Status
Available
Publication
Puffin Books (1996), Edition: Reissue, 368 pages
Description
Polly's friendship with the wealthy Shaws of Boston helps them to build a new life and teaches her the truth about the relationship between happiness and riches.
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User reviews
LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
I feel compelled to note that I'm not the most seasoned judge of literary merit and that even with judges, what one may deem to be a book's flaw another may deem to be the book's genius. As ratings here are based upon how much readers "like" the books they read, I accordingly base my ratings on how
I enjoyed much of this book's wording: how the characters speak and how Alcott speaks about them is what most makes these folks a pleasure. On the whole, I like Polly and Tom the best as children. Their dance at the party in Chapter 7 is...well, it's just flat out cute.
***
The music struck up, and away they went, Tom hopping one way and Polly the other, in a most ungraceful manner.
"Keep time to the music," gasped Polly.
"Can't. Never could," returned Tom.
"Keep step with me, then, and don't tread on my toes," pleaded Polly.
"Never mind. Keep bobbing, and we'll come right by and by," muttered Tom, giving his unfortunate partner a sudden whisk, which nearly landed both on the floor.
But they did not "get right by and by"; for Tom, in his frantic efforts to do his duty, nearly annihilated poor Polly. He tramped, he bobbed, he skated, he twirled her to the right, dragged her to the left...
***
Too many perfectly worded parts and tidbits to name. There's Polly's evening of flirtation as a young woman at the opera, the "bitter smile" on her face at the end of it, Tom bending to ask her, "Are you tired, Polly?" to which she answers, "Yes, of being nobody." There's Fanny's observation of Maud that she directs at Polly, saying, "Blessed innocence! Don't you wish you were a child, and dared tell what you want?"
Alcott's formal announcement about Polly's love for Tom seems all but unnecessary by the time it comes around, like news that isn't news, thrown in as an afterthought, way after the fact. "Oh yeah, so, by the way, Polly fell in love with Tom, some months ago." If Alcott were to ask me about her characters, I'd say that Polly and Tom had it for each other since long before then, when Tom the boy first came to pick Polly the girl up from the train station. But, hey, I'm sure the author knows best about her people.
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much I've enjoyed what I've read, (perceived) flaws and all. I'll admit that Alcott's admission at the beginning of An Old-Fashioned Girl's last chapter ruins the end of the book for me, but having come to like the characters so much, I can forgive how their creator chooses to deal with them in the end.I enjoyed much of this book's wording: how the characters speak and how Alcott speaks about them is what most makes these folks a pleasure. On the whole, I like Polly and Tom the best as children. Their dance at the party in Chapter 7 is...well, it's just flat out cute.
***
The music struck up, and away they went, Tom hopping one way and Polly the other, in a most ungraceful manner.
"Keep time to the music," gasped Polly.
"Can't. Never could," returned Tom.
"Keep step with me, then, and don't tread on my toes," pleaded Polly.
"Never mind. Keep bobbing, and we'll come right by and by," muttered Tom, giving his unfortunate partner a sudden whisk, which nearly landed both on the floor.
But they did not "get right by and by"; for Tom, in his frantic efforts to do his duty, nearly annihilated poor Polly. He tramped, he bobbed, he skated, he twirled her to the right, dragged her to the left...
***
Too many perfectly worded parts and tidbits to name. There's Polly's evening of flirtation as a young woman at the opera, the "bitter smile" on her face at the end of it, Tom bending to ask her, "Are you tired, Polly?" to which she answers, "Yes, of being nobody." There's Fanny's observation of Maud that she directs at Polly, saying, "Blessed innocence! Don't you wish you were a child, and dared tell what you want?"
Alcott's formal announcement about Polly's love for Tom seems all but unnecessary by the time it comes around, like news that isn't news, thrown in as an afterthought, way after the fact. "Oh yeah, so, by the way, Polly fell in love with Tom, some months ago." If Alcott were to ask me about her characters, I'd say that Polly and Tom had it for each other since long before then, when Tom the boy first came to pick Polly the girl up from the train station. But, hey, I'm sure the author knows best about her people.
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LibraryThing member SueinCyprus
This is a wonderful, somewhat weepy old-fashioned kind of book really intended for teenagers but probably read more by younger girls and adults these days. It was written in about 1870 so inevitably the language is dated, and the style peppered with comments from the author about good mothers and
Louisa M Alcott is best-known for 'Little Women' and its sequels, but I think this particular book is probably my favourite of her novels. It's about the growing up of Polly, a minister's daughter from the country, and her friend Fanny Shaw who is wealthy and lives in the city. The book starts with them both aged 14, when Polly pays her first visit to the Shaws' home and finds herself taken to their hearts for her goodness, despite her rather old-fashioned ways. There are some charming interludes as Polly contrasts her own simple - but loving - lifestyle with that of her grand friends, and delights their grandmother with her attentions and interest in her anecdotes.
Then it fast-forwards six years to Polly coming back to the city to earn her living, and there are inevitable romances afoot. The plot isn't very exciting but in places it was very moving and despite having read this before (many years previously) I found myself almost unable to put it down. I can easily see why this author's books have remained popular for over 130 years - no doubt they will still be around when today's children's books are long forgotten.
