Louisa M Alcott

Marjorie's Three Gifts Louisa M Alcott

Two quite short books. The first features a 12-year-old girl called Marjorie who daydreams about wealth, happiness and a handsome prince, then finds herself meeting some unusual people (real or imaginary) who help her appreciate her circumstances better. Evidently a moral tale about being grateful and working hard, but nicely done. The same is true of the second book, 'Roses', which features the orphan Lizzie who struggles to survive, who meets the spoilt and wealthy Belle both in childhood and as they embark on adulthood. Contrasts are made without too much author explanation, and again the focus is on hard work and being thankful.