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In the bestselling tradition of Loving Frank and March comes a novel for anyone who loves Little Women.
Berkley
May 2011
On Sale: May 3, 2011
Featuring: Louisa May Alcott; Joseph Singer
368 pages
ISBN: 0425240835
EAN: 9780425240830
Paperback
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Historical
Millions of readers have fallen in love with Little Women.
But how could Louisa May Alcott-who never had a
romance-write so convincingly of love and heart-break
without experiencing it herself? In her debut novel, The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott,
Kelly O’Connor McNees deftly mixes fact and fiction as she
imagines a summer lost to history, carefully purged from
Louisa’s letters and journals, a summer that would change
the course of Louisa’s writing career—and inspire the story
of love and heartbreak between Jo and Teddy “Laurie”
Laurence, Jo’s devoted neighbor and kindred spirit. In the summer of 1855, Walt Whitman’s controversial Leaves
of Grass has just been released, and the notion of making a
living as a writer is still a far-off dream for Louisa. She
is twenty-two years old, vivacious, and bursting with a
desire to be free of her family and societal constraints so
she can do what she loves the most—write. The Alcott family,
destitute, as usual, moves to a generous uncle’s empty house
in Walpole, New Hampshire, for the summer. Here, a striking
but pensive Louisa meets the fictional Joseph Singer. Louisa
is initially unimpressed by Joseph’s charms. But just as
Louisa begins to open her heart, she learns that Joseph may
not be free to give his away. Their newfound love carries a
steep price, and Louisa fears she may pay with the
independence she has fought so hard to protect.
Comments
35 comments posted.
Re: The Lost Summer Of Louisa May Alcott
I've always loved the book "Little Women," and I would love to read the papers that Louisa May Alcott burned. Your novel sounds wonderful and I would love to read it.
(Ginger Hinson 1:39am June 15, 2011)
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is, and always has been, my favorite novel. Although I enjoyed "Jo's Boys" very much, as well for all its shenanigans, it was the "Little Women" that always held my fascination. Every character in that novel was multi-dimensional, and inspiring. But for me, the two most inspiring characters were that of Marmee and Jo. Marmee, for her sage-like wisdom, patience and morality. Jo inherited the same moral compass, but had a fiery streak and immense passion which made her a perfect role model. It was her passion for writing that made me want to be an author myself.
I cannot wait to read "The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott" - I believe it would be an excellent way to reconnect with the author, and by way of the author, to the characters that I have come to know and love as family. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! :D
(Hira Hasnain 3:08am June 15, 2011)
I've like everything I've read by Louisa May Alcott, especially "Little Women" and "Little Men". I would love to read her diaries and journals. Your books sounds great, I hope I win it. :)
(Penny Mettert 3:13am June 15, 2011)
The only two books that I could get my hands on were "Little Women" and "Little Men". I got a burn that summer because I read the books while tanning in my back yard.
(Kathleen Yohanna 3:23am June 15, 2011)
This one should certainly be fun!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:37am June 15, 2011)
Loved Louisa May Alcott's novels as a child.
(Gloria Walshver 6:45am June 15, 2011)
I enjoy all of Louisa's books, but I have a soft spot for The
Inheritance.
(Margay Roberge 7:39am June 15, 2011)
I love ALL her books...I used to read them over and over again!!
(Dawn Staniszeski 8:46am June 15, 2011)
Little Women and Little Men will always be favorites of mine. I've read Little Women several times and still enjoy it.
(Karen Gervasi 10:51am June 15, 2011)
Good on you, preparing to tell readers about the very different mise-en-place Alcott lived. I was puzzled for about twenty years by Professor Bhaer's pronouncement that people should "sweep mud in the streets" before makign a trade of writing sensation fiction-- despite reading Black Beauty and At the Back of the North Wind well before that period was over!
(Mary Ann Dimand 11:21am June 15, 2011)
Mom read Little Women and Little Men at night to us, so they are part of my soul. I still enjoy reading her stories and others about her life and times.
