Eight Cousins

Eight Cousins #1

by Louisa May Alcott

If you loved Little Women, Louisa May Alcott's moving account of the upbringing of four sisters in nineteenth-century Massachusetts, don't miss Eight Cousins, a similarly stirring novel that follows the childhood and young adulthood of plucky protagonist Rose Campbell, the sole female child born to her extended family. Rose struggles to fit in with her seven male cousins, and learns a thing or two about genteel Boston Brahmin society along the way.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Middle Grade

ebook

First published January 1, 1874

About the author

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for writing the novel Little Women (1868) and its sequels Good Wives (1869), Little Men (1871) and Jo's Boys (1886). Raised in New England by her transcendentalist parents, Abigail May Alcott and Amos Bronson Alcott, she grew up among many well-known intellectuals of the day, including Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Alcott's family suffered from financial difficulties, and while she worked to help support the family from an early age, she also sought an outlet in writing. She began to receive critical success for her writing in the 1860s. Early in her career, she sometimes used pen names such as A.M. Barnard, under which she wrote lurid short stories and sensation novels for adults that focused on passion and revenge.
Published in 1868, Little Women is set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts, and is loosely based on Alcott's childhood experiences with her three sisters, Abigail May Alcott Nieriker, Elizabeth Sewall Alcott, and Anna Bronson Alcott Pratt. The novel was well-received at the time and is still popular today among both children and adults. It has been adapted for stage plays, films, and television many times.
Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist and remained unmarried throughout her life. She also spent her life active in reform movements such as temperance and women's suffrage. She died from a stroke in Boston on March 6, 1888, just two days after her father's death.

Reviews

[Tharindu Dissanayake · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It may upset things a trifle, but half a child's pleasure consists in having their fun when they want it."

I'm a big fan of Anne of Green Gables, Heidi and A Little Princes, so when I came across Eight Cousins, which appeared to be somewhat similar, couldn't help resisting reading the book. And without going in to much detail, this is a nice story - and a great one for children. However, I thought, it to be a bit less engaging compared to Anne and other books. Hadn't this book been intended for children, I'd have given 3 stars. Since that isn't the case, I believe a 4* ratings is not too generous. But, if the reader has already gone through books like Anne, this might become a bit dull (and a bit outdated too unfortunately). Story itself is good, though feels a little unrealistic or fairy-tale-like.

"A happy soul in a healthy body makes the best sort of beauty for man or woman."

[Julie G · Rating 2 out of 5]

This went from delightful to tedious in thirty pages. It's amazing to me that Jane Austen, who wrote some one hundred years before Alcott, could feel so incredibly modern and this novel so insufferably outdated.

If you like regular lines such as "Oh, you little dear!" and scenes of the older man holding the chin of the thirteen-year-old girl and tenderly kissing her rose-bud lips and telling her to mind him and all of her dreams shall come true (did I mention it is her uncle--her dear, dear uncle?), then by all means, rip into this "classic," and, while you're at it, read Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, too!

I actually couldn't even make it to the end, but I think she must marry the uncle. I honestly could not suffer through one more scene of the almost 14-year-old cuddling in dear uncle's lap.

If someone misled you and you thought this was a brilliant classic. . . go read Anne of Green Gables or Jane Austen or anything Bronte instead.

[June G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had SUCH a crush on Uncle Alec, who rides in on his white charger bearing oatmeal and imported silk sashes and SAVES young Rose from well-meaning overbearing aunts and migraines and addictions--some heavy stuff even by today's kiddie lit standards. (If you haven't read it and think I'm kidding, I'm not.) And when I wasn't fantasizing about Uncle A, I imagined myself with my own gaggle of guy cousins to pal around with--one or two tapping at my heartstrings, of course. Five stars? How about eight :)

[Christy Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Little Women when I was young. My mom gave me Eight Cousins when I was finished with Little Women and I remember liking it quite a bit. I’m not sure it held up after all these years but it was nice reading one of my mom’s old books again.

