47 pages • 1 hour read
Eight Cousins
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1870s
1874
Middle grade
12-17 years
Super Short Summary
Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott follows the young orphaned heiress Rose Campbell as she transitions from childhood to adolescence under the unconventional guardianship of her Uncle Alec. Moving in with her great-aunts, she forms friendships, especially with Phebe, a young servant. The novel explores each life lesson Rose learns and the personal growth she experiences during her transformative year. The book includes racist language about Chinese people.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Humorous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
38,905 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins is widely praised for its warm, wholesome narrative and strong female protagonist, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with moral lessons. However, some find it didactic and less engaging than Alcott's other works. Its period-specific views may also feel outdated to modern audiences, yet its charm endures.
Who Should Read Eight Cousins?
A reader who enjoys Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott would likely appreciate heartwarming, classic tales of family and personal growth. Fans of Alcott’s Little Women or L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series, which emphasize strong, relatable female protagonists and wholesome storytelling, will find this novel appealing.
38,905 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Uncle Alec
Uncle Alec
Rose's guardian who, arriving after the death of her parents, applies his medical expertise and unconventional methods to nurture and guide her development.
Phebe
Phebe
A hardworking servant girl who, despite a difficult upbringing, serves as Rose’s maid and becomes her friend, offering insights into the challenges of the working class.
Aunt Jessie
Aunt Jessie
A kind and empathetic aunt who provides tender support and wise counsel to Rose, aligning closely with Uncle Alec’s approach to her care.
224
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1870s
1874
Middle grade
12-17 years
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