A Revisit to Louisa May Alcott: Eight Cousins

If I were to mention Louisa May Alcott's name, the reading world would say Little Women. Somewhere along the way the gem Eight Cousins has been lost.

Eight Cousins is a great story for young teens.  With a gentler reading experience than Little Women, the book has a similar feel to Anne of Green Gables, the Little House books, and The Secret Princess.  

Eight Cousins follows a young teenage girl in her adventures.  Orphaned and brought to live with her uncle and several aunts, Rose is a pale, shy girl who is living in the age of bustles and corsets.  It was a time when girls weren't allowed to play.

Her uncle has decidedly different views on how a child should be treated.  He makes a deal with the aunts that they will do things his way for a period of time and review later. He is convinced his Rose will be healthier and happier for the changes. Things go great for a while, but his plans go awry and he finds himself worried that he made a mistake.

Rose is gentle and sweet with a strong compassion for others.  Her cousins are all boys and their antics make for an interesting read. Two of the cousins become ill.  (I don't want to ruin the story by giving too much away.), but the story has plenty to keep it going.

Eight Cousins is one of Alcott's finest and in my opinion as worthy a read as Little Women.


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