Eight Cousins (The Louisa May Alcott Hidden Gems Collection)

By: Louisa May Alcott

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Synopsis: A recently orphaned girl meets her extended family—including seven rambunctious cousins—for the first time in this charming novel from Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women!Thirteen-year-old Rose Campbell never knew her mother, and the death of her father leaves her reeling and hopelessly lonely. She&’s sent to live with her maiden great aunts, the matriarchs of her father&’s wealthy Boston family who she&’s never met. The elderly women&’s quiet household suits Rose&’s mourning, but the arrival of her appointed guardian, Uncle Alec, challenges the status quo. With Alec as her guide, Rose is properly introduced to the other residents of &“Aunt-Hill,&” including Alec&’s four sisters and their sons. Having so many relations overwhelms Rose at first. Her dour Aunt Myra convinces her she has a fragile constitution while fashionable Aunt Clara turns Rose&’s head with stylish clothes. And the collective energy of male cousins ranging from age six to sixteen is more than she knows how to handle. But Uncle Alec&’s steady commitment to seeing Rose flourish helps her find her footing and grow to love her eccentric family. She even &“adopts&” Great Aunt Plenty and Peace&’s housemaid, Phebe, as her sister. Surrounded by people who love her, Rose slowly but surely goes from sickly and timid to healthy, active, and bold as she learns to keep her father&’s memory close while setting a course for a happy future.