Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a beloved coming-of-age novel first published in 1868. It tells the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they navigate the challenges of growing up in Massachusetts during the American Civil War era. The book explores themes of family, love, independence, and personal growth.
The sisters live in modest circumstances with their mother, Marmee, while their father is away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War. Each sister has a distinct personality and dreams:
Meg is the eldest, practical and focused on propriety but dreams of a luxurious life.
Jo is headstrong, ambitious, and tomboyish, with aspirations of becoming a writer.
Beth is shy and sweet, finding joy in music and caring for others.
Amy is artistic, self-centred at times, and determined to refine herself.
The novel follows the sisters as they experience personal and financial struggles, joys, and heartaches. They learn important life lessons about kindness, humility, perseverance, and sacrifice.
Certain key characters influence their journey:
Laurie (Theodore Laurence): The charming boy next door becomes a close friend and confidant to the sisters, especially Jo.
Marmee: Their mother offers wisdom and guidance, teaching them the value of character over material wealth.
Mr. Bhaer: A German professor who eventually becomes a romantic interest for Jo.
Little Women is celebrated for its relatable characters, moral lessons, and exploration of women’s roles in society. It remains a timeless classic, inspiring countless readers and adaptations for film, theatre, and television.
This recording is kindly provided by Librivox and is read by the following cast:
Narrator/Jo: Elizabeth Klett
Meg: Arielle Lipshaw
Beth: Kalynda
Amy/Parrot: Karen Savage
Marmee: Kara Shallenberg
Mr. March: Bruce Pirie
Hannah: MaryAnn
Mrs. Hummel/Hummel Children/Lotty: Elli
Girl/Child/Tina/Daisy/Maid: Lavinia
Laurie: mb
Aunt March: Amy Gramour
Old Man/Dr. Bangs: Phil Chenevert
Mr. Laurence: David Lawrence
Mr. Davis/Shopman/Young Man #2/Clerk: Tom Crawford
Annie/May Chester: sherlock85
Clara/Miss Lamb/Kitty: ESFJ Girl
Mr. Lamb/Mr. Dashwood: Denny Sayers
Mrs. Moffat/Aunt Carrol/Old Lady/Mrs. Chester: Sally Mc
Major Lincoln/Tudor: Henry Frigon
Belle/Second Girl/Minnie: BookAngel7
Nan/Mrs. Kirke: Susanna
Sallie Gardiner Moffat: rashada
Hortense/Esther: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Fred Vaughan: John Croudy
John Brooke: Peter Bishop
Kate Vaughan: BumbleVee
Ned Moffat/Parker/Young Man #1: coolkid2219
Frank Vaughan: John Fricker
Boy/Demi: E. Lee
Professor Bhaer: Rainer
Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett