I am truly glad that I read this article. It has provided me with valuable insights and knowledge that I will surely take with me.

However, at the same time, I am also relieved that it is over. Reading can sometimes be a time-consuming task, especially when the material is dense and complex.

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This is one of the most Pulitzer-worthy novels I've read in a long while.

The novel tells the previously untold story of the absent father in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. In Little Women, the reader only gets to know Peter March through his letters sent home to his family from the Civil War. Of course, in the interest of sparing his family the details of war, his letters are more cheerful than his reality.

Geraldine Brooks uses the novel March to tell of Mr. March's early life as a traveling salesman, of his first kiss with someone other than his future wife, of the meeting of his wife, of his connections to Emerson and Thoreau, of his strong abolitionist sentiments, of the war that changed him both physically and mentally, and of misunderstandings and wrongs that were never made right in his life.

Brooks draws heavily from the journals of Alcott's own father, Bronson Alcott, in order to flesh out the character of Mr. March. Since the "little women" in Alcott's novels were based on her own family members, it makes sense that Mr. March would be based on her father and that the March family would be acquainted with the same people they were. After all, the Alcotts were contemporaries and acquaintances of many of the transcendentalist thinkers and writers of the time, such as Emerson and Thoreau.

This is definitely the best prequel written by a different author that I've ever read. I remember being completely disappointed trying to read sequels or prequels by different authors for books such as Gone With the Wind. The author's journalistic background helped her give attention to the proper details needed to research such a book.

I initially did not recognize the name of the author as being the author of Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women, a book that I loved so much that I... er... bought it from the library pretending that I'd lost it (in the days before amazon.com made any book accessible for purchase). Nine Parts of Desire is a work of non-fiction that she wrote as a journalist. So I'm thrilled to see that she has such a beautiful piece of fiction out there as well. Halfway through the book, I found myself saying to myself, "wow, this is a good book," and hoping to read something else by her soon. Years of Wonder tells the story of the bubonic plague in a small English town, and People of the Book is freshly out in hardback.

Frankly, though, what I'm feeling the need to re-read immediately is Little Women. I absolutely adored that book as a child. I always saw myself as Jo because I loved to write. And I always hated that the character with my name (Amy) was such a spoiled brat.

I'm now realizing that March has given me a new perspective on Little Women. It has made me think more deeply about the characters and their relationships. I can't wait to go back and re-read Little Women with this new understanding.

I also can't wait to see what other wonderful books Geraldine Brooks will write in the future. Her talent as a writer is truly remarkable, and I'm excited to see where her career takes her.

When I sometimes delve into historical fiction, I am often dismayed by the overly modern traits of some characters. At first glance, 'March' seems to have this issue as well. The main character is not only extremely progressive regarding the issue of slavery but also a vegetarian, a preacher who discerns problems within religion, and is so deeply concerned about pollution that he is willing to give up lucrative businesses. He is so kind-hearted that he would rather sacrifice his own wealth to save a friend. Moreover, he goes to war while leaving four daughters at home.

What surprises me is that Geraldine Brooks manages to make this character believable in a narrative sense. She accomplishes this because the Mr. March she presents does not truly conform to the world of the Civil War era. We witness him being ridiculed, avoided, and rejected by his comrades. We see that he experiences more losses than victories. And to this external struggle is added an internal one, stemming from the horrors of war, separation from his family, and the attempt to uphold his principles.

The even more fascinating part is that in the afterword, we discover that Geraldine Brooks merely dressed up well-researched stories and realities. Mr. March, taken from the novel Little Women by author Louisa May Alcott, is based on the author's father, Bronson Alcott, who in 1860 believed in everything that the fictional character in this 2005 novel believes.

It is an interesting revelation that does not diminish the merit of this impressive novel. It is likely the best historical fiction novel I have ever read.

**"March": A Thought-Provoking Exploration of the Civil War and Racism**

Fulfilling my 2021 challenge to read one book a month by an author from whom I've read one thing and liked but then never read again, I delved into Geraldine Brooks' "March".

