Period book from 19th century that fans say is 'ultimate classic'

Period books, films and TV series show no sign of easing up as it is a truly beloved genre with loyal fans. With many favoured period drama novels out there, it is hard to know where to start. However, there is one book in particular that fans have described as the "ultimate classic".

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel, originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869. The book's synopsis reads: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is a coming-of-age novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - as they navigate childhood and young adulthood in 19th-century New England. Set during the American Civil War, the story explores their individual personalities, dreams, and struggles, highlighting themes of love, family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's ambitions."

One fan on Reddit has named the book as the "ultimate classic" and a great place to start if you are just getting into the period genre.

The book gets 4.17 out of five stars on Goodreads from more than two million reviews.

One fan left a glowing review of the book on Goodreads, stating: "Some books read like a lifelong friendship, each page a warm or comforting embrace as you laugh and weep along with the characters. Little Women by L.M. Alcott is an enduring and endearing classic that will nestle its way so deep into your heart that you'll wonder if the sound of turning pages has become your new heartbeat in your chest."

Another reviewer said: "I decided to re-read Little Women after watching the new film and am so glad that I did! I enjoyed this book when I first read it at 12, but truly LOVED it this time. The growth and progression of the sisters is wonderful, and the moral lessons infused in Alcott's writing make it a must-read children's classic."

The book has also been adapted into several film and TV series, with the most recent being Greta Gerwig's take, released in 2019. Its starry cast includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, James Norton and Meryl Streep among others.