Little Women

One of the most beloved classics of all time, Little Women is a book that should be read by every bookworm, and by people looking to practice their English by reading fun and interesting literature.

To look out for:

Islamic values: A boy offers Jo wine when she is distressed. The eldest March girl, Meg, is convinced by her friends to wear fancy (and somewhat immodest) clothes, and to drink wine and dance – she later confesses her regrets about it. Several talks about marrying, especially marrying ‘rich’. Throughout the novel, the girls mention and sometimes complain about their humble lifestyle, and long for riches, but it is later on proved that money does not guarantee happiness.

Romance: Meg falls in love with a tutor, and is teased by Laurie and Jo. She later on marries the tutor. Amy believes she will marry Fred Vaughan, but instead marries someone else. Jo does not think she will ever marry, especially after refusing another boy in a climactic scene. Towards the end of the book, however, she falls in love with a man and marries him.

Violence: A teacher hits Amy for disobeying rules. A key character falls ill and dies many years later.