\\n  

I do not ask your absolution. I simply ask you to see that there is only one thing to do when we fall, and that is to get up, and go on with the life that is set in front of us, and try to do the good of which our hands are capable for the people who come in our way.

\\n

This book, like Brooks' other novel "People of the Book" that I read long ago, revealed its true excellence only after I turned the final page. It took me time to fully appreciate the story and the prose, especially as a die-hard Louisa May Alcott fan, given the differences between this book and her works. "March" is mainly told from the perspective of the absent father in "Little Women" during the Civil War. The story weaves back and forth between Mr. March's experiences in the war and his past, as he enlists as a chaplain at age 39, full of ideals and hopes.

I chose this book with the intention of focusing on race in 2021. Growing up near Gettysburg, I was well-versed in Civil War history, but as an adult, I was reluctant to read more about it. However, with the current state of society and the whitewashing of Civil War history, I thought it would be interesting to revisit this era. What I didn't expect was the central focus on race and slavery in "March". This aspect was both fascinating and eye-opening. Brooks did an excellent job of researching and bringing to life the real-life counterparts of the March family. The Marches were idealistic and progressive, but they also faced the reality of racism among abolitionists.

Mr. March also realizes that some emancipated slaves sided with the Confederates and that they were sometimes treated worse by the Union soldiers. The book explores systemic racism and the attitudes of those who have never suffered, even those with good intentions. Brooks writes well, creating a story that feels epic despite its relatively short length. I loved the characters and their connections, as well as the contrast between their ideals and the harsh reality of war. While the historical aspect was superb, the book lost some points for me in terms of enjoyment. The prose was sometimes plodding and dry, but the enlightenment I gained at the end made it all worthwhile. Overall, "March" is a thought-provoking and important book that offers a different perspective on the Civil War and the fight for freedom.

Have you ever wondered what it was like for Mr. March to be away from his wife and four daughters, in the classic, Little Women?

Sent away to be a chaplain in the war, he had to maintain his duty of being a war chaplain, caring for the fighting soldiers spiritually. He witnessed, heard, and experienced many things, far more gruesome than his daughters back home could have imagined during the time they spent waiting for his return.

It's a profound work of historical fiction. It truly transports you to the battlefields, to the hospitals, and to the authentic time setting of the Civil War.

The reader gets to experience the romance between Mr. and Mrs. March, learning how they met and how their love blossomed in their youth. And something else I loved? My favorite parts of the book are when beloved characters appear, even for the briefest of moments, like darling Laurie... or the whole story behind John Brooke accompanying Marmee to the hospital to see her husband.

Definitely, having read up on Louisa May Alcott's family, I could see the resemblances in how Geraldine Brooks molded Mr. March after Louisa's own father, Bronson Alcott. You could clearly see the instructor side of Bronson, his vegetarian ways, and his political and religious beliefs, all shining through the mask of Mr. March. His character shows him as a strong abolitionist, one who desires to free and educate the slaves, which I believe is all accurate of Bronson himself.

Later in the novel, we even get to peek into Marmee's mind as she takes over the narration of the story. (I found this to be a pleasant surprise and was eager to relive the moments of Little Women from Marmee's point of view as well.)

This is adult fiction too. Keep in mind, it is not for all the young girls who cherish Miss Alcott's writings. It can get a little rough and grisly at times.

Overall? I'm impressed with this modern-day sequel (or companion book) to Little Women. I think Geraldine Brooks did as well as could be expected (in some ways even better) to complement and add to an American classic that is beloved by book lovers everywhere.

Now, I could easily see Alcott enthusiasts who know the Alcott/March story only too well perhaps not enjoying all the decisions Brooks made in the novel. But for someone who remembers Little Women as a childhood favorite, has an open mind, and doesn't mind reading about the war...? I think you should give it a try.

Mr. March, the father in Luisa May Alcott's Little Women, is vividly brought to life in Geraldine Brooks' poignant novel.

