There is a Polly in all of us who sadly is getting extinct because of a Paris Hilton in the other half of us. That's how I would probably describe how I felt about An Old-Fashioned Girl. If you have ever taken your reading and books close to your heart and pause to take something away from what you read, then you may agree with what I say after reading this 19th century novel. The story about this vivacious but rooted girl and the simplicity she brings in the people who know her, is a classic favourite.
The first edition of the book.
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott is about Polly Milton who visits her family friends,the Shaws, in the city. Polly is poor and very down to earth. She is aware of her reality and yet a happy child with a peaceful demeanor. With her presence, the lifeless and hollow Shaw household brightens up and come to learn how to untangle their superficial lives.
Later Polly becomes a music teacher and we get to know a mature woman in her who manifests her thoughts about the world, adulthood and romance. She is an opinionated young lady, more confident and less naive but retains her innocence. The Shaws are almost bankrupt and the story moves around to feature Polly as once again a keen stance in their life. A delightful romance blossoms in her life and the book ends with fresh beginnings rather than a preachy tone.
Another vintage cover
For readers who know Alcott's writings, it is easy to understand and accept the era and the school of thought it comes with. Written in 1869, when America was still reeling from the Civil war and its traditionalist views, the book would seem old fashioned and conservative. I preferred to not see it like that and to just enjoy the character of Polly as a strong, grounded girl who stood her own and not get swayed with the ways of the world. I believe such a quality is what the world is running after now and being talked about as 'being individual'.
The first edition of the book.An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott is about Polly Milton who visits her family friends,the Shaws, in the city. Polly is poor and very down to earth. She is aware of her reality and yet a happy child with a peaceful demeanor. With her presence, the lifeless and hollow Shaw household brightens up and come to learn how to untangle their superficial lives.
Later Polly becomes a music teacher and we get to know a mature woman in her who manifests her thoughts about the world, adulthood and romance. She is an opinionated young lady, more confident and less naive but retains her innocence. The Shaws are almost bankrupt and the story moves around to feature Polly as once again a keen stance in their life. A delightful romance blossoms in her life and the book ends with fresh beginnings rather than a preachy tone.
Another vintage coverFor readers who know Alcott's writings, it is easy to understand and accept the era and the school of thought it comes with. Written in 1869, when America was still reeling from the Civil war and its traditionalist views, the book would seem old fashioned and conservative. I preferred to not see it like that and to just enjoy the character of Polly as a strong, grounded girl who stood her own and not get swayed with the ways of the world. I believe such a quality is what the world is running after now and being talked about as 'being individual'.
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