An Old Fashioned Girl
By: Louisa May Alcott
Reviewed by: Eliza S.
Rating: It was amazing!
Please don’t stop reading because “Old Fashioned” is in
the title. When I decided to read this book, written by the author of “Little
Women”, I was afraid it wouldn’t be interesting enough. After starting to read
this book it was a struggle to not stop whatever chores or school I was doing
and read it. Okay, so enough about my
experience reading “An Old Fashioned Girl”. I will now outline the story while
trying to not give anything away.
Polly Milton, a sweet, simple country girl, goes to the
city to visit her rich friend. When
Polly arrives at her friend Fanny’s house, she realizes quickly that riches and
fancy clothes have nothing to do with happiness. Fanny’s brother, Tom is always
getting into trouble and teasing the girls. From eating all the candy they made
to wearing Fanny’s clothes and showing her friends. Poor 7-year-old Maud is already being taught
to dress and act like a lady and not as the little girl she is. Mrs. Shaw,
Fanny’s mother, is always complaining of her “poor nerves” and Mr. Shaw lacks
the affection and respect of his children. Grandma needs someone to tell her
childhood stories to. Poor Polly doesn’t know what to do when she is sure Fanny
is being untruthful to her parents. After observing all this Polly resolves to
do “little things” to help the family. Though Polly doesn’t realize it, these
“little things” make big differences.
Six years later, Polly moves to the city where the Shaw's
live to earn a living as a music teacher. Polly stands by Fanny as the Shaw's
go through a hard time and they comfort each other as they suffer heartache.
Louisa May Alcott ends the story very happily, marrying off the main
characters.
I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you will read it
sometime.
I would recommend this to: Girls 12 and up, though boys would probably
enjoy some of the funny parts
Ruby Red 