When he leaves to fight in the Civil War, Mr. March is ill-prepared for the extreme cruelties he will encounter. The atrocities of war call his moral certainties into question. His greatest struggle lies in finding a balance between remaining true to his principles and doing what is necessary to succeed in battle so that he can one day return to his beloved wife and daughters.

Many chapters commence with Mr. March writing a letter to his wife. These introductions offer insights into his character and emphasize a soldier's dilemma in deciding what to write home, weighing the consequences of honesty against the need to shield loved ones from the horrors of war.

Mr. March's letters often lead to the past, providing backstory that further enriches his character and描绘s the brutal treatment of slaves in the antebellum South.

After spending a significant amount of time with Mr. March, the reader is treated to a few chapters written from the perspective of Mrs. March, breathing new life into a classic character. These chapters offer the same perceptive insights from Marmee (Mrs. March) that readers obtained from her character in Little Women.

Even more fascinating is the author's approach to塑造Mr. March's character. Following in the footsteps of Louisa May Alcott, who based Little Women on herself and her sisters, Geraldine Brooks turned to the letters and journals of Alcott's father, Bronson Alcott. By using Bronson's letters, the author infused her book with truth and created a man who was a vegetarian and an abolitionist - both radical ideals in the nineteenth century.

March transports readers to 1861 with luxurious prose and remarkable characters, enriching a classic tale with new perspectives from old, cherished characters.

It's not that I have an absolute aversion to all historical fiction.

Rather, I firmly believe that it is an extremely challenging task to do it justice without oversimplifying the complex tapestry of history.

Nah, to be honest, I really just despise historical fiction. And I consider "March" to be a prime example of historical fiction gone awry.

1. One thing I loathe in historical fiction is when the author fixates on one or two historical details and repeats them ad nauseam. In this particular book, the author seems hell-bent on measuring everything in rods. Whether the distance is short or long, and regardless of its significance to the overall story, it's always "the field was six rods away," "he was one rod tall," "I love rods." She does the same with the word "score" - three score, four score, five score... there are never ten or fifty or ninety of anything. Maybe there truly wasn't ten, fifty, or ninety of anything in the 1860s? I guess I'm not a historian.

2. Another pet peeve of mine in historical fiction is when momentous events, like the Civil War, are reduced to the most basic historical and moral platitudes. Of course, I understand that an entire war is far too intricate to be comprehensively covered in a three-hundred-page novel. But surely, one can do better than simply stating, "War is bad! But slavery is also bad! So is a war to get rid of slavery good?"

3. And yet another aspect I detest in historical fiction is when the main character appears to be bosom buddies with every famous person of the era. In this book, the main character hobnobs with Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau (notice how she conveniently drops the "Ralph" and "David" parts as if they're the closest of friends), Nathaniel Hawthorne, and John Brown. It's as if, just because I live in the 2000s, I'm best pals with Dick Cheney, Britney Spears, and Bill Gates. Hi, Brit! Love Ya!!!

I was extremely excited to read this, as I have an intense love for Little Women! The thought of seeing the stories from the perspective of Mr. March, their father, filled me with anticipation.

However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The story was not written in the same spirit or style as the original, which is understandable given the different author. But what was truly disheartening was that the main character did not possess the morals and character one would hope for, especially after reading an optimistic book like Little Women.

I feel that March was trying to appeal to the feministic crowd. Since Marmy March was so far ahead of her time regarding women's rights, it seems like an attempt was made to modernize her ideas. However, the feminism that Marmy embraced was vastly different from the current image of feminism. Marmy emphasized the personal power of women while also cultivating kindness and compassion to support the world and families. Louisa May Alcott taught us that we can change the whole world through our loving and intelligent influence. In contrast, "March" seems to suggest that these things are unnecessary and that one should simply protest. This book's version of feminism abandons Alcott's lofty goals of self-perfection and undermines the character of Mr. March.

Overall, I was left feeling let down by this attempt to reimagine the beloved story of Little Women.

The story of Mr. March in "Little Women" is truly an amazing tale. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work has had a hold on me from the very first page. Set during the Civil War, it delves into many poignant aspects of humanity and life. To me, these aspects may not have changed as much as some might believe.

