I suppose the books that one reads in childhood are possibly those that leave the most indelible impression on one. In adult life one may read deeper and more complex novels, but this does not detract from the thrill of the discoveries of early reading, and their effect.
One such book, for me, is An Old-Fashioned Girl, by the remarkable Louisa May Alcott. Whilst in a sense nothing can rival Little Women and its follow ups, I found immense satisfaction in An Old -Fashioned Girl, which was published in 1870, hot on the heels of Little Women, when Louisa rose to an incredible level of celebrity. I have two copies of this book, one the Sampson Low version, red, with a drawing of the Alcott house in Concord on the front cover, and the other also Sampson Low, but called ‘The Globe Edition’. Just as well I have two, as one has been evasive, and so it is the Globe Edition that I show here.
What do I so like about An Old-Fashioned Girl? Well, for a start I am not American; I come from the UK and live in Ramsgate, Kent, England and therefore, as with all LMA’s books for juveniles (discounting of course her sensation novels) this story evokes a scenario which is intriguingly unfamiliar to me; not unfamiliar enough to make for difficulties but enough to make one pleasurably aware of differences, both in references, as in ‘going West’ or allusions to the War of Independence, and in vocabulary, as in ‘coasting’ for sledging, for example, or ‘molasses candy’ - treacle toffee? - which sounds rather appetising! Boston too (for that is where the tale is based), its social hierarchies and its fashions and foibles in the later 1860s spring vividly into life.
The characterisation and story line of O-FG are very satisfying. The transition of the heroine, somewhat impoverished Polly Milton, from little girl to self-reliant and self-supporting adult (like Louisa of course) working as a piano teacher in the big city, her trials and tribulations and the eventual much wished for happy ending, have all the ingredients that one hopes for. I respect the tone of this book too because in portraying the young artistic women, who become Polly’s friends, and their concept of what being a woman is all about - independent, free-thinking and enfranchised - Louisa Alcott reveals glimpses of her own values and true self. Her dislike of snobbery, her belief in respect for the elderly, and much more, all shine through, but never tiresomely.
This unaffectedly and simply written but telling novel, with its excellent characterisation, lightly handled dialogue and its delicate understanding of what it means to be young and in love is one I shall always cherish.
by Catriona Blaker
Commentaires