Review: LITTLE WOMEN

Fresh and inventive approach sets this version apart

When I heard that Greta Gerwig was directing a new adaptation of the classic novel “Little Women,” I was of two minds. First, the move made complete commercial sense. And second, what more could one do with the material? After all, there are adaptations for the screen and the small screen for more than a hundred years.

Without a doubt, Gerwig succeeds in crafting a new version of the novel (originally, released as two books, combined into “Little Women” in 1880). This incarnation stands as an ultimate celebration of Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiography. Perhaps it’s ironic that the themes might have greater import now than they did in the years following the Civil War.

Alcott’s narrative wove itself into Americana. On a literal level, it’s the coming of age story of four March sisters, but anyone marginally familiar with it will attest that it is about so much more. Gerwig’s script tells the tale principally from the perspective of protagonist Jo March (Saoirse Ronan).

Read Jonathan’s full review online and in print in the Times-Herald: https://newnan.com/2019/12/26/little-women-fresh-and-inventive-approach-sets-this-version-apart/