I “read” Little Women in middle school, and by read, I mean I pretended to read during silent reading time in sixth grade. I didn’t like it much then. I still don’t really like it, although I can see why it is so beloved. It just isn’t my type of book, and I find it rather dull. Some parts are engaging and I enjoy seeing the characters develop, but I hate that stiff turn of the century writing style.
The dialogue is just so contrived. Every line is something like “Oh yes, mother dear! How I do love going to church! Oh yes I do indeed!” I mean…that’s fine for what it is, it just isn’t something that would normally engage me. So far, there just aren’t any especially engaging or challenging ideas for me to grab onto.
If Little Women were a painting it would be a 17th century Dutch still life. Beautiful in a sense, but at the same time, dull and devoid of any real revolutionary spirit.