The Ultimate "Girl Power" Novel

  There are stories that are read and re-read because they bring the reader back to a moment in time where things are much different than today but yet the problems they face are parallel to our own.  This month is noted on the calendar as Women's  History Month.     Honestly to fill the entire month of historic events and accomplishment attributed to women is easily accomplished.  The problem lies in choosing which events or women to honor.  The temptation women's history month is to begin to think the women began making a difference in the modern age.  That contributions were never recognized and therefore women became shy wallflowers.    Today's post is to dispel the notion that women in Early American History where docile, domesticated and devoid of a purposeful role in society.  Quite often they are pictured as being subservient to their male counterparts.  There is plenty of  proof that is not the case.  To prove it,  let's take a look at the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. 

    To begin, an overview of the story is required.   The story is a semi-biographical account of the author's life.    It  is set in the time of the Civil War in the northern states.   The father of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy is away leaving Marmee to take care of the home and daughters.  The story revolves around the four girls who at times are each other best friends and at other times, their worst enemies.  Through it all the sisters learn many of life's lessons through their ups and downs of growing up.   Of all the sisters,  Jo is the most outspoken and spirited.   In those days,  this would have meant she was strong willed and stubborn.   Readers like Jo just the way she is, and would not want the character to change.  She is not afraid to chase after what she feels is truly best for her.   It seems that all the girls learn the less of independence from  Jo's example.  

   In 1868,  this book was well received by readers and critics alike.   The portrayal of a strung female character was not foreign to them.  Indeed the Jo and her sisters became so endearing to them, they asked for more.  One of there fascinating parts of the book were the differences between all four girls.   Especially Meg.  Meg dream in the beginning was to become an actress and later finds that what she deeply desires is financial security.   She chooses to marry instead.   Jo who has always loved writing pursues her passion to become a writer.  Beth, poor Beth,  her ending is tragic but readers take comfort in knowing that she lives on through Meg, Jo and Amy.   Amy, she finds her love as well and marries Laurie.  Through the pages we see the girls' grit in making ends meet,  taking on responsibilities and challenging the status quo in their own unique ways.  They are not your "girlie girls". who are helpless and faint of heart. 

    Perhaps the reason why this famous foursome still remains a favorite among readers, is that Alcott depicts them as "real" human beings with complex emotions.   They love each other, they fight for each other and they never give up on one another.  It's the perfect definition of women's relationships with their sisters and besties all throughout history.  This is a children's book but it should be considered the very first Young Adult novel.  It can be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages and genders.  (Yes,  guys will find it interesting too.  (Ask Joey Tribbiani from TV's Friends).  It also deals with subject matters such as war, death,  family, honor and sacrifices much in the same way the adult novels depict.  

   As stated in the beginning,  this book is an oldie but a goodie.  Why?  It continues to speak to women of every generations about the power of family, friends and pursing ones dream.   Yes, women can have it "all"  to lead a full life.  Main ingredient,  just be yourself.  That my friends, it was girl power is all about.