Good Wives

It was only at the end of my Little Women book that I realized, that it was only the first part. I got this book only for closure. “Friends” had ruined it for me, still I am glad that I read it.

It is preachy. Very. But if you can get over that aspect, it is a quiet well written book. Funny and light-hearted. The characters and conversations are lovable, but only because of the time period it is set in. I wouldn't read this plot beyond 10 pages if it was a contemporary novel. Does that make me hypocrite? Maybe.

The novel starts off after Meg is engaged to John Brooke. Amid the advice by the author on how to support a working husband and that it is important that the wife involves the husband in the child's development, we get to see a realistic portrayal of a poor working husband and a wife who takes cares of the kids and do all the household work and waits for her loving husband to return. It is boring. I read this book only with an interest quite similar to people looking at ancient rocks from the stone age.

Jo is the only character you could actually like, her arc was well done and I appreciate the non-conformity of it.

Beth was boring.

Amy was the only character who changed (I guess the only character who needed a change). Although not particularly fond of the character, she certainly deserved the ending in the book, because she put in the effort to change her mind and habits. In my opinion that takes more effort than sacrifice and love.

On the whole it is a happy account of a family, powered by love that waded through their hardships and celebrated their happiness, set in the US a very long time ago.
It is an okay read.