Little Women - The great classic

Novel Title  – Little Women
Author – Louisa May Alcott
Publication Date – 1868
Ratings : * * * * * *

Come, meet the Delightful March sisters! Thoroughly Enjoyable.
One thing that I appreciate about Little women is its sheer simplicity to connect with the readers. Written by Louisa may Alcott, the novel narrates the story of four sisters – March Girls who are totally contrast in their nature. The elder sister Margaret or Meg dreams of luxurious home and amenities for her future while Josephine or Jo, the tomboyish one aspires to make her name in the world of writing. Beth is shy and homesick while Amy is outspoken showing a fondness towards art.

The novel starts with the four sisters discussing about Christmas plans and when they receive the letter that their father cannot come this Christmas as he is serving in the civil war, the news really upsets March Sisters. In absence of their father, Marmee the mother takes the responsibility in upbringing the children with moral ethics, values and culture. Marmee suggests Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy to provide their breakfast as a Christmas gift to the poor children staying in neighborhood. March sisters happily offer their breakfast to the poor children and turn the christmas event as one of the most memorable day in their life they would ever forget.

Laurie is another character who is memorable in this novel. Laurie stays with his grandfather alone in a big mansion without any friends for company. The march sisters befriend Laurie and develop a long lasting relationship which further continues in the novel. After Meg gets married to Mr.Brooke, the tutor of Laurie, the circumstances turn adverse when Jo leaves for New York to pursue her dreams to become writer and Beth gets fatally sick with scarlet fever after serving children affecting from the disease. Even Laurie’s dreams of marrying Jo are shattered when Jo rejects the proposal. Does Jo fulfills her dream of becoming a writer? Does Beth recover from the scarlet fever? What happens to Laurie? Do Jo and Laurie Unite? You will get all these answers as you start reading the novel “Little Women”.  Written  in a very light hearted manner, it’s a coming of age, warm story without any melodrama.

I have read Little Women thrice, but every time I read I discovered some new aspects in the book. When I had picked this novel from bookstore, I assumed it to be similar to Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. I mostly don’t read novels with feminine background. But after reading I discovered that it was more excellent and very different from Pride and Prejudice. Little women is about friendship, family, feminine spirit and courage to achieve dreams. The bonding between Beth and Jo is narrated very beautifully and is exceptionally touching when both sisters share their sorrows and happiness in the testing times. The incidents in Little Women are the experiences of Louisa’s childhood, her sisters and her fondness towards writing. Other characters like Mr.Brooke, Fredrich Bhaer, Aunt march, Mr. James Laurence (grandfather of Laurie)  are also memorable in this novel.

Little Women has been made into motion picture in 1994 where Winona Ryder played the role of Josephine while Susan Sarandon essayed the part of Marmee March, Claire Danes portrayed the role of Beth and Christian Bale portrayed his role perfectly as Laurie.  If you like ‘Little Women’, also have a look at some refreshing old American classics like Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, Hans Brinker, Little Princess, Daddy Long legs, Secret Garden and Rebecca of SunnyBrookfarm. Present these books to your children and cultivate a habit of good reading in their mind. After all books are our best friends.


It is one of my favorites I always and highly recommend it to my friends. Grab the copy of Little Women, it will definitely cheer you up.

Happy Reading
Prashant Badiger

Dear John - The Movie

Movie: Dear John
Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins and Henry Thomas
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Distributor: Screen Gems
Release Date: 5^th Feb 2010
Music: Deborah Lurie
Story: Nicholas Sparks

“No matter where it is in the sky… No matter where you are in the world… the moon is never bigger than your thumb. -John”

“See you soon then” – Savannah

The very first thing that captivates you in this movie is the soothing music composed by Deborah Lurie. It not only synchronizes with the dazzling cinematography, but also reflects the emotions and soul of the storyline written by Nicholas Sparks. Adapted from the 2006 novel, Movie “Dear John” is a timeless love story set against the backdrop of 9/11 events and revolves around John Tyree and Savannah, the lead protagonists who continue to express their emotions through letters even in the heartbreaking years of separation. The solitary life of soldier John Tyree changes the moment he meets the sweet, bubbly and optimistic Savannah during his leave in spring of 2001. The first meeting scene between John and Savannah has been shot very beautifully on the exotic beaches of North Carolina. When Savannah’s handbag suddenly falls in the sea, John takes a leap in the sea to retrieve the purse to the young woman. This scene has been beautifully written by Nicholas Sparks in his book and succeeds to bring a smile on the face of readers. In just 2 weeks, John and Savannah realize that they are made for each other.

