Back to winners
Cover of March by Geraldine Brooks

March

by Geraldine Brooks

Approximately 304 pages

The absent father from Little Women becomes a morally compromised Civil War narrator whose ideals are tested by what he witnesses and does.

Difficulty

Accessible

Pace

Medium

Mood

somber, reflective

Book club

High

Find in a library

Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • readers of Civil War fiction
  • fans of novels that revisit classics

Consider another book if

  • you are avoiding wartime violence
  • you dislike stories built around an existing novel

What it is about

"March" by Geraldine Brooks explores the life of Mr. March, the father from Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." The narrative is set during the American Civil War, where March serves as a chaplain.

He grapples with the harsh realities of war and its moral complexities. The story delves into his relationships with his wife, Marmee, and their four daughters. March's experiences challenge his ideals and beliefs about humanity and sacrifice.

The novel also highlights the plight of enslaved people during the war. Flashbacks reveal his earlier life and the impact of his upbringing. Themes of duty, love, and the consequences of choices are prevalent throughout.

The narrative intertwines personal and historical events, providing a broader context. Ultimately, "March" offers a nuanced portrayal of a man caught between his values and the brutal realities of conflict.

Award recognition

2006 winner

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

United States

View the winners list: Pulitzer

Reader comments

Loading comments…

Share your view

Comments are reviewed before publication. Links and HTML are not accepted.