General Info
Series: none (standalone)
Genre: YA historical fiction, retelling
Release Date: Available now in paperback
Synopsis
A reimagining of Little Women set in 1942, when the United States is suddenly embroiled in the second World War, this story, told from each March sister’s point of view, is one of grief, love, and self-discovery.
In the fall of 1942, the United States is still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. While the US starts sending troops to the front, the March family of Concord, Massachusetts grieves their own enormous loss: the death of their daughter, Beth.
Under the strain of their grief, Beth’s remaining sisters fracture, each going their own way with Jo nursing her wounds and building planes in Connecticut, Meg holding down the home front with Marmee, and Amy living a secret life as a Red Cross volunteer in London–the same city where one Mr. Theodore Laurence is stationed as an army pilot.
Each March sister’s point of view is written by a separate author, three in prose and Beth’s in verse, still holding the family together from beyond the grave. Woven together, these threads tell a story of finding one’s way in a world undergoing catastrophic change.
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Also available as an audiobook. Hear sample.
Autographed copies are available through One More Page.
Praise for Great or Nothing
“Great or Nothing is the kind of book that makes you want to light the fire and fill the teapot, because you won’t be going anywhere for a while. A reimagined Little Women set in the turmoil of World War II, each March sister copes with the death of their beloved Beth in their own way. Poignant, clever, and heartfelt, this story pulls at the complicated tapestry that is family, and finds certain bonds are unbreakable.”— Stacey Lee, NYT bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick, The Downstairs Girl
“In Great or Nothing, a sisterhood of gifted authors lets us see WWII through the eyes of the magnificent March sisters, lovingly reimagined in the time, filled with hopes, hurts, and, ultimately, forgiveness and unforeseen futures. Fans of Little Women–and of WWII narratives–will devour this inventive and touching exploration of possibilities for the world’s most beloved siblings.” —L.M. Elliott, author of Under a War-torn Sky and Hamilton
“A must-read for Louisa May Alcott fans and anyone who believes in the power of sisterhood.” — Booklist
“Readers will feel unique connections to each sister and their motivations, heartbreaks and joys. This is a compelling and tender historical coming-of-age novel with wide appeal.” — BookPage
“Haunting verse lines give Beth a memorable presence… this modernization that gives these much-loved sisters new energy and a satisfying sense of agency.” — Publishers’ Weekly