I never read the last third of this trilogy without wanting to throw it across the room. Louisa May Alcott is supposed to have said that, regardless of what anyone else thought, she wouldn't let Jo marry Laurie, and that sentiment carries over here. In fact, Jo herself goes as far as to say that if one of her students-bright, ambitious Nan, who aspires to be a doctor-"relents" to her ardent suitor, she "will never forgive her", and the epilogue tells us that Nan remains "a busy, cheerful, independant spinster". Because, of course, having goals and dreams and finding love are mutually exclusive. If this drive and ambition were all Nan's, it would be okay, but one wonders how much of it has been bred into her.
That much would be all right with me, if it weren't for the other thwarted love story in the book: Dan. Despite maintaining that love and kindness can tame their "firebrand", and "Mothers can forgive anything", Jo truly believes Dan isn't good enough to marry into her family, and it makes me crazy.
If you absolutely must know how "Jo's Boys" grow up, or can't stand leaving a series unfinished, then by all means go ahead; as for me, I doubt I'll read this book ever again.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: What I said before
No comments:
Post a Comment