THE OTHER ALCOTT

The author imagines the Alcott family in this audiobook. Louisa May Alcott captivated generations of girls with her stories of the March sisters, who were based on her family. Louisa's youngest sister, May, resented being the model for Amy, the pampered, vain sister, and this created friction between the siblings, at least in this novel. The early chapters of the story are slow paced as they focus on May's resentment. The story picks up momentum when May begins to study art abroad and gains confidence and modest acclaim. Campbell's narration becomes more animated as May matures and finds respect as an excellent still life painter. The art scene of the period, with its painters, models, and students, is fascinating, and Campbell's enthusiasm is contagious. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2017]