Rose has been orphaned and is under the care of her two elderly great-aunts, Peace and Plenty. One glorious day, her uncle Dr. Alec comes home to take charge of Rose’s care. As her guardian, Uncle Alec devises “cures” that help Rose to become a healthy and robust young lady who thinks of others and brings joy to all of her family. With her seven cousins to keep her company, Rose has much fun and learns many lessons.

The book is more episodic than having a real plot carried through the book. Each chapter is a new endeavor or lesson for Rose. Some are good lessons of character or health, which I suppose any young reader at the time of initial publication would have needed. Some chapters were cringe-worthy because of the clear classism and racism, as well as the hint of romance between cousins that will come to fruition in the sequel. Some of the characters are wonderful. I really did love Uncle Alec and Aunt Jessie. The seven boy cousins blend a bit together until about halfway through the book. Charlie, Archie and Mac have some major sequences that allow them the spotlight. Phebe is sweet and deserves more time but I suppose it’s Rose’s story so there isn’t room for the poor girl to shine like she should. Some sections drag quite a bit and are horribly outdated, which is probably why it took me so long to finish it. Other sections are delightful.

I liked returning to this novel. Probably because it reminded me of my mom. It’s an okay read and I’m sure others love it for the feeling of nostalgia.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. What a darling little story this is… just so sweet and fresh and relaxing! And still crammed full of excellent advice!

This book is set in late-1880s America and is evidently a protest from Alcott on the popular way of raising girls, and her suggestion of how to actually raise them. It’s fascinating from a historical point of view, giving a great glimpse of what things were like in Alcott’s time; and a lot of what it says still stands true today, and is great inspiration for young women or their parents. ;) From a writing standpoint, it’s tighter and better written than Little Women, yet just as homey, heartwarming, and old-timey.

The plot is delightful. Pretty much just a slice-of-life, everyday story, with awesome characters, and a slew of great reminders and messages. The humour is excellent! I love the Scottish heritage, and the lovely family reunions. And the characters really make the story. Sweet Rose, with her desire to be a good woman and use her life well. <3 Phebe, so brave and strong and humble. Dr. Alec, such a great father-figure and uncle. The aunts were all excellent figures—either encouraging or warning. Aunt Jessie is such a wonderful mother; Aunt Plenty & Aunt Peace are both wonderful; Aunt Jane, Aunt Clara, and Aunt Myra are all warnings in their own way. And the boys! They’re all so funny and real. Archie, of course, is my favourite—kind, dependable, responsible, gentlemanly Archie. Charlie is such a fascinating boy and yet so sad, such a warning. Mac is a dear, and so admirable. The other boys are all funny and sweet in their own ways. And every other side character is living and vibrant. I love the relationships so much. Archie & Charlie are such a pair, and Charlie + Rose’s sweet, cousinly friendship is beautiful. I love seeing how the boys & girls teamed up to help each other fight their failings and develop their strengths. It was a wonderful reminder.

Overall, this is an excellent book for girls of all ages to read, and I quite recommend it <3

A Favourite Quote: “But as a wise old fellow once said, ‘It is necessary to do right; it is not necessary to be happy.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Now I shall preach a short sermon[.] Jack can't always drive[,] and Willie may as well make up his mind to let Marion build her house by his, for she will do it, and he needn't fuss about it. Jamie seems to be a good boy, but I shall preach to him if he isn't[.]. Now you must all remember what I tell you, because I'm the captain, and you should mind me.’
“Here Lieutenant Jack spoke right out in meeting with the rebellious remark,—"Don't care if you are; you'd better mind yourself, and tell how you ... kept the biggest doughnut, and didn't draw fair when we had the truck.’
“‘Yes, and you slapped Frank; I saw you,’ bawled Willie Snow, bobbing up in his pew....
“‘I shan't build my house by Willie's if he don't want me to, so now!" put in little Marion, joining the mutiny....
“Captain Dove looked rather taken aback at this outbreak in the ranks; but, being a dignified and calm personage, he quelled the rising rebellion with great tact and skill by saying, briefly,—‘We will sing the last hymn ... and then we will go and have luncheon.’”

