The other March sisters tell the story of Meg, Beth, and Amy from their own points of view, not from Joe's.
In this book we have the opportunity to see what they where actually doing while Joe is away in New York, the friendships they have developed with other people and how they see the world in which they live in.
This book is very well written and engaging. However, if you are a fan of the original story, you might feel like this story takes place somewhere in the multivers of the March sisters.
It definitely breaks traditions and is shown in a more of a twenty-first century lens, so keep that in mind when reading

This was a really cute take on what happened with the other March girls not seen through Jo's eyes. I was saddened by the view of Meg and John but was pleased with how things came out between them. Beth and her story will never not make me sad and getting more from her POV just made it that much sadder. And Amy, I love what the other interpretations of her are doing. She's not just the spoiled youngest child, I love seeing her with depth. Really enjoyed this story and definitely recommend for other Little Women fans.

In this reimagined version of Little Women, we get to see the March family from the eyes of Amy, Beth, and Meg. The three other sisters are finally out of the shadow of their author sister Jo. Each of the girls are allowed to tell her own story in the grand scheme of their family. Meg finds herself while struggling as a new mom, Beth starts to come out of her over-protected cocoon, and Amy explores Europe and finds her way in the world and to Laurie.

It has been a while since I have read Little Women but I was excited to read this reimagined version of the story. I loved reading about all the sisters and getting their side of the story. It also made me wish I was able to explore Europe like Amy did. I do wish that Jo was included in this book more than just a passing mention. I know she stole the show in Little Women but she is still a part of the family.

This was an interesting spin on the classic tale, Little Women. It provided some fictional chapters from the perspective of the March sisters, Amy, Beth, and Meg. It was interesting to see some parts of the story from their eyes, but not much was changed to the plot of the story. It felt like their perspectives were pretty predictable if you had ever read the classic book. Not my favorite adaptation but still fun to read.

A bold and imaginative reimagining of Little Women, The Other March Sisters boldly shifts the focus away from Jo to explore the untold stories of Meg, Beth, and Amy. Crafted by Liz Parker, Ally Malinenko, and Linda Epstein, the novel breathes new life into these oft-overlooked characters, offering fresh perspectives on motherhood, ambition, chronic illness, and societal expectations.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its reclamation of Meg, Beth, and Amy as fully realized individuals rather than mere foils to Jo's narrative. Meg, long defined by her conventional domesticity, struggles with the reality of marriage and motherhood. Her discovery of a passion for gardening, which becomes both a form of self-expression and a way to help other women, gives her story unexpected depth. Beth, usually portrayed as a saintly figure awaiting her inevitable death, is granted a quiet but meaningful love story that allows her to step beyond her confined world briefly. Amy's journey through Europe is no longer just about finding a wealthy husband but about carving out a place for herself as an artist, balancing familial duty with personal ambition.

By removing Jo from the narrative, the authors successfully allow the other sisters to shine in their own right. Letters, conversations, and internal reflections add a layer of intimacy to their stories, giving readers a deeper look into their private thoughts and struggles. This success in storytelling demonstrates the authors' skill and dedication. However, while the book succeeds in many ways, it also has flaws.

The most jarring element is the heavy-handed insertion of modern themes and language into a historical setting. For instance, the exploration of queer love, artistic ambition, and feminist struggles, while compelling, at times feels disconnected from the cultural reality of 1860s New England. Despite its beauty, the inclusion of Mary Oliver's poetry, a modern poet, feels out of place and even like an act of literary borrowing that doesn't fit the historical context.

Marmee, a beloved figure in Little Women, is also reinterpreted in a way that may not sit well with fans of the original novel. Instead of the wise and compassionate matriarch, she is often portrayed as overbearing and even manipulative, especially in her treatment of Meg. While this portrayal adds complexity, it resembles a stark departure from the character Louisa May Alcott created.

The novel suffers from an uneven structural flow. With three authors behind the scenes, the writing sometimes shifts in tone, making certain sections feel disjointed. For example, some storylines are beautifully developed—Meg's, in particular, stands out—while others feel rushed or underexplored, creating a sense of imbalance in the narrative.

Despite these issues, The Other March Sisters is an intriguing and ambitious reimagining that will particularly appeal to younger readers eager for a fresh take on Little Women. This modern twist on a classic will surely captivate the younger generation. While it may not fully capture the historical authenticity of the original, it offers a thought-provoking look at the lives of Meg, Beth, and Amy, allowing them to step out of Jo's shadow at last. Including historical elements, such as the women's suffrage movement and the use of herbs in women's health, adds welcome layers of realism and depth to the story.

Thank you to net galley for this arc audio. I love little women so I really loved this story and the turn it took.