But as the 9/11 event occurs, John gets the official orders to join in for war.The separation tears apart their togetherness, but John and Savannah endure this distance by writing letters to each other. Fate takes a drastic turn when John gets a letter from Savannah about her wedding. Though John re-enlists in armed forces to stay away from Savannah, fate brings them back together and John realizes the truth behind Savannah’s wedding.  Will John and Savannah re-unite? Will John be able to forgive Savannah? Come; embark on the journey of love with John and Savannah in 2010’s romantic movie – Dear John. What I like best about the movie is that it’s a simply sweet romantic story without any excessive melodrama and succeeds to find a place in your heart forever.  This excellent romantic story is not just about love between two people, it’s also a heart warming story between a father and a son. This novel is a tender, heart warming and a weepy tale of love and togetherness. Performance wise, Amanda Seyfried’s role as Savannah is really believable and sweet. Channing Tatum is truly convincing as John Tyree.

Once you have seen this Movie, do grab the copy of novel “Dear John” and you will truly enjoy reading this sweet story of John and Savannah. If you enjoy seeing “Dear John”, also check out the Movie “The Notebook” which is again an adaptation of the novel written by Nicholas Sparks. Hope you liked this article.

Happy Reading
Prashant Badiger

R.K.Narayan's Malgudi days

Author – R.K.Narayan
Book Title – Malgudi Days
Publication Date – 1943
Genre – Fiction (Short Stories)

There are lot of stories that hold a special place in my heart and R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days is one of them. The short stories of malgudi days were adapted for a small screen during late 80’s and were enjoyed by television viewers. As a little kid, I used to enjoy some of the episodes of ‘swami and friends’, a small collection of swami’s adventures. I really appreciate the simplicity, humour and light heartedness in Narayan’s writings which highlight the struggle of common masses staying in Malgudi.

Using ‘Malgudi’, a fictional place in South India as a backdrop, Narayan succeeds to win the hearts of readers in just one read. The 30 short stories written by R.K.Narayan are completely unique, refreshing and inspiring in their own, giving us a valuable lesson of life in a humorous way. The stories in Malgudi days are about everyone – a blind beggar, dog, accountant, servant, talkative man, loyal maid, food stall owner, swami and many more characters which have a slice of reality. Every character in these short stories are struggling with their circumstances, difficulties and through these characters, R.K.Narayan brings us more closer to harsh ironies of life and how the characters triumph over the complexities of life. As a sensible person and a reader, when I observed the heart breaking struggles of human race in the stories of R.K.Narayan, I truly realized the insight moral behind every story. As you complete reading each story, you will feel an urge to read the stories once again to relish the delicacy of the simplicity hidden in the story.

If you have penchant for reading short stories, then R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days is a must read for readers of every age, young and old. Through Malgudi days, R.K.Narayan has beautifully shown the ethos of India and displayed the colourful characters of people coming from different walks of life. Once you enjoyed reading this book, you will also enjoy ‘Under the banyan tree & other stories’, ‘Swami & friends’ , ‘The man-eater of malgudi’, ‘Guide’, ‘Vendor of sweets’ and grandma’s stories penned by R.K.Narayan, the great story teller of India. It’s a great privilege for me to write my first article of 2014 on R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days the book that has been on the bookshelf of every reader worldwide for several generations. I am looking forward to write my thoughts on ‘Swami and friends’ soon on my blog. Hope you all have enjoyed reading my thoughts on Malgudi days. Do comment.
Thanks
Prashant Badiger