TBR

RELEASE NOTES:

I saw this on Judy's wishlist, so I thought I'd pass it on to her. I also put in a couple of my books with Italian themes in case she'd like to take these along for release on her next trip.

Ohmygosh! Though I've seen mixed reviews on this book, I've been wishing for it for months!

Two years ago, we visited the Alcott's home in Massachusetts. I've been very curious (OK, a little ticked) about this idealistic man who held transcendental meetings in the family home, planted a great garden for self-sufficiency - then took off for loftier goals - leaving his wife and family to finish the work and fend for themselves!

Thanks again, debnance!

OK - a year later and I just read - and really enjoyed this book - to the point of copying some favorite lines! Compelling historical fiction.

I liked the juxtaposition/contrast of the harsh realities of war, the complexities of racism, abolition, & idealism, and conflicted moral choices - with March's sanitized, flowery letters home.

Gave me more of a nuanced picture of & appreciation for this man. (though with my somewhat negative impressions of Alcott (March) from our visit to the Alcott family farm/home of transcendentalism, I did appreciate Grace's insightful comment to Mrs. March: "Am I wrong to suspect that he lives for ideas, that he builds his whole world on them, and that it is you who are left to deal with the practical matters of life?" (242-3)

Planning to pass this on to someone at our local meet-up or to check out wishlists.

Picked this up at our monthly meeting in September 2009. Plan to read and then give it to my mother. I enjoy anything Geraldine Brooks writes so I am sure I will enjoy this as well.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Enjoy the book and please leave a journal entry so I can follow where the book travels next.