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Title: The Inheritance (Penguin Classics) by Louisa May Alcott, Joel Myerson, Daniel Shealy ISBN: 0-14-043666-9 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: February, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.97 (32 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Louisa's First Novel: A 19th Century English Romance
Comment: Written nearly 20 years before "Little Women", when Louisa May Alcott was only 17-years-old at the time, "The Inheritance" is supposedly her first novel, although it was never published until five years ago in 1997 (and was later made into a TV movie the same year). The two editors (Joel Myerson and Daniel Shealy) briefly talk about Louisa's literary accomplishments in the afterward of this book, remarking on what a rare find "The Inheritance" is, as well as it being a steppingstone in her writing career. It is notable since it is her first novel, but I wouldn't consider it her best work. However, I've only read one other book by Miss Alcott: "A Long Fatal Love Chase". That one I liked much better, because it was more adventurous and suspenseful than "The Inheritance", even though it still followed the same romantic path.
This sentimental 19th century romance novel is set in the rich English countryside. It follows the Hamilton family (the stoical mother: Lady Hamilton; the obedient son: Arthur; the naive 16-year-old daughter: Amy; and the envious cousin: Lady Ida) and Lord Percy, a friend of Arthur's, as they all fawn over beautiful Edith Avelon, an orphaned Italian young woman who had been brought to England from Italy when she was ten. Ever since, Edith has been a playmate and governess for Amy, but recently she's become the love interest of Lord Percy, to Lady Ida's dismay. Already devoted to the Hamiltons, Edith will soon learn of a secret that will further bind her to the family.
Probably the most unappealing thing about this book is Edith. She's so nauseatingly good, she seems unreal; she could have been a nun. She's extremely loyal to everybody, even her enemies (Lady Ida, for instance); she's kindhearted toward the sick and elderly; she's a beautiful singer; she's incredibly attractive, self-denying, gentle, pure... Gag. The one good feature about this book, though, is its brevity; it's just under 200 pages. It's worth a try if you're a Louisa May Alcott fan or really into 19th century romantic literature.
Rating: 3
Summary: Be Sure to Read This...If You're Applying for Sainthood
Comment: I just have to set the record straight; I am a huge fan of nineteenth century fiction. Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and Dickens are the staples of my overflowing bookshelf. Therefore, I had to give Alcott's book three stars just because of the Romanticism and stunning descriptions that pervade the story. Alcott proves herself a budding author and literary spirit through this, her earliest work. Now, with the praise out of the way, I can get into the reason I wrote this review. I found the character of Edith so sickeningly good and sweet and holy and pious yada yada yada that I grew to despise the heroine. She was terribly spineless and so afraid of dislike from her contemporaries that she backed down from situations, preferring to sit in her room and cry. In fact, there were always tears "shining in her lovely eyes." UGH!!!
The characters were so stereotypical. Lord Percy was good and noble (and decidedly dull), the quintessential hero for his perfect lady love; Edith. Lady Ida was the jealous spinster desperately seeking for a husband who, suprise suprise, eventually repents her jealous ways in the forgiving arms of Edith. Amy was naieve and bubbling over with enthusiasm that eventually became nauseating, and the rest of the characters aren't even worth mentioning, they all eventually better themselves through the pure heart of Edith.
This book isn't bad, on the contrary, if you enjoy nineteenth century romanticism it makes for a quick read. The characters and unoriginality of the plot leave much to be desired, but, for, Alcott's seventeen year old attempt, it makes for an enjoyable hour's read.
Rating: 5
Summary: The Greatest Love
Comment: Alcott's first novel is a tale of the greatest love one human being can show another--that of friendship, respect, and honor. I find Lord Percy and Edith model characters of the way men and women should treat each other (both sexes). Excellent picker-upper-of-a-story, too. How can you not helped but be inspired by their examples, especially in contrast to Lady Ida and Lord Arlington. 5-stars in my book--it's a keeper!
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Title: An Old-Fashioned Girl (Puffin Classics-The Essential Collection) by Louisa May Alcott ISBN: 0140374493 Publisher: Puffin Pub. Date: November, 1996 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Eight Cousins or the Aunt Hill (Puffin Classics) by Louisa May Alcott ISBN: 0140374566 Publisher: Puffin Pub. Date: September, 1995 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Rose in Bloom (Puffin Classics) by Louisa May Alcott ISBN: 0140374515 Publisher: Puffin Pub. Date: September, 1995 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott ISBN: 0440223016 Publisher: Dell Pub. Date: 02 December, 1996 List Price(USD): $7.50 |
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Title: Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott ISBN: 0316030872 Publisher: Little Brown & Company Pub. Date: 01 November, 1996 List Price(USD): $9.99 |
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