Sisterhood is complex. You scream and fight one day, just to share your deepest secrets the next. You argue over clothes, just to spend your paycheck buying them that one thing they really want. It can be a rivalry and a best friendship all tied into one. For anyone who has a sister, or someone who feels like one, “Little Women” is a book that understands that bond.
Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” endures because it speaks to the truth and subtle nuances of true sisterhood – one somehow tied together with warmth yet tension. The March sisters offer a glimpse into how profoundly sisters can shape a person’s life, often in ways no one else can.
This novel is able to capture the full range of sisterly emotions. It shows love and loyalty which can lead to jealousy and frustration. The Marches argue and compete, yet there is always an undertone of deep care. And that’s what having a sister is about. It’s the unwavering support for the people that sometimes anger you the most.
The March sisters are wildly different, each with their own personality and dreams. Jo loves independence, Meg is practical, Beth is kind and Amy’s aspirational. It’s those differences that feed into the conflict, but it is also what makes them able to grow into their full selves. These characters face hardship, yet so much joy, and through each moment the writing illustrates how sisters challenge and support each other through every chapter of life.
“Little Women” reminds us of the timelessness of sisterhood. Although set in the 19th century, the same sentiments of their relationships exist today. Every generation can relate to the bond the March sisters have, which makes it a read people keep returning to.
In a way “Little Women” is a love letter to sisterhood. It doesn’t romanticize it, though. And that’s what makes it so special. It captures the beauty of an imperfect yet unbreakable bond. Having a sister is one of the best things life can give you, and the Marches are an example of just that.
