As predicted we all turned up with our different publications of this classic book and Vanessa's beautifully illustrated version, a childhood treasure belonging to her daughter, was the most stunning.
Everyone loved this book, expect me! I found it sickly sweet and far too perfect, too moralistic and too obvious. I didn't even finish it. Sara understood my point of view. She had read part of the story while ill (with flu) and enjoyed it but found that, on recovery, it was a little less enjoyable.
Despite my complete lack of 'joie de vivre' this book was a hugely popular choice among the rest of our group. It takes you right back to childhood (if you happened to read it way back then). It is an undemanding, un-contentious, light read, insight to American middle class women during the Revolution.
Jo is, without doubt, the Ashendon Book Group favourite character.
Our big question was: did Laurie marry Jo or Meg or who? we were split and the answer (apparently) will be found on reading the sequels: Little Men and Good Wives (for which there was great enthusiasm but I think my powers of dissuasion eventually won through and they won't be on our group reading list!)
Would we recommend it? A big 'Yes', but not as a Book Group read - it's not a big discussion piece.
Our next book is Scoop by Evelyn Waugh. We will meet to discuss this at Gatehangers on Tuesday 8th May at 8.15pm.
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