The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper (a novel of May Alcott)
By Taylor Jasmine | On February 3, 2018 | Updated July 26, 2019 | Comments (2)
The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper, the author’s debut novel, is a believable imagining of the life of May Alcott. The youngest of the Alcott sisters, she was the inspiration for the character of Amy March in Little Women. May (who, after she married, was known as May Alcott Nieriker) was a talented artist in her own right.
As she seeks to establish her own identity apart from the close-knit family, the personality of a dynamic and determined young woman, in many ways ahead of her time, unfolds. Here is a description of this engaging novel, published in the fall of 2017, reprinted by permission of the publisher, William Morrow:
Many of us grew up knowing the story of the March sisters, heroines of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. But while most fans cheer on Jo March, based on Louisa herself, Amy March is often the least favorite sister.
Now, it’s time to learn the truth about the “real Amy” — Louisa’s sister, May. In The Other Alcott, a captivating work of historical fiction, Elise Hooper gives readers a glimpse into the youngest Alcott’s artistic pursuits and her side of the sibling rivalry.
Author Elise Hooper grew up near the Alcott’s home in Concord, Massachusetts and has been fascinated by the Alcotts (local legends) since her childhood.
She remembers visiting Orchard House at age ten and exploring Louisa Alcott’s restored bedroom. There, at a small desk in the corner, was where Louisa had written her classic Little Women in two feverish months.
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May Alcott Nieriker: Thoroughly Modern Woman
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Hooper recalls backing away from the desk and entering May’s room, the youngest of the Alcott sisters, better known to the world as Amy March from Little Women where pencil sketches of angels and animals adorned the walls.
This lesser-known sister, the free spirit, the girl who decorated her walls—was she really the brat she was portrayed to be in her sister’s novel? Elise felt suspicious of Louisa’s account of her. After all, what would our siblings write about us if given the chance?
Almost three decades later as Elise embarked on writing a novel, there was no question what she would write about. Her childhood obsession: the Alcotts. And there was May, the sister she and the rest of us knew very little about. Who was she? What was it like to be portrayed negatively in your sister’s novel for all the world to read?
In The Other Alcott, life for the Alcott family has never been easy, but the most pressing of their financial struggles are eased when Louisa’s Little Women is published.
Everyone agrees the novel is charming, but May is struck to the core by the portrayal of selfish, spoiled “Amy March.” Is this what her beloved sister really thinks of her?
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A Visit to the Alcott’s Orchard House
(watercolor of the house is by May Alcott)
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She begins to question her relationship with her sister as well as her dream to be an artist when her illustrations for Little Women are received poorly by reviewers. This inspires May to embark on a quest to discover her own true identity: as an artist and a woman.
Starting with art lessons in Boston and moving on to Rome, London, and Paris, this brave, talented, and determined woman forges a life on her own terms, making her so much more than merely “The Other Alcott.”
The Other Alcott is a distinctive and enjoyable read which will include samples of May Alcott’s original (and panned!) illustrations for Little Women. Here’s just a few of the early artistic efforts from May Alcott, who eventually landed two paintings in the Paris Salon.
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A Conversation with Elise Hooper, Author of The Other Alcott
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About the author
Although a New Englander by birth (and at heart), Elise Hooper lives with her husband and two young daughters in Seattle, where she teaches history and literature. The Other Alcott is her first novel.
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The Other Alcott on Amazon
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Reviews of The Other Alcott
“Hooper is especially good at depicting the complicated blend of devotion and jealousy so common among siblings… a lively, entertaining read.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Elise Hooper’s debut novel, The Other Alcott, is a delightful, moving book about the strength of women, the impetus of creativity and the indelible bond between sisters. If you loved Little Women (or even if you didn’t), this engaging take on the real-life relationship between the Alcott sisters will fascinate and inspire. More than ever, we need books like this – in celebration of a woman overlooked by history, one whose story helps shed light on our own contemporary search for love, identity and meaning.” — Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The House Girl
“With its globetrotting, sibling rivalry, old-fashioned courtship, art world intrigue and one very difficult choice, Elise Hooper’s thoroughly modern debut gives a fresh take on one of literature’s most beloved families. To read this book is to understand why the women behind Little Women continue to cast a long shadow our imaginations and dreams. Hooper is a writer to watch!” — Elisabeth Egan, author of A Window Opens
“In The Other Alcott, Elise Hooper has crafted a sweeping and deeply personal tale of a young woman’s struggle to emerge out of her famous sister’s shadow and define herself as an artist and an independent adventurer. You will never look at Little Women or the Alcott family the same way again.” — Laurie Lico Albanese, author of Stolen Beauty
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I am looking forward to obtaining a copy of The Other Alcott. I am sure it will capture my imagination & heart.
It’s a unique look at May (who we know better as “Amy”). Enjoy!