This was a charming novel and very moving in parts. The characters were well thought out and seeing their growth and progression was entertaining. I didn't expect the humor but it was there pretty consistently. I think the first quarter or third of the book is easily the strongest. The family is struggling, there's drama and real stakes and there's just something very compelling about it all. However, I didn't really get this same strength throughout, and the narrative dragged towards the end for me.

I'm a bit annoyed at Jo's ultimate fate. It was kind of sad actually to see this independent, spirited author end up in a very domestic, traditional role.

The tone could also be *excessively* sermonizing at times which is saying something because the novel is pretty obviously trying to instill moral lessons throughout. Every now and then this didactic angle becomes just too much and it's as if Louisa May Alcott herself turns to the camera and says "writing sensational adventure stories will sap your morals and corrupt your character!". This is your brain, this is your brain on popular fiction. Just say no to salacious romance stories, kids.

All in all I can see why it's been so well beloved throughout the years and can only imagine how engrossing it would have been to readers when first published.