Eight Cousins (Puffin Classics)

And that's not all. She is also surrounded by seven male cousins, as boisterous and full of life as they come. Rose's initial reaction is to wish herself dead. Barely able to lift her head, she is frightened and overwhelmed by the presence of her mischievous clan. But deep inside, she is secretly envious. The boys get to climb trees and run and play, while Rose, as all young women in her day, is confined to the parlor, constricted by tight corsets and impossible petticoats.

Along comes Uncle Mac, the doctor uncle whose view of how to raise girls clashes with his day and time--and all six of his sisters, the formidable aunts. In the character of Doctor Mac, Louisa May Alcott was able to tout her own family's avant garde views on women's health, almost a century ahead of its time. The doctor forbids Rose to wear the constricting corsets, to the horror of all her aunts and the girl herself. He wonders how she can feel healthy when she cannot draw a decent breath? He encourages her to play outside with her cousins, to get fresh air and exercise. He demands that she eat good, hearty meals instead of womanly morsels. And under his tutelage, and with the friendship of her wonderful cousins, Rose starts to bloom. She turns from a shy, sickly little mouse into a strong, outgoing young woman.

I loved this book as a child; I love it now. It has the perfect message for any girl of any age: Be yourself, take care of yourself, and nothing and nobody can stop you. In my view, "Eight Cousins" is Alcott's true masterpiece.


Wonderful Suprise   January 8, 2002
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I was 7 or 8 when I first picked this book out of the shelf at the local libary. I did not know a thing about other then that it was written by the Alcott. Having just finished Little Women I was eager to read more.

I found myself reading through the book very quickly, being drawn into Rose's world very quickly. Her advertures with her cousin were very refreshing. But two weeks passed quickly and the book was returned.

It was not until recently that I found a copy of this books and I quickly bought it. Rereading it I was again drawn into the world but was able to see so much more.

In a time where girls were taught to be ladies and were corsetts and not play, Alcott has creatred a throughly modern girl. Give Rose pants and put her in todays society and she could be any girl at all.

All of the characters are all fleshed out very well. Worm who even as a child I identified with since like him I am also a book worm.The Prince who rules them all and Jamie the baby who never fails to delight all in awe of their queen.

I would reccomend this book for any fan of Alcott, or someone who is just starting to enjoy the world of literature.


Bachelor Uncle to the Rescue   September 7, 2002
Christine Doiron (Wasilla, AK United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Rose is a sad little girl. Orphaned at the tender age of 13, she has been in the hands of several well-meaning but misguided aunts, all of whom are stifling her with their good intentions.

When Uncle Alec finally arrives on the scene, he vows to undue the damage done by the aunts. To that end, he demands one year to do with Rose as he will. If, at the end of that time, the results are not satisfactory to all, he will again concede control to the females.

Touching and sweet, most little girls will enjoy this book. I read it over and over as a child, and never tired of the antics of Rose's 7 boy cousins as they tried to please, entertain, and earn her favor. Reading it over again as an adult, I'd say there's nothing in this book to worry a parent. It's a good, wholesome story, and some of the lessons found inside it's pages still apply today.


Almost 30 and still read it at least twice a year!   April 21, 2002
Teri Short (Indy, IN USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Ok, so I know I wrote a review nearly 3 years ago about Eight Cousins but I feel I must add to previous entry. This book has helped me mold my ideals and concepts of womanhood more than I ever had guessed. Rose develops many relationships with the characters in this book and from its pages I have learned how to be a good friend, sacrifice without receiving praise, take responsibility for a decisions and make ammends if I can, enter into conflict with those around me with a brave heart...determined to love even when friends are at their most UNlovable. This book helped teach me to come from great tradedy into a life of victory and peace. Don't let the fact that it was written in your great-great grandmother's age discourage you! It's a timeless piece that I hope will help mold our youth for generations to come.


Has been in the shadow of "little women" but is a classic!   April 20, 1999
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I love this book! I just finished reading it, and read it before maybe 4 years ago. This is a fantastic book for any girl who, like me, is sick of all those teen angst books about drugs, sex, dysfuctional families, and depression. (which, it seems, is all they ever print these days) This book is just very enjoyable and wholesome, and isn't hard to read like some other classics. I am so jealous of Rose! I am just her age and would love to have seven boy cousins who live close-by. Actually, I'd love to know almost anyone in the book; Phebe, uncle Alec, Aunt Jessie, and all the rest of the aunts. (except maybe Myra and clare) I can't wait to read Rose In Bloom, though I have before, but have forgotten exactly what happened. This is a great book, truly a classic, and every girl between 9-14 should read it.