(Alyson Widen 12:47pm June 15, 2011)
I always enjoyed Little Men even more than Little Women.
(Carol Gowett 1:13pm June 15, 2011)
wow the book cover is great and you are doing something special book and wish the best would love to read them
(Desiree Reilly 2:45pm June 15, 2011)
I read Kelly O'Connor McNees' book via a public library copy and really, really enjoyed its seeming reality which I envisioned in relation to Alcott's complete works, which I read when quite young--beginning with "Little Women," sent to me in Florida by my Canadian great-grandmother and first read to me by my mother while I was confined with a viciously dangerous case of German Measles which might have damaged my eyes forever, but, fortunately, did not due to my mother's care. While listening, I felt like Beth March during her illness. Subsequently, I read every one of Alcott's books, grew up to be a librarian who nudged children toward her works, and watched every film ever made of Alcott's works.
This fictionalized bio seemed very, very plausible and is very well written. I hope that I will be the one fortunate to own this copy.
(Carla Schuller 2:48pm June 15, 2011)
Little women is a favorite, of course.
(Shirley Nienkark 3:26pm June 15, 2011)
Oh what a great idea. I for one would love to read more about her!
(Jeanne Sheats 3:30pm June 15, 2011)
There's nothing like Little Women. I can't wait until my older niece comes in for the summer. I have a few great books lined up for her and a 10 (how did she ge that old?) year old version is at the top of the list. I'm debating on some other books, too complicated of a storyline, language, sex (eeks), those are all things I have to consider, but Little Women is already waiting for her.
(Christina Harrison 3:55pm June 15, 2011)
This looks wonderful! I would love to read it!!
(Debra Simning-Chapman 4:20pm June 15, 2011)
Little Women has always been a favorite
(Adriane Coros 8:01pm June 15, 2011)
I have been reread a lot of the classics. I need to make sure I have Louisa May Alcott on my list. I would love to win this. What a neat idea for a piece of fiction.
(Jennifer Beyer 9:54pm June 15, 2011)
I love Little Women and am really looking forward to reading this book.
(Pam Howell 7:39am June 16, 2011)
Sounds like alot of research went into this book! I remember when i was young my mom would read me a some of Little Women each night not long ago she gave me a old paperback of it and told me my kids may want to read it oneday : ) I would love a chance to win a copy of your new book!
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
(Lori Barnes 8:32am June 16, 2011)
Oh, this sounds wonderful. I loved Little Women. Congratulations on the release!
(Kimberley Coover 11:20am June 16, 2011)
sounds like a wonderful story and i can't wait to read it.
(Tammy Ramey 12:02pm June 16, 2011)
Great blog today, I loved the book Little Women, I'm looking forward to reading your book, thanks for being here today,
Penney
(Penney Wilfort 12:18pm June 16, 2011)
the book cover tell it all the love for books and you do it good ty for writing it
(Desiree Reilly 12:45pm June 16, 2011)
Looks good!
(Michele Powell 1:37pm June 16, 2011)
Fascinating. Can image how much research your book entailed. Best of luck w/ it.
(Liz Veronis 3:33pm June 16, 2011)
I love the idea of this book - somewhere between biography & fiction!
(Diane Sallans 7:19pm June 16, 2011)
have read some nonfiction about louisa may and even visited the family home in concord. this book sounds really interesting.
(Bridget Lopreiato 8:43pm June 16, 2011)
I would love to read this books, it sounds really good.
(Gail Hurt 9:59pm June 16, 2011)
sounds awesome
(Catherine Myers 10:06pm June 16, 2011)
I loved Little Women - One of my favorites as a girl. I can't wait to see where your research has taken you!
(Michele Lawrence 11:33pm June 16, 2011)
Louisa May Alcott deserves a fairy tale and a happy ending of
her own.
(Lory Diocampo 8:53am June 17, 2011)
after her legendary story little women, now is her time to
give her a beautiful love story.
(Mae Angel Lee Diocampo 9:13am June 17, 2011)
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