Reviews

Original new take on Little Women. It’s fun to see the beloved March sisters turn into witches, especially with Laurie and his grandfather as witch finders. With this twist comes danger and tension, an extra new dimension. Magic is put in a negative light however, by linking it to slave-owners, as a means to control their slaves.

A lot has been changed with regards to the original story and plotlines, impacting some of my favorite scenes and characters, which was a bit disappointing and toke away some of my enjoyment of this adaptation. There’s no romance whatsoever, no Mr. Brooke or Professor Bhaer in sight.

The book is not as in tune with the time spirit of its setting (19th century) as I'd like, both the characters’ clothing and speech appearing a bit too modern-day to suit me personally. The illustrations are very straightforward, more functional than enchanting.

On the plus side, the story has more diverse characters now with Mr. Laurence as an escaped slave turned orator (based loosely on Frederick Douglass perhaps?) turned witch finder. The book focusses more explicitly on the abolition movement than the original or other adaptations do.
Meg is still the voice of reason, Jo has kept her adventurous & impulsive spirit, Beth remains gentle though a bit more capable, and Amy is precocious as ever but she comes off crueler or at least more self-righteously self-centered than the original character. The sisters bicker a lot and they don’t seem as close-knit.

The atmosphere turns a bit frightening with cattle and people disappearing and the town’s people pointing an accusing finger towards the March girls. The sisters put aside their differences in order to face this unknown evil and save the day.

Nice enough read on its own, if you don’t compare it too much to the story that inspired it.

omaunk's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I liked the new way of looking at witch hunts and the why. Wish it would have had more time to flesh out some part out a bit more to give us a clearer picture, but over all very believable characters.

mehsi's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I received this graphic novel from Netgalley.

This will be a short review, the words just won't come for this book. I have never really read the original Little Women, and never will have plans to read it. However I am always interested in retellings, and this one has witches! It was quite an interesting read, though at times also very boring. I felt sad for Jo and I still don't get why everyone is treating her the way they do. She seems quite powerful, and really, you can see what happens when you hold her out of everything, it goes wrong. Bonds are broken. I loved Laurie, he was such a sweetie. Not a fan of Amy. Whodunnit was very nice and I hadn't expected that person. The art was quite fabulous. Also does it end with the girls in the living room or is my copy broken?