The other March sisters

Queer authors Epstein (Repairing the World), Malinenko (This Appearing House), and Parker (In the Shadow Garden) sparkle in this delightful feminist retelling of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. By taking the focus away from Alcott's heroine, Jo, to tell the story from the alternating perspectives of Meg, Beth, and Amy, the authors offer new depth to the characters. Meg resents being pushed into marriage but finds satisfaction by creating a garden filled with healing plants that help women, while Amy resents being expected to marry a rich man. Neighbor boy Laurie is bisexual in this version, and Beth is smitten by a young woman who visits the house. Amy's romance with Laurie has depths unseen in the original, making it clear that they marry for love instead of money, and before Beth succumbs to scarlet fever, she comes alive with her own wants and needs. Jo, meanwhile, is away living in New York City. Not only do the authors pull off their updates to the source text, they manage to stay true to the characters in a way that will please even the most die-hard Alcott fans. This is a treat. Agent: Rena Rossner, Deborah Harriss Literary. (Mar.)