Little Women

In the novel «Little Women» by American writer Louisa May Alcott, four sisters March—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—grow up, moving from childhood into womanhood. Based on the author’s own life and that of her three sisters, the book can be considered semi-autobiographical.

It was first published in two volumes. The first volume (1868) received such enthusiastic reviews from both the press and the public that the author added a second volume, released a year later.

The story takes place in the United States of North America during the Civil War. In the absence of their father Robert, a pastor who participated in the conflict as a chaplain on the side of the North, the four sisters from the middle class face the difficulties of everyday life: sensible Margaret (Meg), fearless Josephine (Jo), merciful Elizabeth (Beth), and proud Amy. They live in Concord, Massachusetts, with their mother and their faithful servant Hannah. Once wealthy, the March family was ruined when Robert March went bankrupt while helping a friend with his affairs. Despite this, the family members are happy: they always show good sense, generosity, and care, and they don’t forget to help those who are poorer than they are.