This book was written in 1866, but was considered "too sensational," so Alcott put it away and wrote Little Women instead. A Long Fatal Love Chase didn't reach the public readership until 1995.It's interesting to consider that the same woman who wrote Little Women also wrote this book. A Long Fatal Love Chase is a Gothic novel with classic Gothic elements -- an oppressed woman; a tyrannical man; old, drafty buildings; supernatural undertows; and hidden past secrets. Although the story wasn't as layered or ambitious as Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, I couldn't help but wonder what affect this novel would have had on the literary landscape if it had been published in 1866. It likely would have been considered a cornerstone of feminist literature, much like Jane Eyre, and rightfully so. Rosamond is a strong-willed and independent woman who finds her own footing in an oppressive society as she struggles to escape her relationship with a controlling wealthy man. Readers don't experience Rosamond's interior thoughts as deeply as they experienced those of Jane Eyre, but we certainly get a clear perspective on what kind of woman she is.Although it's tempting to compare A Long Fatal Love Chase to other Gothic novels, it should also be weighed against its own merit. The novel is hard to put down. It's compulsively readable from the beginning and so many of the chapters end with cliffhangers that you feel like you've been pulled into a literary soap opera.A great read for anyone who loves Gothic fiction; early feminist literature; mid-19th century literature; or just good books in general. My Thoughts...Ms. Alcott is best known for her novel "Little Women," even though she wrote other stories as well. I chanced upon this audio book at a Library Sale a year or two ago. I decided to listen to it this week-end. It was an interesting book, quite different from "Little Women," and "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys." It is a great contrast for anyone who has read those books.It was a different Louisa May Alcott book, but interesting in that it was written over 100 years ago, and I am awarding it 3***Favorite Quote from the book...."Wild roses are fairest, and nature a better gardener than art."
Do You like book A Long Fatal Love Chase, Vol. 2 (1995)?
I have long been a fan of Ms. Alcott. I enjoyed this book very much.
—K10
So different! Not at all what I was expecting, but pleasantly so.
—laurenrjhughes
had me hooked from the very first sentence!!! loving it
—chels
