Little Women (Penguin Classics)

One of the best loved books of all time. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

Lovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, spoiled Amy: these are hard lessons of poverty and of growing up in New England during the Civil War. Through their dreams, plays, pranks, letters, illnesses, and courtships, women of all ages have become a part of this remarkable family and have felt the deep sadness when Meg leaves the circle of sisters to be married at the end of Part I. Part II, chronicles Meg's joys and mishaps as a young wife and mother, Jo's struggle to become a writer, Beth's tragedy, and Amy's artistic pursuits and unexpected romance. Based on Louisa May Alcott's childhood, this lively portrait of nineteenth- century family life possesses a lasting vitality that has endeared it to generations of readers.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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Published Jan 1, 1989

504 pages

Average rating: 7.85

1,029 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Cresta McGowan
Dec 25, 2025
10/10 stars
Simply brilliant. ☺️
Deborah Trahan
Oct 23, 2025
10/10 stars
The dearest book ever - and so before it's "time."
@MissLitLife
Jan 09, 2025
8/10 stars
I enjoyed reading this in my youth and again as an adult - definitely a beloved read! I do think that the story explores interesting and pertinent themes related to gender, femininity, social mobility and societal expectations as well as personal growth, development, virtuosity and resilience. The fact that this was not a story/novel that Alcott intended to write is also super interesting but I am so glad that it was encouraged and indeed published!
akatko2
Apr 10, 2026
Love it. I like the way the March sisters' bond together especially after Beth dies.
T22m
Mar 31, 2026
10/10 stars
This book paints a beautiful picture of Christ like women. It is an honor to read it!

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