Louisa May Alcotts life as a Civil War nurse marked an important period in her life.
Alcotts story, penned by Samantha Seiple in the biography Louisa on the Front Lines, was shared by Maxine Perkins at Mondays Iola Sorosis Club meeting.
Alcott kept a journal during the Civil War, Perkins noted, describing the stench, supply shortages, the lack of respect doctors showed nurses and the horror of trying to care for young men whose bodies were mangled beyond repair.
Alcott was particularly close to John Suhre, a soldier wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He seldom spoke, uttered no complaints and asked no sympathy, but observed what went on about him, Perkins said.
Alcott, who greatly admired and sought to emulate Suhres qualities, wrote about the dying soldier in Hospital Sketches. Readers and critics were moved to tears from her story, calling it unforgettable, Perkins said.
Alcott went on to write Little Women, drawing upon her early experiences. She stuck to the facts, but changed the time, place and names. Alcott was Jo, while other main characters, Meg, Amy and Beth, were based on her sisters. She softened the grim reality of her familys poverty, and focused on their affection and love for one another, Perkins said.
The book became an instant bestseller, and has never been out of print.
Ardith Harris and Pam Hart were co-hostesses for the meeting, which included brunch. Vice President Donna Grigsby led the meeting. Each member told their summer plans.
The next Sorosis meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Mary Ann Magnusons home.
