Publishers Weekly
08/22/2022
Miller (Caroline: Little House, Revisited) offers another tepid retelling of an American classic, this time from the perspective of Little Women mother Margaret “Marmee” March. Marmee writes in her diary on Christmas Eve in 1861 of how she wishes to give her daughters treats but has no money from her husband Amos, who has been gone four months as an army chaplain. Marmee misses him dearly, though she has her hands full doing charity work and stretching his paychecks to keep their home in Concord, Mass. What follows hews closely to Alcott’s original as Marmee describes their lives in the community and how she and the girls come to the aid of the starving Hummel family. Their neighbors, the generous Mr. Laurence and his grandson, nicknamed Laurie, are unexpected delights to their days, but other entries are weighed by the war news, the spiteful Aunt March, and thoughts about her stillborn child. Marmee feels guilt, too, over her temper, adding to her worries over their financial straits that keep Jo and Meg working instead of at school (just how this happened is revealed near the end). Though overlong and light on new angles to the old story, Miller convincingly captures Marmee’s world and offers a bit of insight on the character. Die-hard Little Women fans might find this intriguing. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
In this dazzling portrait of a woman who has long been lingering in the pages of Little Women, Margaret March comes to vivid life in Marmee. With an authentic and inviting voice, Sarah Miller brings Marmee into our hearts and lives. Here we see the other side of the story, here we meet a woman who must make impossible choices with people she loves fully. Marmee carries her own secrets and sharp edges in a story that will sweep you away and leave you wishing for more.” — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea
“Enthralling … In Miller’s admirable hands, Marmee is heart-warming, sometimes heart-rending, but never cloying. Fans of Little Women will love this book almost as much; those who do not care for Alcott’s novel may find in Marmee a far more emotionally complex and satisfying portrait of family love and generosity in a politically realistic setting.” — Historical Novels Review
"Finally one of literature’s most beloved mothers gets her moment to shine. Through careful research and charming prose, Sarah Miller’s devotion to Little Women is apparent on every page of this heartwarming novel. Readers may come to Marmee out of nostalgia, but they’ll discover a timely and inspiring novel about a resilient and strong-willed woman navigating a turbulent era to create a better world for her daughters." — Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific and The Other Alcott
“A master of historical fiction, Miller forges Caroline Ingalls into a formidable, complex pioneer woman, and adult fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series will delight in this portrayal of ‘Ma.’ Beguiling, pulse-pounding historical fiction.” — Kirkus Reviews on Caroline
“Peeling back the layers of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series allows Miller to reveal the real Caroline Ingalls, Wilder’s mother. Not to be missed by Wilder’s grown-up fans or those who enjoy historical fiction about the settling of the American West in the late 1800s.” — Library Journal on Caroline
“Through assured prose, Miller puts us in those conversations, showing us the fear and uncertainty behind Wilder’s implacable, unflappable ‘Ma,’ but also her strength and devotion to her husband and children... this is a stunning novel. Miller’s research is impeccable and her writing exquisite.” — Historical Novels Review, Editors’ Choice on Caroline
“I was entertained, transported, and inspired by Sarah Miller’s Caroline. Each passage was written with so much care and love, I now can’t imagine reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series without a copy of Caroline close at hand.” — New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray
“Readers who grew up cherishing the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder will find much to savor in Caroline...Full of lyrical descriptions of the wild beauty of the Kansas countryside, Caroline is a well-researched and thoughtful look at the inner life of one of America’s most famous frontier women.” — BookPage
“Comforting, inspiring and beautifully written, Caroline is a precious addition to the story of the Ingalls family but stands on its own as a testament to the spirit, grit and courage that built America.” — Mary Jane Clark
“Now, Miller draws her [Caroline Ingalls] onto center stage, gifting readers with a beautiful portrait of a remarkable, true pioneer. This is a beautiful tribute to a mother and a family who followed their dreams and a tale that is as uplifting and real as the original Little House books.” — RT Book Reviews on Caroline
Historical Novels Review
Through assured prose, Miller puts us in those conversations, showing us the fear and uncertainty behind Wilder’s implacable, unflappable ‘Ma,’ but also her strength and devotion to her husband and children... this is a stunning novel. Miller’s research is impeccable and her writing exquisite.
BookPage
Readers who grew up cherishing the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder will find much to savor in Caroline...Full of lyrical descriptions of the wild beauty of the Kansas countryside, Caroline is a well-researched and thoughtful look at the inner life of one of America’s most famous frontier women.
Mary Jane Clark
Comforting, inspiring and beautifully written, Caroline is a precious addition to the story of the Ingalls family but stands on its own as a testament to the spirit, grit and courage that built America.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray
I was entertained, transported, and inspired by Sarah Miller’s Caroline. Each passage was written with so much care and love, I now can’t imagine reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series without a copy of Caroline close at hand.
RT Book Reviews on Caroline
Now, Miller draws her [Caroline Ingalls] onto center stage, gifting readers with a beautiful portrait of a remarkable, true pioneer. This is a beautiful tribute to a mother and a family who followed their dreams and a tale that is as uplifting and real as the original Little House books.
Mary Jane Clark on Caroline
Comforting, inspiring and beautifully written, Caroline is a precious addition to the story of the Ingalls family but stands on its own as a testament to the spirit, grit and courage that built America.
BookPage on Caroline
Readers who grew up cherishing the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder will find much to savor in Caroline...Full of lyrical descriptions of the wild beauty of the Kansas countryside, Caroline is a well-researched and thoughtful look at the inner life of one of America’s most famous frontier women.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
I was entertained, transported, and inspired by Sarah Miller’s CAROLINE. Each passage was written with so much care and love, I now can’t imagine reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series without a copy of CAROLINE close at hand.
Library Journal
09/01/2022
Miller (Caroline: Little House, Revisited) returns with another successful retelling of a beloved American classic. Her novel tells the story of Margaret "Marmee" March (the mother of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy) as she navigates life and motherhood in the wake of the American Civil War. The novel is written in diary form, which allows for a more intimate look into the mind of this charitable family matriarch who turns out to be more than meets the eye. Miller's timeline and plot stay faithful to Alcott's original, and readers can expect many of the same characters. Where this adaptation shines is in its consideration of historical context and the political climate of the late 19th century. Miller's thorough research and attention to detail create a setting that is both immersive and enlightening. The end result has a level of realism and honesty worthy of an Alcott retelling. VERDICT Miller's adaptation is as gut-wrenching and heart-warming as its inspiration. It's sure to please readers who grew up on Little Women and are now parents themselves.—Cate Triola
