Little Women has been long held as one of Louisa May Alcott’s best works. Under the Lilacs and Eight Cousins being well-known seconds I believe, though don’t quote me on that. However, I picked up her novel, Work: A Story of Experience which was surprisingly not as preachy as the title implied.
Okay, there is a bit of preachiness and lots of espousing of good Christian work but that is par for course for an Alcott novel.

Just as the title implies it follows the journey of plucky, independent Christie Devon who wishes to make her own living and her own way in the world as becoming of a good, useful woman Does this sound similar to a certain Jo March, yes it does. But even moreso, it echoes Louisa’s life as this book is semi-autobiographical allowing readers to glimpse into various occupations Alcott did through the years to make ends meet like nurse, governess, companion, seamstress etc.

Again, it’s semi-autobiographical as I’m pretty sure Alcott never worked as a professional actress as Christie briefly did but since Alcott often features her hcaracters performing plays and such, it’s easy to surmise that she enjoyed the field and used her writings to show how it isn’t a sinful profession as many believed it to be in the period.

Alcott also sneaks in many of her favorite causes into the novel such as feminist activism of women supporting women, showcasing the importance of women’s clubs, and friendship networks so that they can all support each other and improve lives for future female workers. Plus Alcott’s support for free black women and having Christie treat her fellow washerwoman, Eliza just the same as any white washerwoman makes it pretty clear what her stance is on slavery/ equality.

Additionally the novel offers a different point of view, asking what is the point of work- is it for profit? For happiness of self? To help others? Doing your Christian duty?
Alcott also doesn’t shy away from the dilemmas of working, especially as a woman from having a poor reputation, harassment and poverty.

There is a bit of a melodramatic romance storyline there, I suppose it was necessary part in appealing to more readers, when really the work and the social causes are Alcott’s main goal in the book.

A good story to get into if you already enjoy Alcott’s works.