The original Little Women written in still held up as a classic for young girls over 100 years later. I read it as a child in the 1960's and it was one of my favorites. I still have that copy on my book shelf. That is why I wanted to read The Other March Sisters so much. I love retellings. Sometimes a fresh viewpoint can add to a story and sometimes, they make you want to cringe. If you look at other reviews, you will see both reactions. I prefer to judge the book for itself and not so much in comparison to the original.

The premise of the book is that Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is Jo's version of the events. But each woman has her won story to tell. Three different authors each wrote the story for one of the sisters. This division of labor helped to give each character a unique voice. It is well known that Little women was autobiographical fiction. The characters are idealized versions of the author and her sisters. The authors of this book have woven together research about Louisa May Alcott's and her sisters, passages from their own writing including some of their letters and passages from the original books. After adding their own imagination to the mix, the result is three fantastic narratives. Each woman is so much more than the one dimensional idealized little woman. All three stories include detail that breathe new life into the women. I loved this book.

The story takes place during the time when the girls have grown up. Jo is in New York, Amy in Europe, Meg is a mother of young twins and Beth is the "house angel". Each story is told primarily in letters from one of the sister's to another. I actually alternated between an electronic advanced copy and the temporary audiobook that I received from the publisher. This is one of those times when I can enthusiastically recommend the audiobook. The publishers have not only used three authors but used separate narrators as well. Each one did a fantastic job telling her story. I only have one problem with the audiobook, it does not include the afterward with the authors' notes. These author notes were very important. And these notes were very important when explaining some of the liberties that were taken with the story. Although the book description does not include the fact, potential readers do need to be aware that there is a strong LGBT storyline throughout this novel. The character of Jo eventually marries in the end of "Little Women" despite claiming throughout that she would never marry. But Alcott never did. The creators of the book state in the afterward that LGBT people have always existed throughout history. and so these characters appear in all three stories. While it makes perfect sense to address Jo's sexuality, she always refers to herself as their brother, adding these qualities to some of the other characters and including the topic in all three stories almost seems to be a bit excessive. Some of my favorite recent books were actually LGBT love stories. But it is not everyone's cup of tea. Especially for many Alcott fans, so there really should have been some mention in the blurbs or back cover.

Overall, I loved this book. If you enjoy a retelling with a fresh viewpoint, you will too.

Thank you Net galley for the ARC and an opportunity to review this book. As a huge fan of the classic Little Women I really enjoyed this “extra” bit of story of the March sisters!
Highly recommend.

This books is about exactly what it says, the other March sisters. Meg, Beth, and Amy March are drawn from behind Jo's shadow fully into the spotlight - each of them follow their own path after Jo's departure for New York and while their lives all takes different meandering turns on their way to a life that feels fulfilling to them (and nobody else), we, the readers of the are taken along for the wonderful ride.

If you have ever wished you could live as fifth March sister and be there to see the girls stories unfold, here's the book for you. In this book we have the pleasure of seeing how their stories could unfold while they were trying to find a way a life of meaning and joy according to them and nobody else.

The story deals with the societal strictures imposed on women in all eras, the connundrum of trying to find joy amidst domestic chaos and the heavy demands of new motherhood, or even the difficulty of forging one's own path when it doesn't mirror what society deems acceptable.

Please please please pick up this book if it sounds intriguing to you, it will not disappoint.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

I really love little women and was excited to see this book. Sadly it lagged, the story wasn't that exciting and it fell flat for me

Narration: Two of the three narrators chosen were a good fit for the story. While Amy's narrator did a wonderful job telling Amy's story, her voice made Amy's character seem older than she is.

Story: This story takes place throughout the second half of Little Women, otherwise known as Good Wives. Amy is in Europe, Meg is finding her place as a mom and wife & Beth is dealing with her sickness. Each character is finding herself and trying to break out of the societal expectations, especially those put on by Marmee.

Little Women was a childhood favorite and has become a comfort read and for me this book did a good job expanding on and filling in moments from the story. We get a sense for how Meg, Amy and Beth are dealing with their lives and what they ultimately want for themselves. As I got older and reread the story I wanted to be the mom Marmee is to her girls. This story gives a different perspective on Marmee.

The story is written in four parts. Amy's life starts and ends the story, with Meg and Beth's sections in the middle. Each part is the whole story for each character. It is easy to follow and parts of the original story are woven in.

I do recommend having some knowledge of Little Women going into this story as it will make more sense. This book will not be for everyone, but I did enjoy how each author presented their own version of the characters.

This book does include a storyline of abortion in one character's section. It isn't graphic, but the character needs to decide to help out a friend in a safe way.

Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Fans of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women will enjoy this fresh perspective on the quieter girls in the family. Told from the perspectives of Meg, Beth, and Amy, The Other March Sisters gives us an intimate view of the lives of each.

