The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees, 342 pages.
Writing a novel about a real person can be tricky business. Blending the right amount of fact with fiction and giving this character authenticity requires a skilled touch. Here the author Kelly O'Connor McNees creates a story about a particular summer in the life of Louisa May Alcott that serves as her inspiration for the well-known couple from Little Women, Jo and Laurie. And I thought it was lovely.
Beyond the fictional romance, McNees has captured and conveyed the tone of Alcott's unusual family life. Her philosopher father was more concerned with living his thoughts and ideals over providing for his family. The obvious strain this lifestyle put on her mother and the four girls influences Louisa's desire for independence and her aggressive pursuit of a life in writing. Along the way I couldn't help but develop a fondness for these sisters similar to my feelings for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy.
This story is a perfect balance of real and imagined details in the life of author Louisa May Alcott. I found it to be a delightful look at the way it was and the way it might have been.
The End.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was perfect timing. You can check out the other tour stops here.
And the author's website: www.kellyoconnormcnees.com
