Book Review: Marmee and Louisa by Eve LaPlante

Marmee and Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother by Eve LaPlante is a fascinating and insightful biography of both Louisa May Alcott and her mother Abigail. Because both Abigail and Louisa were private women who wanted their letters and journals to be destroyed upon their deaths, much of what we know about their lives has been speculation based upon what survived from Louisa’s father Bronson Alcott’s journals, writings, and letters. What makes this biography particularly compelling is LaPlante’s access to previously undiscovered letters and journals of Abigail and Louisa, hidden away by Louisa’s sister. These primary source documents offer an intimate portrait of a mother-daughter relationship that shaped one of America’s most beloved authors.

A casual read of any of Louisa’s prominent works, or even a quick internet search, will make it obvious that Louisa was a passionate social revolutionary who dedicated her life to the abolitionist cause, the temperance movement, some aspects of the Transcendental movement, and women’s suffrage. What this book helps us to understand is how all of this passion was passed on to Louisa by her fiery and hardworking mother who championed the causes first. 

LaPlante argues that, while Bronson Alcott’s philosophical and educational ambitions have often been the focus of historical narratives about Louisa’s formation, it was Abigail who was the true driving force behind Louisa’s success. Abigail’s strength, resilience, and commitment to social justice were passed on to her daughters. Abigail, known affectionately as “Marmee,” was a woman of immense strength and compassion, holding her family together through countless challenges. The Alcotts faced near-constant poverty, the struggles of an often impractical husband and father, and the challenges of a reform-driven household. And yet, Abigail remained a steadfast source of love, faith, and comfort.

LaPlante beautifully depicts Abigail as a quiet but determined force in Louisa’s life. Marmee’s gentle yet firm influence fostered Louisa’s deep commitment to her family. This mother-daughter bond inspired the tender portrayal of Marmee in Little Women, making her one of literature’s most beloved maternal figures. LaPlante highlights Marmee’s generosity and wisdom, which were deeply influential in Louisa’s writing. 

This book is a sometimes sad, but always fascinating look into the lives of the Alcott women. And, it is a powerful testimony to what love and hardwork can do. LaPlante reveals a nuanced Louisa, not only as a social reformer but also as a woman deeply committed to her home and family, traits that often get overlooked in modern feminist interpretations. A woman who wanted equality for all, whose faith demanded that we behave in ways which promote human flourishing, and who loved home best and encouraged her readers to love it too.  

Obviously, we love Alcott here at Plumfield… we even named our work after her Little Men. If you want to find out more about Alcott’s work, check out our page dedicated to her. Also, coming soon, Sara has a talk entitled “Meet Louisa” which will be available for watching.