Content: Some mentions of drinking, smoking, & gambling (all condemned except for a toast at Christmas by adults). May contain some euphemisms; a few mentions of saints & gods/goddesses.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest book in my Louisa May Alcott kick...and I found it generally charming. I love the idea of "throwing out the window" the general practices at the time (wearing tight corsets and belts, taking strong coffees and cordials to improve health, teaching girls to act like 'ladies' instead of allowing them fresh air and exercise) and enjoyed watching young Rose become a picture of health and happiness. I also loved the idea that her uncle taught her to be a self-reliant woman (hence the emphasis on housekeeping, cooking, etc.) instead of relying on servants and maids. Some of the ideas were still a bit old-fashioned, but I didn't find it offensive and would definitely encourage my children (daughters and sons) to read this book.

[Marta Demianiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nie tak wspaniała, jak moje ukochane „Małe kobietki”, ale równie urocza i ciepła. Idealnie nadaje się na gorszy czas, kiedy potrzebujemy książki, która nas otuli.

[spillingthematcha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Książki Louisy May Alcott za każdym razem potrafią mnie zaskoczyć. Emanują ciepłem, spokojem i urokiem, które czuć od pierwszych do ostatnich stron. Lubię powracać do jej historii. Wraz z upływem czasu potrafię znaleźć tam wiele nowych rzeczy, na nowo polubić bohaterów, a także ponownie poznać styl autorki, który otula jak najcieplejszy koc. Jej pióro ma w sobie coś tak wyjątkowego, co zbliża mnie jeszcze bardziej do samej historii. „Ośmioro kuzynów” to książka, która nie jest idealna, ale wywołuje uśmiech, wzrusza oraz zachwyca. To lektura przy której spędzicie miło czas, uspokoicie myśli i przede wszystkim będziecie się świetnie bawić. Nie sposób nie zaangażować się w losy wspaniałej głównej bohaterki Rose, która na kartach powieści staje się coraz mądrzejsza, mając przy tym wielkie serce. Nie brak w tej książce także moralizatorskiego głosu, jednak w moim odczuciu jest on dużo cichszy niż w przypadku moich ukochanych „Małych kobietek”. Jest to powolna, delikatna, sentymentalna lektura, w której można zakochać się bezpowrotnie. „Ośmioro kuzynów” to książka, która potrafi oczarować czytelnika i sprawić, żeby poczuł się jak w domu.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never knew that Louisa May Alcott ever wrote anything other than Little Women, its sequels and some scary stories. But in 1875, Alcott published Eight Cousins, a predictable, bathetic novel featuring a ridiculously plucky orphan named Rose Campbell and her seven boy cousins; except for Mac, all of them would make Pollyanna appear a spoiled, selfish misanthrope. It’s no Little Women by a long shot.

The story began well enough, with Rose mourning the death of her beloved invalid father. Her uncle, Dr. Alec Campbell, returns from abroad, having lived in China, India and elsewhere in Asia, and becomes her guardian. And that’s when the book rapidly becomes cloying with perfect children who are ever cheerful, helpful and grateful. It was so saccharine that my teeth hurt.

The book has one saving grace: It explores the forward-thinking educational methods promoted by Alcott’s father, education reformer Bronson Alcott, including learning by doing, literary discussions, cross-curricular education, and a rejection of rote learning and corporal punishment. These and some other of his methods are now standard in education.

Some books can survive through the ages and entertain children (and adults, too) decades after they’re first released: Little Women (1868), Understood Betsy (1917), Daddy-Long-Legs (1912), The Railway Children (1905), Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903) or Anne of Green Gables (1908); however, Eight Cousins isn’t one of them. For Alcott super-fans only.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful book with great charm. It had many twists that surprised me, and the characters were adorable. I loved the unconventionality that was Uncle Alec's doctoring. Very unique and special.