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the benefits of trials and tribulations. But these don't particularly worry me; I skim them and either smile or nod inwardly, depending on how quaint or accurate her perceptions are.Louisa M Alcott is best-known for 'Little Women' and its sequels, but I think this particular book is probably my favourite of her novels. It's about the growing up of Polly, a minister's daughter from the country, and her friend Fanny Shaw who is wealthy and lives in the city. The book starts with them both aged 14, when Polly pays her first visit to the Shaws' home and finds herself taken to their hearts for her goodness, despite her rather old-fashioned ways. There are some charming interludes as Polly contrasts her own simple - but loving - lifestyle with that of her grand friends, and delights their grandmother with her attentions and interest in her anecdotes.
Then it fast-forwards six years to Polly coming back to the city to earn her living, and there are inevitable romances afoot. The plot isn't very exciting but in places it was very moving and despite having read this before (many years previously) I found myself almost unable to put it down. I can easily see why this author's books have remained popular for over 130 years - no doubt they will still be around when today's children's books are long forgotten.
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LibraryThing member KRaySaulis
When we packed up my grandparents house I found this book amongst the hundreds my grandmother left behind and took it simply because, honestly, it smelled like her...
It was cute. It was exactly the book my grandmother would have suggested I read on a rainy day. I may be biased by sentimental value
It was cute. It was exactly the book my grandmother would have suggested I read on a rainy day. I may be biased by sentimental value
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alone, but either way I was not dissapointed... Show Less
LibraryThing member amerynth
While I certainly read (and loved) "Little Women" when I was a kid, "An Old-Fashioned Girl" was the Louisa May Alcott book I read over and over. I loved the story of Polly and her old-fashioned, farmer girl values set in a city that moves a little too fast for her.
I recently came across the book
I'll admit I have some nostalgic feelings for the book -- I knew some of the passages by heart--but still enjoyed it immensely.
I recently came across the book
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again on a trip to the library and couldn't resist picking up for another read. I found it still held up fairly well-- the story is both charming and sweet and only terribly preachy in a couple of spots. I'll admit I have some nostalgic feelings for the book -- I knew some of the passages by heart--but still enjoyed it immensely.
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LibraryThing member wenzowsa
Like some other reviewers, this is my favourite Louisa May Alcott book (the second being "Jack and Jill", and the third being the famous "Little Women").
I highly enjoy Polly, and her moral education throughout the book. I feel that Polly embodies the purity of spirit that was the 19th century
I'm not usually a fan of romantic plots, but I absolutely love this one. This romance is not based off of superficiality, but rather on genuine love and affection.
Amazing book!
I highly enjoy Polly, and her moral education throughout the book. I feel that Polly embodies the purity of spirit that was the 19th century
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ideal, and is somewhat lacking in today's 21st century characters.I'm not usually a fan of romantic plots, but I absolutely love this one. This romance is not based off of superficiality, but rather on genuine love and affection.
Amazing book!
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LibraryThing member lilygirl
This is one of the books that set my moral compass during my middle school years. Being a "bad girl" had so much more allure and appearance of a reward, but this book was one that helped me decide that learning was more important than other hormonal pursuits. Real life moves at a much slower pace
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and the rewards for standing apart from the crowd take much longer to materialize. I still pick it up from time to time. It helps to remind me that we often do not see the impact we have on other people. We are far more influential than we assume. Show Less
LibraryThing member the1butterfly
I wrote a book report on this in eighth grade and really liked it. I didn't quite see through Louisa May Alcott's morals at the time, although looking back, it's pretty obvious she was suggesting something like "Girls today are superficial and silly and not like in my day. Here's how girls should
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act..." Nonetheless, I certainly thought it was a good read, and I'd recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member nliederbach
My favorite Alcott...yes, I like it better than Little Women!
LibraryThing member DrMom
This book changed my life. I read it as a young girl and wanted to BE Polly. I did grow up to be a music (voice) teacher... even an Opera singer...funny. I'll never forget this book and how it inspired me to be a genuinely kinder, sweeter, more loving and understanding person. At least I recognized
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the beauty in wanting to be that wonderful character. To me she will always be the ideal girl/woman. On a plane the other day, I saw a girl reading Little Women, and HAD to tell her to read An Old Fashioned Girl next - it is certainly my favorite Alcott book...I hope she does. Show Less
LibraryThing member MerryMary
Inscribed: "Miss Mary Alice Burns" (my mother's maiden name)
A country-mouse, city-mouse story of a a pampered spoiled society girl and a quiet plain poor girl who are best friends. The rich girl loses all her money and must learn from her friend how to cope.
A country-mouse, city-mouse story of a a pampered spoiled society girl and a quiet plain poor girl who are best friends. The rich girl loses all her money and must learn from her friend how to cope.
