AS a preface is the only place where an author can with propriety explain a purpose or apologize for shortcomings, I venture to avail myself of the privilege to make a statement for the benefit of my readers. As the first part of "An Old-Fashioned Girl" was written in 1869, the demand for a sequel, in beseeching little letters that made refusal impossible, rendered it necessary to carry my heroine boldly forward some six or seven years into the future. The domestic nature of the story makes this audacious proceeding ...
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AS a preface is the only place where an author can with propriety explain a purpose or apologize for shortcomings, I venture to avail myself of the privilege to make a statement for the benefit of my readers. As the first part of "An Old-Fashioned Girl" was written in 1869, the demand for a sequel, in beseeching little letters that made refusal impossible, rendered it necessary to carry my heroine boldly forward some six or seven years into the future. The domestic nature of the story makes this audacious proceeding possible; while the lively fancies of my young readers will supply all deficiencies, and overlook all discrepancies. This explanation will, I trust, relieve those well-regulated minds, who cannot conceive of such literary lawlessness, from the bewilderment which they suffered when the same experiment was tried in a former book. The "Old-Fashioned Girl" is not intended as a perfect model, but as a possible improvement upon [Page] the Girl of the Period, who seems sorrowfully ignorant or ashamed of the good old fashions which make woman truly beautiful and honored, and, through her, render home what it should be, -a happy place, where parents and children, brothers and sisters, learn to love and know and help one another. If the history of Polly's girlish experiences suggests a hint or insinuates a lesson, I shall feel that, in spite of many obstacles, I have not entirely neglected my duty toward the little men and women, for whom it is an honor and a pleasure to write, since in them I have always found my kindest patrons, gentlest critics, warmest friends.
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This is one of those books you just can keep coming back to, enjoying it just as much as you did the first time. I love this book, as it just gives you joy and happiness each time you read it. Of course, Polly is a bit to good, but even she has her flaws. The characters are fascinating, and you really love them as you read through the book. This book is still just as engaging and charming as ever, and it really gives you a sense of how the heart can change. If you like a happy ending to your books, read this one! Though it is quite far from action packed thrillers, it really is full of truth. Though there have been rumors of L.M Alcott preferring to right novels of a more tragic air, I really think that her heart was in these books, such as Little Women and An Old-Fashioned girl. Good for teenage girls in particular, though I'm sure others enjoy it just as much.
hnc5795wcnu
Apr 11, 2007
A timeless story of the value of old-fashioned morals such as kindness, meekness, and charity all woven into a great tale!
patty11g
Apr 4, 2007
Old Fashioned Girl
Once again Louisa gets to the heart of what living life is all about. She dives deep into the soul of her characters, birthing mirror images of the readers in our present day world. Old Fashioned Girl is a reminder of what life is all about.