The Other Alcott
Elise Hooper, 2017
HarperCollins
432 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780062645333
Summary
Elise Hooper’s debut novel conjures the fascinating, untold story of May Alcott — Louisa’s youngest sister and an artist in her own right.
We all know the story of the March sisters, heroines of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. But while everyone cheers on Jo March, based on Louisa herself, Amy March is often the least favorite sister. Now, it’s time to learn the truth about the real "Amy," Louisa’s sister, May.
Stylish, outgoing, creative, May Alcott grows up longing to experience the wide world beyond Concord, Massachusetts. While her sister Louisa crafts stories, May herself is a talented and dedicated artist, taking lessons in Boston, turning down a marriage proposal from a well-off suitor, and facing scorn for entering what is very much a man’s profession.
Life for the Alcott family has never been easy, so when Louisa’s Little Women is published, its success eases the financial burdens they’d faced for so many years. Everyone agrees the novel is charming, but May is struck to the core by the portrayal of selfish, spoiled "Amy March." Is this what her beloved sister really thinks of her?
So May embarks on a quest to discover her own true identity, as an artist and a woman. From Boston to Rome, London, and Paris, this brave, talented, and determined woman forges an amazing life of her own, making her so much more than merely "The Other Alcott." (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
• Birth—ca. 1974
• Where—Hopkinton, New Hampshire, USA
• Education—B.A., Middlebury College, M.A.T, Seattle University
• Currently—lives in Seattle, Washington
Though a New Englander by birth (and at heart), Elise Hooper lives with her husband and two young daughters in Seattle, where she teaches history and literature. (From the publisher.)
Book Reviews
A fascinating concept, and just the way to kick off your celebration of the 150th anniversary of the publication of Little Women.
Historical Novel Society
A mix of history and imagination, this debut novel focuses on May Alcott, the model for Amy in Little Women …. Some clumsy exposition aside, this is a lively, entertaining read.
Kirkus Reviews
Discussion Questions
1. At the end of Part 1, when Alice tells May that "a thinking woman … sounds dangerous," what does she mean? What made a "thinking woman" dangerous in the late 1800s?
2. How does May change over the course of the story? What moments mark critical turning points in her journey?
3. What is your perception of the relationship between Louisa and May? How did Louisa’s financial support of May affect their feelings toward each other?
4. What were the challenges that women faced while studying art? How were these challenges different in Boston and in Europe?
5. When May marries Ernest suddenly, do you think it’s because as Louisa says, "she’s unmoored?" What do you think contributed to May’s quick decision to marry?
6. Louisa appears to send conflicting messages about May’s marriage to Ernest — she discourages her from doing it, but then sends a substantial check as a wedding present — how do you think she felt about May’s decision to marry?
7. Between their beliefs on education, abolitionism, woman suffrage, among other causes (Bronson was also vegetarian), the Alcotts were viewed as radicals and seen as unconventional. What do you think it was like to grow up as part of this family? As the youngest family member, how difficult do you think it was it for May to grow up in this family? In what ways does she seem to forge her own identity, separate from that of her family?
8. What do you think it would be like to have a family member write a thinly-veiled account of your life? Since May doesn’t think Little Women was a favorable portrayal of her, how would that shape her relationship with her family?
9. Louisa struggles with the tension that exists between the success of Little Women and feeling trapped by being famous for something that she didn’t really want to write. Did you empathize with her feelings? What would it be like to become famous for something you resented?
10. At the end of the novel, the author provides a Postscript with more information about all of the characters. Was there anything in there that surprised you?
11. Of the two sisters, Louisa is infinitely more famous. Were you surprised by anything you learned about her in this novel? Were any of your previous impressions of her challenged by this new information?
12. Louisa remains dutiful to her family to the end and continues to write stories that the market welcomes so that she earn money to support her family while Mary Cassatt breaks from the establishment creates work that satisfies her. Which character can you relate to more? Do you understand the motivations behind both women?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)
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