Little Women

By: Louisa May Alcott

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic novel originally published in 1868. It tells the story of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, and their coming of age during the American Civil War.

With the help of their beloved mother and their beloved neighbor, Mr. Laurence, the girls learn valuable lessons about love, family, and the importance of giving back to the community. Along the way, they learn the importance of resilience and self-determination, as they face various hardships and struggles.

This timeless classic is an inspiring and heart-warming story about the power of family, friendship and the importance of chasing your dreams.

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)

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!