I'm four days late! And again I apologise. I simply haven't been in a good enough mood with sleepless nights and aches and pains, to actually get down to typing out a decent blog post. But, I'm in the mood now, and have time and the inclination…so here goes! 
The final chapters of Little Women take us through a trying time in the lives of these four sisters. They're young and their good resolutions to hold the fort while they're mother is away attending to their sick father, soon go down the drain. Only Beth keeps holding on to all the promises she makes her mother, and as a result falls prey to the scarlet fever. I was really quite annoyed with Meg and Jo for not really looking out for the younger ones, and for their negligence as each ones was so involved in herself. I found myself trying to urge them to actually look at Beth and get up and help the Hummels! But then, a wee bit of introspection had me wondering if I wouldn't have been just like them in a situation like this where everything seems to be under control and going smoothly.
Amy has her trials too…quite different from those of her sisters'. And while I still found her selfish, I began to thaw toward her at the point she began writing her will. I can't say I still like her. But perhaps one does understand her a little. I know I can applaud her for making an effort to think of others besides herself.
My favourite part was the whole proposal of Brook's to Meg. I am disappointed, though, that Aunt March could not approve of this match. I kept hoping she would secretly rejoice in the part she plays in their union. But sadly, no such luck…and just as I was beginning to think her a grouchy old dear!
I enjoyed the scene of reunion between March and his family, and the little things he notices about his girls in the few hours he has seen them. Do men usually notice the little things? (tongue in cheek here. 
)
*spoiler alert for those who don't know what happens in the second part of Little Women, also known as Good Wives*
On reading the constant interactions between Jo and Laurie, is still cannot help but bemoan what Alcott did to them. Surely they were perfect for each other. Theirs would have been a very, well, lively household. I was complaining to mum about it, like we usually do to each other, and mom said something that made me think it the perfect term….how J K Rowling pulled a 'Louisa May Alcott' in her Potter series.
*end of spoiler*
Anyway, this marks the end of this read-along. If you have been reading with me, how did you find the last few chapters? Does the end satisfy you? What do you think of Jo's reaction to Meg's getting married? How about the whole incident with Beth's illness? Do you think it helped mould the girls a little more? How do you feel about the over all experience of this novel? Would you read it again?
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