Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
Genre: fiction
Review: I suspect many Louisa May Alcott aficionados get nervous every time they hear about a remake of Little Women, or a "contemporary retelling," like Virginia Kantra's Meg & Jo. I know I do, and I almost didn't pick up this book because I was concerned about the damage it would do to my favorite book. I need not have worried. On the contrary, Kantra got it just right. I can easily imagine that this is the book Louisa May Alcott would have written if she lived in the 21st century.
Which means, of course, that it's a really good book, in addition to preserving the spirit of Little Women. The characters, their struggles and triumphs, and their family bond (since this is still the March family) spring off the page. I felt so connected to the characters that I was a little bereft when the book ended, and I was thrilled to see that Kantra has a sequel, Beth & Amy, coming soon.
I would recommend Meg & Jo to anyone who was looking for a good story, whether or not they've read Little Women. Many kudos to Kantra for this wonderful book. Jo March (the original) would be proud.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.
