While Alcott's early writing doesn't show any of the promise fulfilled by "Little Women," it does provide a charming little story for those interested in her work.

Italian orphan Edith is taken in by Lady Hamilton to be a companion for her daughter. The family treats the girl well, but this is resented by a cousin, who plays the villain in the story. Edith learns a secret that benefits her greatly, while possibly harming her adopted family, and resolves to do the right thing to the end, even if her reputation may be wounded in the process.

Edith is a character who out-goods Austen's Fanny Price. She says and does precisely the honorable thing at all times, and earns the admiration of her friends and potential suitor despite her low social class. While she does go through a conflict, it does not change her character in any way beyond making her the recipient of the titular inheritance. Truly, no other character, except possibly the villain cousin, really changes or grows as a character. They love Edith, then misunderstand her, then are corrected and love her even more.

We cannot judge Alcott as a writer by this novel, as it was written before her talent was fully developed. But from this, we can see her imagination and good understanding of a story's structure. The tale flows well and swiftly, imparting a charming story, though trite by today's standards. ( )

This book was written was Alcott was a teenager. It shows when compared to such literary classics as Alcott’s own Little Women or Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, I found this tale to be enjoyable with a little twist. ( )

I had been searching for this book for a long time. My mom just happened upon a very nice copy at our local Goodwill store. I read the book in a day and am completely satisfied. Alcott always has such a way of making me fall in love with her characters and making my heart twist with despair at their despair. Her main character in The Inheritance, Edith, has qualities that I myself wish I had. The story has many examples of sacrifice and such devotion, that are very touching. This is a book worthy of a place on my shelf for years to come and one I can't wait to share with my own children someday. ( )

Though Little Women is by far the best known novel by Louisa May Alcott, The Inheritance is quite certainly my favorite of them all. The main character is sweet and unassuming even in the face of unfounded accusations. It is a simple and sweet story, one to enjoy for quite some time. ( )

The Inheritance is the kind of book that teenage girls write and that teenage girls like to read - all because it's the sort of improbable romance that teenage girls like to fantasize about. It isn't great literature by any stretch, but it is certainly an entertaining read for what it is, and it offers a lovely glimpse into the development of a great writer. It's also always nice to know that though teenage girls have changed a lot since Alcott was one of them, they haven't changed in some essentials. ( )