I found this to be a well-written work of narrative nonfiction that brings to light a lesser-known portion of Louisa May Alcott’s biography, her service as a Civil War nurse. I was struck again by what a remarkable person she was, and author Samantha Seiple draws on Alcott’s own writing, primarily in the form of letters and journal entries, to good effect. Alcott has such a lively and natural way of expressing herself and it is a delight to read about her experiences in her own words. I even laughed out loud in a few places because Alcott’s writing is so humorous. Of course, given the subject matter, much of the material is somber -- but in Seiple and Alcott’s hands, it never feels overwhelmingly so. A solid read.

I'm sending a box of surprise RABCKs that I thought you might enjoy. As always, no pressure to read them if they are not for you... do as you please with them! For me, this one was a fascinating account of a little-known aspect of Alcott's life.

The box of books arrived safely today - a lovely surprise; many thanks! This one looks intriguing, not least because Louisa was a local girl (more or less): I've been to her grave in Concord, Massachusetts, and also to the lovely Fruitlands - her family's short-lived attempt at a back-to-the-land commune, now a mix of museum, trail systems, and art venues.

Later: Intriguing look at Alcott's life, which was a lot more adventurous than I'd have suspected when I first read Little Women. This book includes lots of historical details of medical treatment during the war, as well as other events - some touching passages regarding Lincoln's feelings on signing the Emancipation Proclamation, for example. And Lu's own reactions to the butchery she witnessed in the field hospitals, and to public reactions to women's roles in care and treatment. Her participation in the women's suffrage movement was another key element in her life - and while this book gives plenty of nods to her literary output, it's emphasis is on the other aspects of her life.

Guidelines for safely visiting and stocking Little Free Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the LFL site here.

I plan to leave this book, bagged against the elements, near Orchard House on Lexington Road; hope someone enjoys it! The book opens with Louisa shivering through the holidays in the drafty house that she called "Apple Slump"...

[See other recent releases in MA here.]

*** Released for the 2021 Decemberish holidays challenge, as the book features several Alcott Christmases - including the one that inspired the opening of Little Women. ***

*** Released for the 2021 What's In A Name challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2021 Keep Them Moving challenge. ***