Reviews

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

mon_ique's review against another edition

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5.0

So cute!!!! A story so full of love, you're always smiling! Can't wait to read the next one!

julshakespeare's review against another edition

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3.0

Reread 2022, my previous review was exactly right about everything except wow! Even more racism than I remembered! Great

curlie80's review against another edition

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5.0

reading through again after 30 years, this time with the kids :)

quoththegirl's review against another edition

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2.0

I picked up a copy of Eight Cousins for free somewhere along the line in the past year, and since it’s been ages since I read any Alcott, I thought I’d give it a whirl. I remember now why I both like and am annoyed by Alcott. Her stories are cute and whimsical and her characters get into fun adventures, which is all very enjoyable and reminds me somewhat of L.M. Montgomery. But her girls are entirely too sweet and timid to be believable. The heroine of this one is rotting my teeth, and I can almost guarantee no thirteen-year-old was ever this much of a shrinking violet, regardless of time period. As long as I don’t think about the character stereotypes too hard, though, the novel is a pleasant experience.

eemolu's review against another edition

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3.0

this book is so much more problematic than i ever realized when i was eight and it was the only book in my grandmas house, but i liked it back then!! and it’s an interesting case study, to see what the “perfect american gal” was like when it came out. a lovely blonde orphan who wants for nothing and has immeasurable patience and kindness- i recognize that in all of my childhood friends.

mary_juleyre's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Rose Campbell, a frail and sickly child is given into the responsibility of her uncle, an enthusiastic traveler and tradesman. He makes it his mission to educate her and form her character by giving her a happy and spoiled childhood. Her 7 cousins who embrace their Scottish heritage (e.g., on is called (Bonny) “Prince Charlie") often come around and play with Rose. She later becomes not only their friend but takes care of them. Even so the story is very innocent and suitable for both children and adults, racial slurs, racial stereotypes and appropriation against people of Chinese origin take place which are very uncomfortable to read nowadays. 
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d_ilott's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Quick read 
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karinajean's review against another edition

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5.0

this is an old friend and standby. I've read it many times!

the_naptime_reader's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this to be a sweet little tome, telling the story of Rose, who finds herself orphaned and taken in by her many aunts, and her guardian Uncle Alec. While this novel clearly become an opportunity for Uncle Alec to become a voice for the Alcott family’s values and views, much like Marmee in Little Women. Much of it is refreshing, for example how Rose is encouraged to treat her body like an instrument and not an ornament, something girls then and today could benefit from.

However, there is an entire section of the novel that deals with the family’s business relationship with some Chinese men. The descriptions of their “beady eyes” etc. is incredibly offensive. And other elements of this are certainly outdated.

theenderrose's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25