well with emotion! A lot can be gained by adopting the "old fashioned values" of Louisa May Alcott.