An Old-Fashioned Girl

First published in 1869, “An Old-Fashioned Girl” is the charming novel of a young country girl learning to navigate sophisticated city-life by celebrated American author Louisa May Alcott. Appearing a year after the publication of her most famous work, “Little Women”, Alcott’s “An Old-Fashioned Girl” centers around the contrast between the title character, the country girl Polly Milton, and her wealthy friend from the city, Fanny Shaw. Polly goes to visit the Shaw family for the first time at age 14 and is shocked by their fancy clothes, urban lifestyle, and questionable morals. They, in turn, are amused by Polly’s simple dress and seemingly strange behavior. Before long however, the Shaw family is won over by her warmth, kindness, and wholesome values. Polly continues her visits for many years and is able to help Fanny, her brother Tom, and the rest of the Shaw family to become better people and to recognize what truly matters in life. “An Old-Fashioned Girl” is a warm-hearted and satisfying novel featuring interesting and sympathetic characters that readers both young and old will enjoy getting to know. This edition includes a biographical afterword.