Anne of Green Gables

[cornerofmadness]

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When I was the age this is targeted at, I wasn't into reading this sort of thing so for decades, I can honestly say that I thought nothing much about Anne other than seeing friends in plays based on the story. I got this version from the home on Prince Edward Island where they sell it with Montgomery's signature stamped in. Figured it was a cute souvenir but now, reading it, I'm surprised at how much I actually liked it. I was also surprised at how contemporary it feels (carriages and gender roles aside and that bit of time period not surprising bit of anti-Italian hate from Marilla)

Basic plot, Matthew and Marilla, unmarried siblings, are getting older and less able to work on their farm so they want to adopt a boy to help. They're sent Anne by mistake and if Marilla had had her way, she would have been instantly sent back. Matthew has taken a shine to the chatterbox Anne and she stays. Naturally the siblings come to love her and can't imagine life without her.

It takes place over three years from 12 to 15 when she was expected to go to work or school. Anne is an expert in getting into trouble but everyone ends up loving her and it doesn't really cause any lasting harm. In a way, Anne is a bit of a Mary Sue in that respect.

Anne bonds to the girl next door, Diane, and ends up in a competitive relationship with Gilbert, the boy who once teased her about her red hair. Anne cane hold a grudge like no one else. in Avonlea, Anne blossoms and goes from a weak student to one of the best in class. It was fun to watch her grow. Would I read the rest of the series? Maybe.



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Comments

[lucy_roman]

This is one of my favourite books. I got the whole series out of the library to read except they didn't have Rilla of Ingleside, my friend lent it to me and boy, was I envious that she had the complete set of books. So I do think you would enjoy the others.