Content:
* expletives (a few)
* swearing by saints (twice)
* underage drinking, smoking, and gambling
* one or two mentions of gods and godesses

I was not compensated for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Little Women, I really do. Though I realize in retrospect that a lot of it is sort of . . . preaching the philosophies of the May/March parents. Which is fine, because wanting girls to be strong and self-sufficient is a wonderful thing.

But if you thought Marmee was a little too full of wholesome advice, this is NOT the book for you. The entire book revolves around orphaned Rose, and how her Uncle Alec, a free-thinking doctor, rehabilitates her. The virtues of fresh air, exercise, wholesome food, and hard work are touted in every chapter. The evils of corsets, high fashion, earrings, coffee, and other frivolities are scorned! There is an entire chapter devoted to outfitting Rose for the winter, where one fashionable outfit is roundly excoriated, and cast aside in favor of a simple yet well cut frock over warm long underwear!

I mean, it's cute and all, and Alcott has a simple, fun style of writing, and I can see that her ideas would have been revolutionary back in the day. But in this day and age, it's like, They really thought she was gonna die because she went ice skating with her male cousins?!

The thing that really kept me from enjoying the book though, was the racism. There are a pair of Chinese men in the book who are not only described repeatedly as being beady-eyed and yellow-skinned, and having the "most queer customs and clothing" but are also heartily laughed at by the children for their accents and customs, and go out of their way to give the children gifts and amuse them with their foreign ways. YEEESH.

Also, the classist way that Phebe the maid is treated horrified and fascinated me. Rose "adopts" her, which everyone thinks is the most noble and wonderful thing Rose or anyone has ever done. Yet as far as I can tell, this amounts to totally forgetting about her for months at a time, then remembering, feeling bad, being consoled by her uncle, and then giving her a present. Phebe wants to be educated, and Rose remembers this when she comes upon her trying to teach herself, pats her on the head (though Phebe is older) and sets up a play school because she is bored. There is no indication that this school is in session for more than a week. But everyone applauds Rose, and ignores Phebe, as long as she doesn't shirk her duties. Phebe is treated like a very small and backward child, rarely asked what she wants, and Rose is constantly feted for caring about her maid and giving her presents that mostly consist of books and clothes she doesn't want.

In short, I can see why this one never became the classic that Little Women did.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and cozy story! This was a reread for me, and I enjoyed it so much because I didn’t remember it very well. I love Rose and her relationship with her uncle and cousins. The family is happy and the stories are wholesome.

[Christina Baehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this SO MANY TIMES as a teen but it I just realised it wasn’t on my Goodreads!

Yes, I imprinted on Mac, and I just realised there is a very Mac-coded main character in my new series.

Yes, I wanted to have 7 fun boy cousins who lived next door and were always available for adventures and also looked up to me for gentle female guidance, didn’t you??

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 10-18

Some of my favorite memories of my early teen years were the hours that I spent reading Little Women with my sisters. We read the whole book together over a few months, sitting outside in the woods, each with a different project. Alcott always makes me think of those happy times, and makes me feel nostalgic.

My younger sisters have read many more Alcott books then I have, and I got to hear all about their favorites. The book I heard them gush the most about was Eight Cousins, so I decided to read it this year. I am so glad I did.

While I think that this book can be enjoyed by all ages, it was written for the young. It is a wonderful adventure of a little girl and her cousins, they type of story I would have devoured as a child. There is no-romance, and there are good lessons and interesting characters.

Rose was such an endearing character, and I loved how she saw her faults and worked hard to fight against them. I also loved how her Uncle worked so hard to do what was best for her, even if it was against the fashion.

The setting, though it was written in the backdrop of the 1800’s, is not very hard to imagine it taking place in our own time. Alcott had a timeless way of writing and a way of capturing the troubles of the old and young alike in a way that makes it never feel old.

