Little Women
Posted on the 29th September, 2025
Where it came from
Often labelled a semi-autobiographic novel, Louisa May Alcott modelled many elements of her own life and family in Little Women. Alcott took many events of the time, notably the American Civil war, and used them as the background of her story.
Where it went next
Little Women received many awards but has endured the test of time due to its quiet relatability and the real and imperfect characters. Because of this, it has been adapted for both the screen and stage numerous times over the years. The most recent film, directed by Greta Gerwig, was released 25 December 2019. Many modern authors cite Little Women as a favourite or inspirational book – and even Joey from American sitcom Friends falls in love with the story in an episode from 1997.
Associated stories
Louisa May Alcott went on to publish dozens of other books including three more stories about the Marches, Good Wives (1869- now often published with Little Women as one title), Little Men (1871) and Jo’s Boys (1886) and other family classics such as Eight Cousins (1875) and its sequel Rose in Bloom (1876).