Mini-series in planning for popular coming of age drama novel

One of the most loved books in the English language is being turned into a mini-series.

Loiusa May Alcott’s book Little Women, it has been announced, will be turned into a three-part adaptation by PBS’s Masterpiece and the BBC, reports Hollywood Reporter.

While casting is yet to be announced, Heidi Thomas from Call the Midwife will write the piece and photography will begin in July. “Little Women is one of the most loved novels in the English language, and with good reason,” Heidi Thomas said in a statement. “Its humanity, humor and tenderness never date, and as a study of love, grief and growing up it has no equal. There could be no better time to revisit the story of a family striving for happiness in an uncertain world, and I am thrilled to be bringing the March girls to a new generation of viewers.”

Colin Callender from Playground who is producing the project said “This is a character study of young women rich in texture and detail, and it’s an honor to be able to bring it to life in this extended form with the great Heidi Thomas, one of the finest writers working in television today. In the hands of the exciting directorial style of filmmaker Vanessa Caswill, we hope to deliver a new screen version that will speak to contemporary audiences, meet the expectations of the book’s ardent fans and bring a whole new generation to this great classic.”

The 1868 book has already been made into several movies and television adaptations. Elizabeth Taylor starred in the 1949 movie, with the 1994 version starring Winony Ryder, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes. Meredith Baxter and Eve Plumb were in a 1979 miniseries.

What book would you love to see turned into a mini-series?