Marmee

A Novel

By: Sarah Miller

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

From the author of Caroline, a revealing retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved Little Women, from the perspective of Margaret “Marmee” March, about the larger real-world challenges behind the cozy domestic concerns cherished by generations of readers.

In 1861, war is raging in the South, but in Concord, Massachusetts, Margaret March has her own battles to fight. With her husband serving as an army chaplain, the comfort and security of Margaret’s four daughters— Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—now rest on her shoulders alone. Money is tight and every month, her husband sends less and less of his salary with no explanation. Worst of all, Margaret harbors the secret that these financial hardships are largely her fault, thanks to a disastrous mistake made over a decade ago which wiped out her family’s fortune and snatched away her daughters’ chances for the education they deserve.

Yet even with all that weighs upon her, Margaret longs to do more—for the war effort, for the poor, for the cause of abolition, and most of all, for her daughters. Living by her watchwords, “Hope and keep busy,” she fills her days with humdrum charity work to keep her worries at bay. All of that is interrupted when Margaret receives a telegram from the War Department, summoning her to her husband’s bedside in Washington, D.C. While she is away, her daughter Beth falls dangerously ill, forcing Margaret to confront the possibility that the price of her own generosity toward others may be her daughter’s life.

A stunning portrait of the paragon of virtue known as Marmee, a wife left behind, a mother pushed to the brink, a woman with secrets.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Interesting idea, snotty results

Thought it was a fascinating concept to hear Marmee’s thoughts after reading Little Women many times over the years. The author portrays Marmee as an angry woman with none of the sweet wisdom of the original character. This is Marmee without the “Peace that passes all understanding.” She is missing the love of Christ that tempered Marmee and made her such a loving mother.

The voice of the narrator is strident and scolding much of the time. If the voice was more pleasant, maybe the story wouldn’t be so off-putting.

I understand that these are Marmee’s personal diary entries; however she is quite focused on her rage.

A must read.

Excellent story! Kept well with the original little women, but expanded on the virtues of the real Alcott’s.

Did not disappoint!

This is well written and spoken. highly recommended from me. I need fifteen words for this. so on I go.

A mother's point of view

Having loved "Little Women" as a young women to rehear the story told from a mother's perspective now that I have daughters of my own added depth to the love of the original text. A superb job done of telling the clasic story.

Thoroughly enjoyed

I've actually never read Little Women, but I loved reading from Marmee's perspective. It does make me want to finally pick up the classic, as well as round out the experience with March (by Geraldine Brooks). Narration was excellent!