I read this for The Alcott Event, happening in a private group over on TSTWNBN. When I began reading this, I mistakenly believed that it was one of her early novels. I was quite wrong about that - according to Wikipedia, it was published in 1873, after both Little Women and Little Men, as well as after her melodramatic stories that were published in the 1860's. So, looking at it with this in mind, some of what I thought were the seeds of Little Women are really more recycled bits from that particular book.

 

This is not Alcott's best work, which makes sense, since it is a largely forgotten story. Written for adults, it is more overtly political even than her other books, with very obvious feminist and abolitionist overtones. Well-worth reading, Alcott is somewhat heavy-handed in her moralizing.

 

The book generally tells the tale of a young woman, Christie Devon, who leaves the care of her resentful uncle and long-suffering but loving aunt and seeks employment to make her way in the world. She is engaged in various fairly menial jobs: governess, companion, actress, seamstress, and struggles to support herself. Many issues are addressed, and Alcott's abiding abolitionist beliefs are openly articulated.

 

There were a couple of things that I found particularly interesting about the book. First, reminiscent of the proposal of Laurie and Jo's refusal to marry him, Christie also turns down a proposal from a wealthy gentleman. There are shades of Pride and Prejudice, as well, in the dialogue from this section of the book. Christie initially turns him down politely, and when he reacts badly, we have a very "Lizzie Bennett" moment where she calls him out for his sense of superiority. It left me wondering if Alcott had read P&P close in time to writing the book - the scenes were so similar.

 

In addition, it has a bit of a WTF ending. Alcott is a deeply religious woman, and believes fervently (as many of her era did) in a heaven. The book takes place during the years of the Civil War and much is made of the heroic sacrifice of the men and women who fought for the union and who died, or had loved ones die, in the war. Louisa always was one for the grand sacrificial gesture - if you are looking for a traditional happily ever after for our heroine, well, you're not going to get one.

 

Anyway, it was an interesting read. A bit too sweet and preachy for my taste, but, still, Alcott was a very principled woman, and it was interesting to read something that is so clearly feminist and egalitarian from the early part of my nation's history.

 

Next up from the Alcott canon is Eight Cousins. This one is much more fun than Work.

I am part of a private group of friends on GR who read books written by dead authors. A number of us have been planning on reading some of the works of Louisa May Alcott in November. I have created a public group for this event, and thought I would extend the invitation here, as well.

 

I will be reading the books listed above, and discussing them there.

 

Alcott was part of the American transcendentalist movement, along with Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, the Peabody sisters, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Bronson Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau. Anything written by or about any of those writers would also be excellent fodder for discussion in the Alcott event!

 

Please join us, even if all you want to do is talk about how much you loathe Ms. Alcott and her books. All opinions are welcome.

 

The title of the post will link you to the GR group.

"Work: A Story of Experience" introduces readers to Christie Devon. She is a bookish girl, but also one with an independent streak. She decides to leave the quiet life with her aunt and uncle who have reared her and go out into the world.This book sees her working as a seamstress, a governess, an actress, a laundress and even assisting a florist. She has suitors now and again, but once she is past the age of 30 she settles into what she believes will be a companionable spinsterhood working with the poor.Of course, astute readers of Victorian-era romances will know that nothing can be this easily, and that she will fall in love. This was an entertaining book, and one that Alcott's fans are sure to enjoy.