Search - Eight Cousins (Complete and Unabridged Classics)

Louisa May Alcott certainly has her writing style down pat. Each chapter is its own story, and can be read in nearly any order, as they are quite episodic. It's very moralistic - and everyone is so earnest to be so kind and so good and absolutely so unselfish. It honestly makes the story a bit difficult to take at times because of Alcott's lecturing on proper behavior and, to an extent, the 'proper' way to raise children. She's very against the trappings of the 19th century - Uncle Alec rails against corsets, and raising 'little ladies' to flutter about society as delicate butterflies, in preference to running wild, and - to tie it into Little Women - the importance of transforming Megs and Amys into Jos.

I guess we know what sort of girl Alcott was.

Rose's life is turned upside down when her father dies. She goes to live with her family including 8 boy cousins that live close by. The aunts want to keep her in the house quiet, but this only makes her lonely and grieving. When Uncle Alec arrives, he decides she needs more fresh air and outside play. Rose thrives on the fun loving and lively cousins!

This is not the quality of Little Women, but still is a fun read.

One of my favorite books by Louisa May Alcott. I like this one even better than Little Women. It offers an interesting look into Victorian mores, especially when contrasted with the eccentric opinions of the sea-faring uncle.

Lonely orphan Rose does not want to meet her 7 boy cousins, but is surprised when she does.