I highly recommend this to girls who love old books, non-romantic stories, and books that feel real.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've read any Louisa May Alcott, the general ideas and characters will be familiar. The characters are all very high-minded and very concerned with morality, building character, proper behavior, etc. Being written nearly 150 years ago, some of the ideas on health, class and race relations, and gender roles are very antiquated, and can even seem a bit bigoted. But you have to remember the time in which it was written. The way they describe a Chinese man is particularly interesting.

The basic plot follows Rose, a girl of means, who is orphaned and goes to live on the "Aunt-Hill" with her many aunts, her seven boy cousins, and her devoted guardian, Uncle Alec. We see her grow, change and learn over the course of an experimental year, in which Uncle Alec has complete charge over her upbringing, with no interference from the aunts. At the end of the year, they are to decide whether it has been a success, and whether Rose should stay with Uncle Alec, or move in with one of her aunts. Does Rose have a good year? Does she stay with Uncle Alec? I'll never tell - you have to read it.

Though older books can be a bit difficult to read, due to the different language and writing styles of more than a century ago, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and plan to read the sequel "A Rose in Bloom" as well.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely tale...so many sentimental type aspects, scenes and situations described that made me smile etc. The kind hearted Rose always so loving and wanting to never hurt anyone's feelings. the endearing relationships warmed my heart in this old childhood classic.

I savored it slowly, here n there as the style of writing is older of course but little pleasant reads. Just me, but I would get mixed up with all the various characters at times but not a big deal!

I will start in on the sequel Rose in Bloom in another while to enjoy her next adventures.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her father's death Rose is listless and ill, until her new guardian, Uncle Alec, encourages her to try healthful food, sunshine, and exercise. Gradually, Rose begins to improve both in health and spirits, and soon she is able to join her cousins in their frolics and adventures. She has seven cousins, all boys, who gather around her with energetic fun. But Rose also has a great many meddlesome aunts, who object to Uncle Alec's parenting style, saying that he will make her into a shameful tomboy instead of an elegant young lady. Ultimately, Rose has to decide which path is the best for her own happiness.

This book just gets sweeter every time I read it! What a comfort it is to reread old favorites! I always cry at the sad parts and cheer for Rose when she triumphs.

I just adore the close relationships between the family. The cousins really look out for each other and help each other in the sweetest way. I especially love the friendship between Rose and Phebe! They are so cute and giggly, but their friendship is also strong through tough times.

I always think it's so weird and funny that the characters think it's vain of Rose to want to wear earrings. I guess it was a new fashion back then. They sure make a big fuss about it in several scenes, and everyone tells Rose how silly and frivolous she is. Haha!

I love the charming writing style. It really pulls you into the story, and makes you care about the characters. The plot is very wholesome with dozens of moral lessons, but I like that. It's told in such an emotional and interesting way that I don't mind being preached at.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in my early teens, there was a trifecta of authors that I devoured: Jane Austen, L.M. Montgomery, and Louisa May Alcott. I even made an informational web page about them on Angelfire... those were the days...

Anyway, revisiting a book like Eight Cousins reminds me exactly how I was influenced by these characters. A lot of my world view was shaped by this innocent wholesomeness, exemplified by Rose, the main character. Her ladylike presence automatically inspired people around her (namely, men) to be their best selves! So much gentility and respect! This impressed me mightily! I subconsciously stored this fascinating social education away, only to find that's not quite how it goes...

But while it's a bit out of place in the modern age, and occasionally some would say naive, I'm glad it was part of my youth and wouldn't trade it for anything!

In this book, orphaned Rose comes to live with her guardian uncle, and her neighbors are 7 boy cousins and a bunch of other corresponding aunts and uncles!

She arrives a tired, droopy little thing who survives on strong coffee, is proud of her tightly cinched little waist, and is about as uneducated as most girls of her class... but Uncle Alec changes all that. By the end of the book she's well on her way to being a truly healthy young girl with high spirits and noble ambitions, who can also make her 7 cousins toe the line.

