Behind a Mask. Or, A Womans Power

Originally published in 1866 under the pseudonym A. M.

• Barnard.
• Louisa May Alcotts novel of romance and sexual intrigue is one of her lesser-known gems.

Behind a Mask, or A Woman Power is a controversial novella; its tone and characterizations strike a markedly different chord from her best-known works, such as Little Women and Little Men. The plot of the novella is focused upon Jean Muir, who works as a governess for one of the rich families of Coventry to their sixteen-year-old daughter.

• She employs intrigues and manipulation to gain success in the society, starting from the family she works for.
• But is the beguiling Miss Muir all that she seems to be?
• Alcott beautifully delivers a sick and twisted tale of a woman and her arts.
• She put a completely new spin on Victorian literature, which could only be accomplished in American.