A Critic's Meta Review: 4/5
Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Published by planksip
A Critic's Meta Review: 4/5
Review
Readers that enjoyed the Little Women series will find the Eight Cousins series a pleasurable read as well. In Rose in Bloom, Alcott continues to explore ideas of feminism and the importance of education. Rose in Bloom provides exciting insight of balancing budding romance with the dreams, dignity, and intentions of young women.
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Overview
Published in 1876, Rose in Bloom is the sequel to Alcott’s Eight Cousins. The story follows a nineteenth-century girl, Rose Campbell, as she finds her way in society. Functioning as the heroine of the story, Rose is an heiress just come of age with the ambition to match. She struggles with the numerous suitors she attracts and learns to judge true love and attraction versus being regarded as only a “good match”. Alcott sticks with the feminist ideology associated her works as Rose declares from the very beginning of the novel that she can manage her property well on her own and that she will focus on philanthropic work.
Plot
With Rose’s “coming out” to society, she promises to try high society for three months. During that time, her cousin Charlie falls in love with her and attempts to win her affections. However, he derails the budding romance by arriving at her house intoxicated one night. As a result of the incident, Rose turns her focus to her philanthropic work and Charlie tries to maintain his good behavior to win her love and respect. However, his efforts eventually fail and he ultimately succumbs to his alcohol-related habits in a tragic accident.
After the accident, Rose discovers that another cousin, Mac, is now in love with her. Mac is willing to wait for her affection and she finds his devotion deeply touching. Over time, she begins to see him clearly and recognizes him as the hero she’d been waiting for. It is his absence that reveals to her how much she truly cares for him.
Phebe also returns home no longer the servant that readers knew initially but as a young lady with a cultured singing ability. Rose challenges anyone who would look down on "her Phebe '', and she is readily accepted as part of the Campbell clan. However, once Archie falls in love with Phebe, problems arise. The family feels that Phebe’s committing to Archie would be marrying beneath himself. As a result, she leaves the Campbells' home and sets off to make a name for herself as a singer as an attempt to earn the respect of her adopted family.