On 2-21-19, I was set to finish the audiobook platform of "March" today. This time around, I wouldn't rate it a perfect 5, but it's a solid 4.25. It's written in the style of a classic and, like a true classic, it will stand the test of time. I remembered very little, so it was almost like a first-time read. I wonder why I haven't read more by Brooks. I definitely need to change that!

Later on 2-21-19, I finished the book and already missed it! The afterward was simply fantastic. Most people know that "Little Women" was modeled after Louisa May Alcott's family. And we know that "March" is the untold story of Mr. March. What I didn't initially realize, with a major eye roll, is that "March" is written about Mr. Alcott. Another eye roll. He sounds like he was an incredible, progressive, radical, and brave man. The afterward provides fascinating biographical information about Bronson Alcott. He invented recess, was the first to attempt to integrate a classroom, "he stepped into the line of fire to protest the repatriation of a slave, and he was a vegetarian, among other things. Brooks does an excellent job of using biographical information and staying as close to the facts as possible. She does take some authorial liberties with the dates of the Civil War and certain actions of Bronson.

If Emerson and Thoreau are the stars of 19th-century idealism, Bronson Alcott is the dark matter that exercises enormous, invisible influence. Now, of course, he's "just" Louisa May's father, the absent Mr. March in her bestselling "Little Women." But during his lifetime, he generated the energy that powered others' work.

Children released for 20 minutes of recess can thank Alcott for introducing that innovation, along with an astonishing list of liberal ideas that eventually transformed American classrooms.

However, cynics will snort, "Is there a sillier figure in American history?" They have a point. Even the most respectful summary of Alcott's life can't help including descriptions that sound like a satire of suicidal naiveté. His idealism kept his family in withering poverty. His refusal to use cotton or wool meant the family froze in winter. When he forbade them to disturb canker worms, their apple crop was lost.

In her deeply engaging new novel, "March," Geraldine Brooks has rescued Alcott from the praise of his fans and the mockery of his detractors. By drawing his voice from scores of journals and thousands of letters he left behind, Brooks rescues Alcott from his best-known published work, the "Orphic Sayings."

The story begins with Mr. March writing to his beloved Marmee, but he admits privately that he didn't promise to write the truth. It's a double helix of entwined narratives - cheery letters to his little women and searing descriptions of the ghastly defeats of war.

For Mr. March, the military defeat is overshadowed by his failure to save a young soldier. The novel explores the complicated nature of idealism in the real world and how stress twists March's conscience and warps his relationship with his wife.

The story moves back and forth in time, describing the battles, the events that led March to enlist, and his involvement with John Brown. It also shows how memories of a past romantic entanglement haunt him.

March is a saint, but an ineffective chaplain. His transcendental theology seems weird to most. His idealism sometimes exceeds that of others, obnoxiously so. His colonel tells him he's too radical for the mill-town lads.

Brooks suggests that there's a narcissistic quality to the drive for perfection. March taxes his wife almost to the breaking point. Mrs. March appears to narrate a few chapters, and our vision of their marriage grows more complicated.

The great philosophical and military clashes of 19th-century America come alive in this novel. But Brooks is also interested in the battles that rage in the conscience of anyone caught between real life and principle.

This is the story of Mr. March, the absent father in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the author vividly描绘s the destruction and moral intricacies of that era.

It is a truly moving tale that delves into the issue of slavery during the war and shows how it had a profound impact on both men and women, transforming their lives in the process.

The book "March" is just one of several remarkable works such as "Year of Wonders," "People of the Book," "Caleb's Crossing," and "The Secret Chord," all of which offer unique perspectives and engaging narratives.

Together, they provide a rich tapestry of historical and human experiences that continue to captivate readers.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a good story, these books are well worth exploring.

They offer insights into different times and cultures, and remind us of the power of literature to transport us and make us think.

So, pick up one of these books and embark on a journey through time and space.

You won't be disappointed.