Author revisits ‘Little Women’ characters with ‘New Generation’

Taking inspiration from Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” characters, author Gabrielle Donnelly’s novel, “The Little Women Letters: A New Generation of Sisters,” is the story of the great-great-granddaughters of Jo March and how their lives closely parallel those of their Grandma Jo and her sisters.

Lulu Atwater is at a crossroads in her life. The 20-something has a specialized degree, but doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. Her older sister Emma is beautiful, poised and about to be married. Her younger sister Sophie is an emerging actress who has the world by a string, and Lulu is just stuck in a rut of dead-end jobs and no romance.

When her mother asks her to retrieve an old recipe book from the attic at the family home, Lulu stumbles across a series of letters from her “Grandma Jo” March, and is intrigued by this formidable lady whose own family and life struggles seem identical her own. As she become enthralled with the letters, Lulu finds inspiration and even guidance from the past that lead her on to a brighter future.

Donnelly’s novel is an absolute joy to read. The dynamics of the sister characters and the family and friends who revolve around them are lively and loving. Donnelly incorporates “letters” from the legendary Jo that seem to be written directly from the hand of the beloved classical character, lending a charming historical aspect to this decidedly modern novel.

Fans of Louisa May Alcott will be pleased at the faithfulness that Donnelly affords to the March family story, and fans of good fiction will rejoice in this delightful story.