A review by drewanabri
Marmee: A Novel by Sarah Miller
3.0
I think this might actually be more saccharine than the original Little Women. Overall, the story follows the basic gist of the classic novel, but since it's told in the form of a diary, the direct insight into the protagonist's thoughts provides even more room for overwrought sentiment and preachy moralizing.
And unfortunately, the author made the mistake of including the grim facts from Abby May Alcott's life while still keeping the saintliness of the fictionalized "Marmee" which makes for a very odd balance. The protagonist's husband is literally giving away his kids' last loaf of bread, and she's all "oh, isn't that nice and generous of him." Overall, a lot of the story just reads like a very weak-willed woman enabling an abusive, neglectful father.
And unfortunately, the author made the mistake of including the grim facts from Abby May Alcott's life while still keeping the saintliness of the fictionalized "Marmee" which makes for a very odd balance. The protagonist's husband is literally giving away his kids' last loaf of bread, and she's all "oh, isn't that nice and generous of him." Overall, a lot of the story just reads like a very weak-willed woman enabling an abusive, neglectful father.