Author: Kelly O'Connor McNees
Pages: 334
Genre: Fiction
Source: TLC Book Tours
Synopsis: In her debut novel, The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott, Kelly O’Connor McNees deftly mixes fact and fiction as she imagines a summer lost to history, carefully purged from Louisa’s letters and journals, a summer that would change the course of Louisa’s writing career—and inspire the story of love and heartbreak between Jo and Teddy “Laurie” Laurence, Jo’s devoted neighbor and kindred spirit. In the summer of 1855, Walt Whitman’s controversial Leaves of Grass has just been released, and the notion of making a living as a writer is still a far-off dream for Louisa. She is twenty-two years old, vivacious, and bursting with a desire to be free of her family and societal constraints so she can do what she loves the most—write. The Alcott family, destitute, as usual, moves to a generous uncle’s empty house in Walpole, New Hampshire, for the summer. Here, a striking but pensive Louisa meets the fictional Joseph Singer. Louisa is initially unimpressed by Joseph’s charms. But just as Louisa begins to open her heart, she learns that Joseph may not be free to give his away. Their newfound love carries a steep price, and Louisa fears she may pay with the independence she has fought so hard to protect.
My Thoughts: I was sad to see this book end. The author totally drew me into this story and I felt as if I was there in Walpole, New Hampshire walking beside Louisa during her lost summer of love. I love the idea that Louisa may have experienced a true love. And who's to say that she didn't??? There was so much going on in her real life and the author does an excellent job of blending fiction with actual facts. This story came across as authentic...Louisa's voice sounded true and so did that of her family members. I must admit that Bronson Alcott is not a very likeable man. Why would he ever think that it would be acceptable not to work and to live off of the generosity of others? But on the flip side of that, if he hadn't made his family endure such hardships would Louisa's urgent desire to be free of marriage and to support herself and her writing been a dream that she would've achieved? There wasn't a flawed moment in this story. It was seamless, perfect, and convincing. As I finished the final pages I decided that I will re-read Little Women this year and some of Alcott's other works. I have so much respect for the courage and determination of Louisa's goal of becoming a published author and without her, Austen, and the Bronte Sisters paving the way...what would have become of all of those young women who dared to dream of being a female writer in a man's world? If you enjoy historical fiction about strong-willed, talented, feisty women who felt the constraints of polite society, and still tried to live a life true to themselves, then this is THE book for you!!! This is my favorite book of 2010!!!!!!
Thank you to TLC for asking me to be a part of this book tour.
Check out the other tour stops HERE
Kelly O’Connor McNees is a former editorial assistant and English teacher. Born and raised in Michigan, she has lived in New York, Rhode Island, and Ontario and now resides with her husband in Chicago. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott is her first novel.
Check out Kelly O’Connor McNees’ website here.
I do want to read this one . . .
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to be loving this book, which makes me happy because I've got it on my shelf to read sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteWOW Staci....such high praise. I must find time for this book; i won it.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous review for this book. I really want to read it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I've been excited about this book because I love Little Women, and you've made me even more excited, if that's possible.
ReplyDeleteFavorite of 2010?! That pretty much tells me all I need to know! I can't wait to read this! You're review was thoughtfully fabulous! (as usual)
ReplyDeleteI need to read this book!! WOW WOW WOW!!!! Sounds AMAZING! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteFavorite so far this year? Wow, that's saying something! Glad you enjoyed it so much. It sounds like an awesome read. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteStaci, such a nice review! I loved this book and agree totally with your conclusions. Bronson Alcott was a tiresome man, but, as you stated, perhaps he was the reason that his daughter longed to break out of the societal mold. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI have never even read Little Woman! I have only seen the movie :(
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard a bad thing about this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to read this one. Love your new header photo!
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my list of books I really should read. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI am so-o-o glad you liked this one. You and I seem to have the same reactions to this book. It's also my favorite book of the year. And, we agree on Bronson Alcott. I didn't like him at all. I'm going to reread Little Women and some of her other books. I'm guessing that, if this were Saturday, this book would get a five-heart rating from you.
ReplyDeleteWill definitely read this one
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many wonderful things about this book. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteThis DEFINITELY sounds like a book for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you loved it! I think the most amazing thing to me is that Louisa and her dad had a good relationship after she moved out. Did you see the author mentioned in the author chat that Louisa died the day after her dad?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you liked this book and that it is your favorite book for 2010 is high praise! I can't wait to read this book and I'm thrilled that I have an advanced copy waiting on my bookshelf!! I read Little Women as an adult and may need to re-read it again.
ReplyDeleteWow! After reading your review, I am even more excited about reading this book. It does seem that Bronson Alcott was a complicated, unusual man. I am not surprised he came across as unlikeable in this novel.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an excellent review! I've seen this one everywhere lately but now that you said it's your favorite book of the year, I HAVE to read it! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good book. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI was so concerned that, as a lover of Little Women, that this book might annoy me. But it so much a blend of the fictional Marchs and the factual Alcotts, that I was completely taken by it.
ReplyDeleteThe last sentence of your review was enough for me to put this on my wishlist. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThats what I am talking about. Books that bring you right into the story. Your review has sealed the deal for me as well. This book is going to be found and read!
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