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Description edit
In the sequel to "Eight Cousins", Rose Campbell returns to the "Aunt Hill" after two years of travelling around the world. Suddenly, she is surrounded by male admirers, all expecting her to marry them. But before she marries, Rose is determined to establish herself as an independent woman.
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
The story begins when Rose comes back from a long trip to Europe. Everyone is well altered and as a joke, when she arrives home, she lines up her seven cousins to take a long look at them, just as they did to her when they first met. The youngest accidentally mentions that the aunts want Rose... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Characters/People edit
- Rose: the heroine of the story. She is sweet, kind, pretty, and ambitious. She is an heiress just come of age, and struggles with the many suitors she attracts by learning to judge love versus those who regard her only as 'a good match'.
- Charlie: Also known as Prince Charlie, the “flower of the family,” considered the most handsome, talented, and promising of the lot. He is the spoiled only child of Stephen and Clara – spoiled by his too-indulgent mother, with no father present to give him guidance. Charlie is looked up to by all the boys because he is particularly charming and well loved in society, nicknamed "Prince Charming" by the girls. He falls in love with, and tries to woo, Rose.
- Phebe: a sweet maid who Rose befriended in Eight Cousins. Between the events of Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom, she travels with Rose to Europe and upon arriving in the US at the beginning of the novel, begins a career as a singer. She is accomplished and beautiful, and instantly attracts the attention of several of the boys, but wins Archie's heart without effort or design.
- Steve: Younger brother of Mac. A good-natured, though rather conceited dandy, he idolizes Charlie and copies him in everything, not always to his own advantage. However, his intentions are sound, and he proves to have greater self-control and willpower than Charlie ever displays. He gets engaged to Kitty Van Tassel.
- Archie: Eldest son of Jem and Jessie. Eldest of all the cousins, of steady and thoughtful character, he is the Chief, much respected by all the boys and an “older brother” figure to Rose. He works for Uncle Mac and has begun to "settle down", some think too young.
- Uncle Alec: Rose's guardian after her father died. He holds a different view to bringing up a girl than the culture at that time, believing that too many balls, attention and admirers ruin a girl, and that wholesome food, regular exercise, a well-rounded education and keeping a pure mind are preferable to the fads of the time. He brings Rose up differently to most girls in her social set, allowing her to study and play and get plenty of exercise. He is naturally the example Rose holds all other young men to. He is Rose's confidant and advisor in almost all things, and proves his worth throughout the book.
- Mac: younger Mac's father. A successful importer, and kindred spirit with Rose and Alec. At the beginning of the book, he and Alec begin speculative match-making for Rose's hand with much humor.
- Jamie: Youngest son of Jem and Jessie; the much-loved but only slightly spoiled baby of the family. He is known for inappropriately bursting out information he overheard the aunts saying in confidence. He is also a favorite of Rose's, being the only child left of the boys.
- Mrs. Jane: The mother of Mac and Steve; she is very severe and believes in discipline, but has a good heart. Rose comes to have great respect and affection for her despite her somewhat offputting nature.
- Mrs. Jessie: The mother of Archie, Will, Geordie and Jamie. She is the "little mum" whom all the cousins love. She is like a mother to Rose and would love to have Rose for a daughter-in-law, but despite some disappointment, genuinely tries to welcome Phebe when Archie's love for her first comes to light. Aunt Jessie is the most like Uncle Alec in his modern outlook than any of the other women in the novel.
First Sentence edit
Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience which found a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the premises like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groups assembled there.
Series & Lists edit
This is book 2 of 2 in Eight Cousins. (standard series)
Preceded by Eight Cousins.
Authors & Contributors edit
- Louisa May Alcott (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Add the publisher.
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1876
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Add the publisher.
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1876
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 336
Subjects edit
- Books › Children's Books › Authors & Illustrators, A-Z › ( A ) › Alcott, Louisa May
- Books › Children's Books › People & Places › Girls & Women › Fiction
- Books › Literature & Fiction › Authors, A-Z › ( A ) › Alcott, Louisa May
- Books › Teens › Literature & Fiction › Classics
- Books › Children's Books › Literature › Classics by Age
- Books › Children's Books › Ages 9-12
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Links to Supplemental Material edit
- Project Gutenberg: Free e-book
- Librivox free audio book: Read by Maria Therese (Total running time: 8:58:29)
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