Wednesday, January 27, 2021

New Twist on an Old Favorite


Meg and Jo

By Virginia Kantra

Publisher : Berkley (December 3, 2019)

Paperback : 400 pages

ISBN-10 : 0593100344

ISBN-13 : 978-0593100349

Publisher’s Blurb:

The March sisters—reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth—have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned—the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you’ve ever wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

When their mother’s illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they’ll rediscover what really matters.

One thing’s for sure—they’ll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.

 My Thoughts:

I love classic stories retold, and I have loved Little Women since I was 12. This retelling is faithful enough to the original without being a hollow imitation, while having a fresh, contemporary twist. A really lovely blend of old story and new, the sisters are all in their 20s, with flashbacks into their youth. The author clearly loves the source material and treats it tenderly while still making it her own story. Dialogue is fresh and the relationship between the sisters is faithful to both the original and a modern world. Dynamics between characters are realistic. People are given room to grow and change, and the changes are organic and believable. Some of them still have some growing to do, and that’s fine, because Beth and Amy is coming in May!

Who might like this book:

People who like a new twist on a familiar old story. Those who like stories about family and finding yourself. Jo works in a restaurant, so foodies will find some satisfaction here as well!

 Possible objectionable material:

Some mild cursing, a couple of “F-bombs”. Unmarried sex, not described in detail, but kissing and lust are definitely there. Dishonesty. Drinking.

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