LibraryThing member worldsedge
The rather saccharine saga of Polly, Fanny, Tom, Will, Maud set in what I'm guessing is shortly after the end of the Civil War in Boston. Saccharine it may be, but damned if I was not also entertained. Everything comes out right, everybody goes away happy.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
I enjoyed this book, as much for its social commentary as for its plot. While Polly is "old-fashioned" in terms of behavior and values (simplicity and family), she is also "modern" in her pursuit of positive feminine contribution to the world at large. Actually, much of this book reminded me,
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surprisingly, of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park". Although Polly is a much more "active' heroine than Fanny was. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookBrook
This is my FAVORITE of Louisa May Alcott's books. Even more than Little Women. I really like romance stories and this is one of my favorite books ever.
It's really encouraging to see how an poor old-fashioned girl can really shine and make a difference even though her weaknesses. She is an honest
I did cry during one part of it and that was when she was talking about her brother how sweet he was and how gentle and kind and that he died and that made me REALLY sad.
I just LOVE it.
It's really encouraging to see how an poor old-fashioned girl can really shine and make a difference even though her weaknesses. She is an honest
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girl who doesn't try to be attractive and doesn't flirt with boys like the rest of the city. She is clean and pure and makes a model girl for many in this world today. I did cry during one part of it and that was when she was talking about her brother how sweet he was and how gentle and kind and that he died and that made me REALLY sad.
I just LOVE it.
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LibraryThing member grass823
This is a classic book. It is a great book for young girls. I think it was pretty good, except it was a little unorganized.
In all I loved it! Polly and Maud are great characters. It is great to read on snowy winter days. I t was about a girl, named Polly, who is from the country and goes to visit
I hope you can read it, too.
In all I loved it! Polly and Maud are great characters. It is great to read on snowy winter days. I t was about a girl, named Polly, who is from the country and goes to visit
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her cousins in the city. They think she is plain and "old-fashioned". They later understand her and learn to like her. I hope you can read it, too.
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LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
I reread this book every few years, it is one of my favourite LM Alcott stories. The tone is a little bit preachy, but I can overlook it to enjoy the glimpses at the strange teen society back in the 'auld days'.
And the humour is always close to the surface: "Occasionally a matrimonial epidemic
And the humour is always close to the surface: "Occasionally a matrimonial epidemic
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appears, especially toward spring, devastating society, thinning the ranks of bachelordom, and leaving mothers lamenting for their fairest daughters." Show Less
LibraryThing member wonderperson
Good well written book first, good story second. One does not wish to be like Polly!
LibraryThing member TrgLlyLibrarian
It may be set in the 19th century, but I could relate.
LibraryThing member aine.fin
A sweet book which reminded me of the happy times reading the Little Women books when I was a child. Alcott always inspires me to better myself!
The first part stands somewhat alone and has a different feel to the 'six years later' section - more childish and simple. I wasn't surprised to learn that
Enjoyable and cosy read.
The first part stands somewhat alone and has a different feel to the 'six years later' section - more childish and simple. I wasn't surprised to learn that
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it had originally been serialised and the later section added to make it into a book.Enjoyable and cosy read.
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LibraryThing member m.belljackson
Starting with FLATLAND, I'm reading all the Daily Lit books in Author sequence.
An Old Fashioned Girl is their second book.
Except for a few highlights, like the sled "Mezepa," it is tiresome, with a preaching, plodding plot
and characters who do develop, but with extremely predictable
Grandma and her stories are a standout - Lafayette is memorable!
This was a surprise from the daughter of a famous abolitionist:
"...negro melodies a disgrace." It did not illuminate either a personality nor was it challenged.
Odd. There are many more Alcotts - maybe there will be a redemption of sorts.
An Old Fashioned Girl is their second book.
Except for a few highlights, like the sled "Mezepa," it is tiresome, with a preaching, plodding plot
and characters who do develop, but with extremely predictable
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slowness.Grandma and her stories are a standout - Lafayette is memorable!
This was a surprise from the daughter of a famous abolitionist:
"...negro melodies a disgrace." It did not illuminate either a personality nor was it challenged.
Odd. There are many more Alcotts - maybe there will be a redemption of sorts.
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LibraryThing member rainbowdarling
While the story is largely saccharine, I find it the most entertaining of all the Alcott books Ive read. Polly is sweet, unassuming and genuine. She doesnt fall prey to what is chic and fashionable as her cousins and their cronies do, and even in the face of some tougher times, remains sweet. The
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book is chock full of morals as one might expect a book such as this to be, but it does not get preachy, and even the added ending the Alcott wrote later doesnt detract from the story, though she clearly states her own displeasure at adding it. I highly recommend this book to any lover of Alcotts work, works of the time or sweet stories that will pull on the heartstrings. Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Written after Little Women, this is one of Alcott's YA novels about a poor young girls who, by sticking to her principles reforms the man of her dreams and ultimately finds happiness and true love with him.
The plot is mostly a formulaic 19th Century romance, but unlike many of this time, it does
The plot is mostly a formulaic 19th Century romance, but unlike many of this time, it does
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not devolve into sickenly sweet sentimentality. Polly Milton is a likeable heroine and we're happy when she finds true love a the end of the book. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1870
Physical description
368 p.; 7.73 x 0.88 inches
ISBN
0140374493 / 9780140374490