March Sisters

Narrator Cassandra Campell brings her considerable talents to this collection of essays about the impact of the semiautobiographical novel LITTLE WOMEN on four contemporary authors. Each writer tackles a different March sister, exploring various facets of her fictional personality and the real-life person she was based on. Kate Bolick contemplates her relationship with clothes through Meg; Jenny Zhang confronts her childhood dislike of Jo; Carmen Maria Machado recounts the real-life sickness of Lizzie Alcott, Louisa May's sister, whom Beth is based on; and Smiley reexamines Amy through a 21st-century feminist lens. Campbell's narration is steady, inviting, and perfectly paced, making it easy for listeners to sink into each essay. She doesn't alter her voice as she narrates, allowing the authors' words to stand on their own merit. Listeners--especially fans of LITTLE WOMEN--will find much to enjoy in this absorbing audiobook. L.S. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine