The story follows Rose Campbell, a young orphan who is sent to live with her six aunts and two uncles, the "eight cousins" of the title. Rose is a shy and timid girl, but with the help of her aunts and uncles, she begins to come out of her shell and learn to be independent. Rose's aunts and uncles are determined to give her a proper education, and they hire a governess to teach her. Rose also meets her seven male cousins, who are all very different from each other. She quickly forms a bond with them, and they help her to become more confident and independent. Rose's aunts and uncles also introduce her to a variety of activities, such as sailing, horseback riding, and dancing. Through these activities, Rose learns to be more confident and independent. The novel follows Rose as she grows and matures, and learns to make her own decisions. Along the way, she also learns to appreciate the importance of family and friendship.
By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1875 · Genre: Children's Fiction, Romance, Family Drama · 25 chapters