Marmee A Novel

Miller, who revisited the Little House on the Prairie series via that story's matriarch in Caroline (2017), offers a robust retelling of Little Women centered around Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy's adoring mother. Often in the periphery of the original novel, Marmee is portrayed here with depth, internal dialogue, and her own narrative, which unfolds in short chapters from Christmas Eve of 1861 until December 1868. Growing beyond the bounds of doting motherhood and domesticity, Marmee is a complex character searching for meaning in her life after her husband leaves to contribute to the Civil War effort. Miller imagines a woman struggling to hold her tongue, especially around Aunt March, and operate within the parameters of her time period. Marmee's yearning leads her into a life driven by service to those in need in her community, and by an appreciation for friendship. The lyrical descriptions of life in the Marchs' quaint New England town offer escapism. Little Women fans will easily sink into this reimagining of Marmee's tale. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Caroline was a hit, and, with Little Women a perennial reader favorite, this should draw historical-fiction crowds, too.

Miller (Caroline: Little House, Revisited) offers another tepid retelling of an American classic, this time from the perspective of Little Women mother Margaret "Marmee" March. Marmee writes in her diary on Christmas Eve in 1861 of how she wishes to give her daughters treats but has no money from her husband Amos, who has been gone four months as an army chaplain. Marmee misses him dearly, though she has her hands full doing charity work and stretching his paychecks to keep their home in Concord, Mass. What follows hews closely to Alcott's original as Marmee describes their lives in the community and how she and the girls come to the aid of the starving Hummel family. Their neighbors, the generous Mr. Laurence and his grandson, nicknamed Laurie, are unexpected delights to their days, but other entries are weighed by the war news, the spiteful Aunt March, and thoughts about her stillborn child. Marmee feels guilt, too, over her temper, adding to her worries over their financial straits that keep Jo and Meg working instead of at school (just how this happened is revealed near the end). Though overlong and light on new angles to the old story, Miller convincingly captures Marmee's world and offers a bit of insight on the character. Die-hard Little Women fans might find this intriguing. (Oct.)

Miller (Caroline: Little House, Revisited) returns with another successful retelling of a beloved American classic. Her novel tells the story of Margaret "Marmee" March (the mother of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy) as she navigates life and motherhood in the wake of the American Civil War. The novel is written in diary form, which allows for a more intimate look into the mind of this charitable family matriarch who turns out to be more than meets the eye. Miller's timeline and plot stay faithful to Alcott's original, and readers can expect many of the same characters. Where this adaptation shines is in its consideration of historical context and the political climate of the late 19th century. Miller's thorough research and attention to detail create a setting that is both immersive and enlightening. The end result has a level of realism and honesty worthy of an Alcott retelling. VERDICT Miller's adaptation is as gut-wrenching and heart-warming as its inspiration. It's sure to please readers who grew up on Little Women and are now parents themselves.--Cate Triola