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