In many ways I consider this an excellent novel. I believe it grows less effective in Part 2 which is told from Marmee's point of view. I question whether the sex scenes with Grace were necessary or were added to enhance sales. Many will read this as an authentic account of Bronson Alcott's life in which there was no hint of scandal. One of the benefits of reading the book was that it led me back to reread "Little Women" and Henry David Thoreau's "Walden."