Often overshadowed by Jo, we learn that Meg isn't as smitten by Marmie as originally thought. Meg, instead, longs to be her own woman, and finally finds her worth in her newly uncovered garden. Working with a mentor, Meg nurses the garden into full glory, growing medicinal herbs and flowers and learning to call on the power of these blooms to take care of the ladies in her community. We catch up with Amy, who has much more beneath her blonde curls than her family led us to believe. Traveling through Europe, soaking in the museums and paintings and sculptures and gardens the continent has to offer, introduces us to the true artist she has become. And Beth, lovely Beth, we meet a sweet side of Beth hidden beneath her parents and siblings worry.

Reading The Other March Sisters was like visiting with old friends, and hearing new stories. A strong 3.75 stars for this read.

I really love the spin on this story! Little Women is such a great classic, and I enjoyed seeing a differing perspective on the back story of the other sister's lives. I recommend everyone read it, especially if you wish you could learn more about your favorite character's lives (mine is and forever will be Beth).

For fans of Little Women, The Other March Sisters is a delightful and nostalgic journey that reimagines the beloved characters as adults, allowing readers to step back into their world with fresh eyes. It was wonderful to see Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy not as the young girls we remember but as grown women navigating the challenges, joys, and heartbreaks of adulthood. This novel beautifully captures the essence of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic while offering a new perspective on the March sisters' lives beyond childhood.

The author does a remarkable job of maintaining the heart and spirit of the original characters. Jo is still as fiercely independent as ever, Meg struggles with the balance of duty and desire, Amy remains ambitious and determined, and Beth—though often remembered for her quiet nature—leaves a lasting impact. The depth and development of their adult lives feel true to who they were as children, making their stories feel both authentic and emotionally resonant.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Every page carries echoes of Little Women, yet the story stands on its own, allowing readers to experience the March sisters' world in a fresh and meaningful way. The prose is rich with detail, bringing 19th-century New England to life once more, and the themes of love, loss, ambition, and sisterhood remain as powerful as ever.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7342721410

Little Women was my first real book I read as a child. Those characters hold such a special place in my heart. Getting to hear a deeper telling of Meg’s, Amy’s and Beth’s stories is so special. Especially Beth! Sweet sweet Beth. She is my favorite character.
I enjoyed that the audiobook used 3 separate voice actors to do the telling. I think they all did a great job in bringing the stories to life.
A solid 3.5 stars. I will also be purchasing a physical copy to add to my personal library.

We’re all familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s classic Little Women, which highlights the talents of the March sisters, with Jo standing out as the rebellious writer. In this creative retelling, The Other March Sisters, we get to see new dimensions of the other sisters. Amy focuses on developing her artistic skills while navigating European society in search of a husband. Meg, now a mother of twins, grapples with her desire for a life beyond domestic duties. Beth, whose life has been overshadowed by illness and her mortality, struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Each sister is given a voice by three different authors, offering a fresh take on their characters while remaining true to the essence of the original story.

Themes of feminism, self-doubt, unspoken desires, and the complexities of love intertwine in this tale of young women navigating the constraints of their time.

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A Fresh and Engaging Take on a Classic ★★★★☆

The Other March Sisters offers a captivating new perspective on the beloved world of Little Women. The novel does a wonderful job of expanding on the lives of the lesser-known characters, giving them depth and agency beyond the original story. The writing is rich and immersive, with well-researched historical details that bring the setting to life.

The character development is a highlight, making each sister’s journey feel meaningful and unique. While the pacing slows in some places, the emotional weight and fresh insights keep the story engaging. Fans of Little Women will appreciate this thoughtful reimagining, and even new readers will find much to love.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong character-driven storytelling, The Other March Sisters is well worth the read!

This book warmed my Jane Austen loving heart! I recommend if you are a fan of Bridgerton or pride and prejudice, definitely pick this book up.

For those who grew up with the March sisters, who love following their stories, and imagining their lives, this book explores the other March sisters' lives. It adds to the classic story, giving more satisfaction to those who love the world of the March sisters.

I've certainly read Little Women, but not for a while. This book told the stories of the "other" three sisters. Amy is in Europe trying to find a rich man to marry while learning to paint. Meg is an unfulfilled wife and mother, wanting to do her part for women's rights. Beth just wants to be allowed to leave the house.
Regardless of the connection to Little Women, these were several pleasant stories about young women in a historical setting. Meg and Beth's stories were really interesting to me. Possibly because the book is supposed to be read with Little Women, the ending felt very sudden and incomplete. You get a little insight into these women's lives but it is only a brief time period.
I did enjoy listening to this but one thing really annoyed me. The naive treatment of racism, sexism, and homophobia. They were given such shallow treatment and completely brushed aside, quickly fixed in a way that was kind of offensive. Not at all realistic for either that time or our time.