Thank you for sharing this interesting connection between the character and the real inspiration! It's funny how some experiences we have, even the ones that don't work out the way we want them to, still make a huge impact in our writings.
As for Jo & Laurie, I don't think it would have been a good match regardless. I might have thought differently as a kid, but as an adult Laurie's immaturity is pretty plain to see. He had that typed of spoiled immaturity that I don't think Jo would have tolerated for long.
This post was absolutely fascinating! I knew Little Women was inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s life and family, but I’d never really looked deeper into Laurie’s character. I might also be one of the rare ones who didn’t want Jo to end up with him. I love Laurie and their friendship, but I could never buy into the romance—and I was genuinely happy with how Alcott resolved things between them.
Little Women is my all-time favourite book, which I first discovered through the anime as a kid. Finally reading the real deal made it even more special. I’ve been thinking about rereading a few books this year, and after reading your post, I’ll definitely add this one to the list. I’ll have to pay a bit more attention to Laurie this time around! :)
Loved this. I think I was particularly drawn to it because Laurie/Laddie (a rather Scottish nickname) was Polish. My father was also Polish and married my Scottish mother.
After reading this, and knowing about bit about a writer's mind, I'm curious. Could she have taken inspiration from this crush & this moment in time & created...Laurie, whom the world compares to the "real" Polish guy. And then, she created Freidrich as the person whom she "thought" she had a crush on.
When we have crushes, sometimes we crush on a fantasy we created until reality steps in. Her words of couldn't be....kind of ring true for that realization. Just my interpretation of what could have been....but I'm a writer & I do wish I understood her more.
A wonderful read! I'm always looking forward to your writing.
This is so kind, thank you so much! I’m glad that you enjoyed it!
Thank you for reading and commenting! 🤍
How interesting! 😯
What a wonderful perspective on one of my favorite books. This makes me want to read Little Women again!
Wonderful! Hidden gems in history to ponder well addressed.
Thank you for sharing this interesting connection between the character and the real inspiration! It's funny how some experiences we have, even the ones that don't work out the way we want them to, still make a huge impact in our writings.
As for Jo & Laurie, I don't think it would have been a good match regardless. I might have thought differently as a kid, but as an adult Laurie's immaturity is pretty plain to see. He had that typed of spoiled immaturity that I don't think Jo would have tolerated for long.
This post was absolutely fascinating! I knew Little Women was inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s life and family, but I’d never really looked deeper into Laurie’s character. I might also be one of the rare ones who didn’t want Jo to end up with him. I love Laurie and their friendship, but I could never buy into the romance—and I was genuinely happy with how Alcott resolved things between them.
Little Women is my all-time favourite book, which I first discovered through the anime as a kid. Finally reading the real deal made it even more special. I’ve been thinking about rereading a few books this year, and after reading your post, I’ll definitely add this one to the list. I’ll have to pay a bit more attention to Laurie this time around! :)
Loved this. I think I was particularly drawn to it because Laurie/Laddie (a rather Scottish nickname) was Polish. My father was also Polish and married my Scottish mother.
After reading this, and knowing about bit about a writer's mind, I'm curious. Could she have taken inspiration from this crush & this moment in time & created...Laurie, whom the world compares to the "real" Polish guy. And then, she created Freidrich as the person whom she "thought" she had a crush on.
When we have crushes, sometimes we crush on a fantasy we created until reality steps in. Her words of couldn't be....kind of ring true for that realization. Just my interpretation of what could have been....but I'm a writer & I do wish I understood her more.
Thank you, this was an excellent read.