There are some delightful episodes, such as the "freedom suit" her uncle orders for her (the opposite of a corset). And, pay particular attention to the development of Mac, her bookworm cousin... because there's more to come in the next book!!

[Mela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, Louisa May Alcott wrote a beautiful books for young adult/children. It is a fact. Period. ;-)

During reading I was thinking all the time that this book should be obligatory for children and also for parents (guardians). There are so many people who read guides for parents and so on. I think they should start with such books like this one. It is so full of wisdom that you can't miss it. And almost all of them are true today too. There weren't computer games or Internet in those times but both then and now children are essentially the same (despite what television or civilisation tell).

Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping to study their children, and cherish that sweet and natural confidence which is a child’s surest safeguard, and a parent’s subtlest power. So the young hearts hide trouble or temptation till the harm is done, and mutual regret comes too late. Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely to father or mother, sure of pity, help, and pardon; and thrice happy the parents who, out of their own experience, and by their own virtues, can teach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible

Also, I have had fun reading about plays they have.

Of course, my next book will be a sequel: Rose in Bloom.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you read Little Women and thought, “Wow, I wonder what other books Louisa May Alcott has written!” just know that I, a Little Woman superfan who has read almost all of Alcott’s books, think all of them are absolutely trash.
I’m sure Alcott was considered a feminist icon back in the Stone Age or whatever, but WOW she sucks at writing women.
She’s unbelievably judgmental when girls want to do anything that involves fashion or beauty. Like, yeah, you don’t need rich dresses or makeup to look pretty. But if you want rich dresses and makeup then who the hell is Louisa May to judge you???
We get it, you were poor when you grew up so you think that any woman who cares about her appearance is a prostitute.
Jesus Christ, the amount of female bashing is literally impossible to read about. The protagonist, who is a 13 year old girl, gets bashed and called silly for getting her ears pierced-something that MANY girls did at that point. Why? Because she’s being vain and no little girl should make herself seem pretty. She should only ever be modest and live in a goddamn nursery as she sews to her death and complains that “this new generation is so conceited!”
Shut the hell up Alcott. You wrote one good book in your entire life.

[Willow Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet little book! I haven't read it before, but it makes me feel nostalgic for the types of books I used to read when I was younger, because this is just exactly something I would've read back then. And I loved that about it.

Rose was so sweet and good and cute, and it was heartwarming to see her trying her best to be obedient. And she really did improve throughout the book into a beautiful young lady. I want to be like her!

[Tweety · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as wonderful the third time round! :D

[Gauri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Halfway through reading this book, I dismissed it as a saccharine funnel through which Alcott wished to teach children life lessons. After finishing it, I still think this is true, but I realize this book is dated and is more appropriately viewed as a piece of historical work. I mean this in the sense that there are some backwards views that are reflected in this book, but also some surprisingly progressive ones that Alcott cements, which is worth some notice.

There are parts of this book that stick out sorely: The author wrote only derogatory descriptions of the Chinese characters she included in the book, using the characters as one-dimensional comic entertainers. Characters also continuously mentioned that women had flighty, childlike emotions, and they were not to be taken seriously when emotional. Characters also discussed how women existed to support the men in their lives, or function in a caretaker role for those around them.

However, I realized that though backwards prejudices are reflected in this book, this book is at the same time somewhat progressive. Uncle Alec, Rose's guardian, values Rose's opinions and consent to the various things the family encourages her to do. Rose is allowed to speak for herself, and Uncle Alec insists on treating Rose, who is a child, with the consideration and seriousness he would provide adults. Instead of giving Rose medicines and demanding her to rest idly at all times for fear of damaging her constitution, Uncle Alec pushes her to exercise regularly and eat healthily. He forbids her to wear corsets that would damage her body. He defends Rose from her aunts who insist on dressing her in a fashionable but cumbersome getup, and insists on Rose being allowed to choose more comfortable garments that she preferred to wear. He encouraged her to learn important skills like balancing account books, cooking, and clothes-making, so that she would be able to support herself or be independent in some regard. He also taught her subjects like anatomy when she expressed interest in medicine. Uncle Alec praised Rose for her hard work in doing chores and her initiative in educating herself. Work ethic and intelligence were the young girl's most prized values.

