Eight Cousins (eBook)
“A delightful adaptation, faithful to the spirit of Louisa May Alcott's novels.” —Sunday Telegraph
“The American female myth.” —Madelon Bedell
First published in 1875, ‘Eight Cousins’ is a delightful coming-of-age novel by Louisa May Alcott, celebrated for her warm and morally rich storytelling. This charming tale follows the journey of Rose Campbell, a recently orphaned girl sent to live with her extended family in the bustling and affectionate Campbell household.
Under the unconventional care of her progressive Uncle Alec and surrounded by her seven spirited boy cousins, Rose begins to heal, grow, and thrive. As she navigates the joys and challenges of her new life, Rose learns valuable lessons about health, independence, kindness, and the importance of character. Each adventure and misstep helps her blossom into a thoughtful and confident young woman.
Filled with gentle humor, heartfelt moments, and timeless life lessons, ‘Eight Cousins’ is a celebration of family, personal growth, and the power of love and support. Alcott’s endearing characters and engaging storytelling make this novel a lasting favorite for readers of all ages, offering a wholesome and uplifting portrait of childhood and the journey to self-discovery.
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About the Author
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was a beloved American author best known for her classic novel Little Women. Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, she was raised in Concord, Massachusetts, in a family deeply influenced by Transcendentalist thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Her father, Bronson Alcott, was a philosopher and educator, and her mother, Abigail, was a strong advocate for women’s rights. Financial hardship marked Alcott’s early life, pushing her to work as a teacher, seamstress, and nurse during the Civil War.
Alcott’s writing career began with gothic thrillers and sensational stories under pseudonyms, but her fame soared after the publication of Little Women in 1868. The semi-autobiographical novel, inspired by her own family life and sisters, became an instant success and remains a cornerstone of American literature. She followed it with sequels such as Little Men and Jo’s Boys.
In her middle years, Alcott continued to write while also advocating for abolition and women's suffrage. Despite her success, she suffered from chronic health issues, likely worsened by mercury treatment she received during the war. Louisa May Alcott died in Boston in 1888 at age 55, just two days after her father. Her legacy lives on as a pioneering female voice in American fiction.