52 pages • 1 hour read
March
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1860s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
March by Geraldine Brooks follows Mr. March, a military chaplain during the Civil War, whose experiences include attempting to save a wounded soldier, encountering a plantation from his youth, and teaching freed slaves. Haunted by guilt from his past and present, he reconnects with Grace, a former love and current nurse, complicating his relationship with his wife, Marmee, as he recovers from illness and battles with his conscience. Themes of racism, brutal treatment of enslaved people, and wartime violence are prominent.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
79,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Geraldine Brooks' March has received acclaim for its vivid historical detail and emotional depth. Reviewers praise Brooks' ability to weave a compelling narrative that enriches the original story of Little Women. Some critique it for a slow pace and excessive focus on historical context. Overall, it's seen as a poignant and enriching companion to a beloved classic.
Who Should Read March?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction rich in character development and moral dilemmas, similar to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, will find March by Geraldine Brooks captivating. Fans of Civil War narratives and reimagined classic literature will be particularly enthralled.
79,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marmee
Marmee
Mr. March’s wife and the secondary narrator, she is depicted as a passionate abolitionist and supporter of women’s liberation.
Grace
Grace
Initially introduced as a slave at the Clement plantation, she has a complex relationship with Mr. March and plays a significant role during the Civil War.
Ethan Canning
Ethan Canning
A former attorney from Illinois who manages Oak Landing, he has contentious interactions with Mr. March concerning the treatment of workers.
Zannah
Zannah
A worker at Oak Landing, she forms a bond with Mr. March after he helps her son and later assists him during the war.
John Brown
John Brown
A historical figure known for his raid on Harper’s Ferry, he influences Mr. March through his abolitionist activities.
Jesse
Jesse
An influential figure among the workers at Oak Landing, he devises plans for resistance during the tumultuous war period.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
A historical figure and author, he befriends Mr. March and inspires him to align more closely with his moral beliefs.
288
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1860s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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