Rose was treated with respect and was allowed to be free and individualistic -- and I imagine that wasn't very common in those days. These things may be perfectly natural to us now that we barely even make a note of this perspective in media when it's portrayed, but in the 1800's, I doubt girls were actually given that sort of freedom to be their own person. So, I think female authors like Alcott introduced these revolutionary ideas to a whole generation, which adhered to some people and made some social progress.

[Ellen Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to express how lovely this book was to me. I just loved it.

I am wondering though, what exactly was the disagreement between Dr. Alec and Rose's father? Was it that they both loved the same girl, Rose's mother? If so, then I fear that the next book, Rose in Bloom, will hurt a bit.

"Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping to study their children and cherish that sweet and natural confidence, which is a child's surest safeguard, and a parent's subtlest power. So the young hearts hide trouble or temptation till the harm is done, and mutual regret comes too late.
Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely to father or mother, sure of pity, help, and pardon; and thrice happy the parents who out of their own experience, and by their own virtues, can teach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible."

I cannot help but agree with first part of the quote. As for the second part, I wish that this freedom of confidence existed between my parents and me. It would have helped save me a whole lot of trouble. However, I hope to remember this when I am a parent.

I can't talk much more about this book, because.... well, I want to cry over it a little.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little classic about a orphaned child named Rose who finds herself suddenly surrounded by 7 boy cousins. She believes she does not like boys and also does not seem to even believe in herself much at all. Her Uncle Alec is given the chance to take care of her for a year and see how things turn out; if she does well then she can stay with him if she chooses, and if she is unhappy, then not. It's a slow moving story of friendships and growing up but if you don't mind a slow pace, this book might be the one for you. Cute over all, but nothing super amazing.

[M Shen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book. And that's saying much because I don't think I've ever called any classic "a cute book."

But I enjoyed myself so much reading this! The characters, as trying as they could be sometimes, were delightful, and it was so satisfying to see them grow. I can't wait to continue with the sequel.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my second favorite Louisa May Alcott book (after Little Women.) At least it was when I was a kid. I remember envying Rose all those boy cousins; it seemed as though it would be so much fun to have so many built in boy playmates. And it’s yet another orphan story – I do have an “orphans” shelf on goodreads as I love books about orphans. I don’t remember this as a depressing or somber tale at all though.

On another note: I pulled out my copy of the book, and I’m very excited as I must still have my mother’s copy: have one published the year (1927) she was twelve; I read this for the first time when I was a few years younger than that.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I just loved this because I really saw myself in Rose. I'm an only child, and I grew up living really close to some cousins, and the three of us (but especially the boy and I) roamed the hills and woods together all the time. That's probably why. But, man, was this book fun. I also loved Uncle Alec's relationship with Rose. So sweet! Yes, Alcott did get a bit didactic at times, but I still enjoyed it.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I just read some brainwashing pamphlet trying to convince everyone that cigars and earrings are evil, all fashion is vanity, and that women were put on the earth to make everything 'comfortable',being too stupid to better themselves with any sort of an education besides the culinary arts and sewing. How did this happen? Did Louisa write this in her old age when she turned senile? Or maybe it was her first novel as a budding author? Either way, this book was a great disappointment--I have some recollection of the Little Women series being a tad preachy, but had high expectations for Eight Cousins. Sadly, my high esteem for Alcott has fallen. I still have fond memories of taking part in the lives of the March family and the lives of the young women as they grow up, but let's just say that the series was a one hit wonder.

[M.L. Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third time reading this beautiful classic, and I still love it to pieces. 🥰