Little Women: Book & Films Review

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, is an absolute classic and one of my very favorite books, of all time! I have 3 sisters, so growing up my Dad would call us “his little women”; this book, and the film, had very special meaning to all of us. I also have two brothers, so built-in Laurie, times two.

I hadn’t read this book for many, many years, so I loved the chance to read it and experience the beauty of this novel again. The last time I read this I was a young teenager. Many of the interactions and relationships carried a very different weight this time around. I wanted to write out a little post with some of my favorite quotes and my thoughts on the 1994 film adaptation compared to the 2019 version.

Favorite Quotes from Little Women

Marmee (their mother) has some of the most incredible teaching moments and quotes throughout the book. Here are a few of my favorites.

“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”

“My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.”

“Your father, Jo. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.”

“Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.”

I am content to see Meg begin humbly, for if I am not mistaken, she will be rich in the possession of a good man’s heart, and that is better than a fortune.”

“The sincere wish to be good is half the battle.”“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”

Just a few really sweet quotes I loved.

“The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.”

“such hours are beautiful to live, but very hard to describe…”

“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”

This is an incredible quote by Jo that resonates with me, “I like good strong words that mean something…”

Comparison of 1994 Film and 2019 Release

Kurt had to work last Christmas, so my mom and two brothers went with me to see the new film adaptation, and I have to say I was very impressed! I hadn’t seen the 1994 film since Kurt was willing to watch it with me our freshman year of college almost 14 years ago. This year, after finishing the book, I wanted to watch both to compare them to each other and to the book.

What I like in the 2019 Little Women

Here’s the thing, both the films are incredible and also neither one does justice to certain aspects of the books; to be expected. I’ll start with what I love! The 2019 version is much better at using direct quotes from the book, and finding so many opportunities to include tiny details like Meg being called by a “pet name” at the debutante ball, Laurie coming in and getting to know the March family better after Meg’s sprained ankle, the keys Laurie gives to the girls when he joins their society, Meg buying fabric they couldn’t afford and discussing her decision with John, etc. I feel like there are a lot more details captured directly from the book in the newer version.

Also, I love how much the newer version develops Beth and Mr. Laurence’s relationship. It makes the gifting of his piano to her and care during her illness so much sweeter. The 1994 film has very little character development for Mr. Laurence.

In the book, Laurie tells Jo privately that he and Amy have gotten married and the 2019 version follows that scripting. I prefer that to Amy and Laurie showing up together at Meg’s house and surprising Jo that they’re married. It just seems like a private conversation is more appropriate and I appreciate that moment between them.

I also appreciate the 2019 version following the book better surrounding Mr. Bhaer visiting Jo and her family and developing relationships with them, at the end. I also like the ending scene at Plumfield, which is how the book ends. Everyone there celebrating Marmee’s birthday. It’s definitely a better ending than just Jo and Mr. Bhaer kissing.

Major Issue with Both Little Women Films

My biggest bone to pick with both films, is the lack of credit they give to adult Laurie and Amy, and their relationship development. They have to cut out somethings, it’s a long book. I just wish both films didn’t glaze over it entirely. I don’t like that the 1994 film creates such an age gap between young Laurie and young Amy. They’re only 3 years apart and it makes it seem like he’s 10 years older than she is. I know it’s not ideal to have an adult play a 12 year old girl (like they do in the 2019 film), but I prefer that continuity to the 3 minutes of screen time that adult Amy has in the earlier version.

In the book, Amy puts Laurie in his place by telling him; “You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.” These are certainly wise, mature words from a 20 year old girl. He decides he needs to earn her love and respect and begins to develop himself into a working man. Together they become philanthropic and focus so much of their time and resources on helping others.

All around I love both films and of course the book even more. Because the 2019 version quotes the book and follows those details more, I prefer it. I know that’s an unpopular opinion, but to me the book is always best. To me, the film that follows it most closely is better. I would love to hear your experiences with the book and movies. Tell me which you like more and why!

Sincerely,