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Book Review - March

The Pulitzer-Prize winning novel by Geraldine Brooks

Mar 8, 2007 Sandy Mitchell

Louisa Mae Alcott's "Little Women" tells the story of the March women during the Civil War period, but what were Mr. March's experiences during that turbulent time?

That is the question, Ms. Brook's amazing novel seeks to explain.

Continuations of iconic novels, such as the Gone with the Wind sequel Scarlett, as almost always doomed to failure. Rarely can the new author capture the same tone and same brilliance as the original work. Ms. Brooks, however, succeeds by adding a new dimension to the favorite story.

Away at War

March tells the story of the adventures of Mr. March, the father and husband of the "Little Women" family. An ardent abolitionist, he decides to join the Union forces as a chaplain at the "old" age of 43. The war that was going to last several weeks turned into a horror of death, disease, and hardship.

As a chaplain, Mr. March gets involved in the back story of the south, the ruined former landowners, the confused and persecuted former slaves, and those that would take advantage of both. He attempts to share his experiences with his wife, through a series of detailed letters. But, not all his experiences are fit for writing or even thinking.

The reader is also treated to snippets of Mr. March's early life before his marriage and his early married years. That his wife and girls are the delight of his life is undeniable.

Love and Reconciliation

When Mr. March falls gravely ill from a malaria-like fever, Mrs. March is called to Washington DC to attend her husband -- a fact confirmed in the original novel. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, it is apparent that Mrs. March is not his only love. But, who is this other woman and how can Mrs. March deal with this revelation.

March was awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for literature. It is truly deserving. The novel is engaging as a story, on an historical level, and as a continuation of a well-loved favorite. That Ms. Brooks spent a considerable amount of time researching the period and life in the south during the Civil War is apparent. Rarely is an important work so entertaining. I highly recommend March.

About Geraldine Brooks

Geraldine Brooks is the Australian-American author of four novels. Born and raised in Sydney, she graduated from Columbia University and worked as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Horowitz, and their son.

Discussion Questions for March (Spoiler Alert)

The causes of the Civil War are many. How are these issues illustrated in the novel?
Mr. March's relationships with Grace and Marmee are pivotal in his life. Discuss the difference in the two relationships and what Mr. March learned from each.
Communication seems to have been a problem between Mr. and Mrs. March. Cite examples of this difference in expectation and reality.
Mr. March left for the war with an idealist's point of view. How did his view of the war change during the year he was away.

The copyright of the article Book Review - March in American Fiction is owned by Sandy Mitchell. Permission to republish Book Review - March in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.