.png)
“The Other March Sisters,” by Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko and Liz Parker, is a story that takes you deeply into the lives of three sisters from “Little Women,” including details that the classic didn’t cover. We learn much more about Amy, Meg, and Beth.
Amy Curtis March, as an artist, feels she must follow the current rules of society. At that time, it was considered improper for a young lady to spend a day sketching unaccompanied and artists would never be allowed to sketch a nude model. All models had to be draped unless the artist was a male. If women were fortunate enough to attend an art class, they were seated in the back of the room as it was considered frivolous and unnecessary for a woman to learn—their minds considered not as advanced as men’s. Women were supposed to marry and have babies.
Amy is given the opportunity to tour Europe with her aunt, uncle and cousin. In Europe, women artists were looked upon more leniently and Amy meets a renowned female artist, discovers the direction she wants her life to go, and finds her one true love.
Meg March Brooke married too young. In her financial state, and with her upbringing, there is little to be done about it. While Amy is off painting and promenading in Europe and Jo is working in New York writing her next great novel, and Beth is at home with her music, Meg is stuck in a small house with three little children, her ambitions long buried.
Meg’s garden is one of the few things she enjoys. In the beginning months of her marriage, Meg finds she has very little time for her garden with running a house and being sick with her pregnancies. Meg’s friend Sallie gives Meg a much-needed break from it all. During Meg’s few precious hours of respite, she discovers a host of instructions and preparations for using her garden’s offerings in a book that Sallie has given her. These offerings allow Meg to make everything from decoctions to poultices.
Meg is fascinated with her garden and all that she could make and sell. The opportunity to earn a bit of extra money changes Meg’s life.
Beth March plays the piano and cares about music more than anything—music to her is “fiercely personal.” She only wants to play the piano for her sisters and parents. Beth’s health is a major problem for her. She has recurring symptoms which get worse each time she has an attack. Her parents are very protective of her and what she is allowed to do. There is a turning point in her life when her parents introduce her to a family who have a daughter Beth’s age named Florida.
“The Other March Sisters” reveals the untold stories of the sisters’ interactions, both small and large—private moments, confidential conversations, intimate and undisclosed connections and correspondence. I highly recommend this book even if you have never read “Little Women.” You will feel the emotions, triumphs and challenges these three women lived through.
