Welcome to my book review for Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
Title: Anne of Green Gables
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Year of Publication: 1908
Number in Series: 1 of 9
Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic
Intended Audience: All Ages
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” -L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Synopsis:
Eleven-year-old Anne Shirley is not the orphan boy who the Cuthberts wanted. But she is the orphan who shows up at the Avonlea train station, and the Cuthberts are enraptured by her grandiose manner of speech and youthful spunk. Anne finally has a home among her new family on Prince Edward Island, and Anne of Green Gables follows her many escapades in a touching depiction of growing up.
Review:
After re-watching Anne With an E (the Netflix series adaptation of Anne of Green Gables) earlier this year and absolutely adoring it yet again, I decided it’s finally time to read the dang book! I’ve also heard this book compared to the Little House on the Prairie series, which I loved as a child, so it’s been on my to-read list for a long time.
It would be a crime for me to review this book without gushing over the lovable nature of our dear protagonist Anne Shirley. Her inner moral compass is steadfast, and this part of her is nurtured by those around her, making Anne a refreshingly good-hearted person. Anne’s flair for the dramatic, lofty ambitions, and vast imagination combine to form an excellent role model for readers of all ages. Time and time again, I often found myself thinking, “Wow, the world really needs more people like Anne.”
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” -L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Anne’s enthrallment with the details of her world, big or small, is beyond admirable; she sees beauty in everything and doesn’t hesitate to express her adoration in a grand speech. As lovable as this quality is, I admit that there were moments throughout the book when I was occasionally alongside the other characters who get exasperated with Anne’s long-windedness. While her verbose nature adds charm to Anne’s character, I will warn that it causes the book to drag on at times.
Anne of Green Gables carries the reader through Anne’s upbringing, with most chapters containing a new problem/shortcoming that she must overcome. In some ways, there are times when the novel almost feels more like a collection of short stories rather than a cohesive unit. When I was just past the midway point of the book, I found myself wishing for more of an overarching plot. However, by the time I reached the beautiful ending, my opinion had changed. The story that Montgomery has crafted is one of emotion rather than action, with strong themes that unfold and deepen as you read, crafting a heart-wrenching depiction of what it means to mature.
Montgomery’s beautiful prose pulls at your emotions in all the best ways. You will laugh, ache, and rejoice right alongside Anne as she finds her footing at Green Gables. You will explore the natural wonders on Prince Edward Island, enjoy Anne’s delicious academic rivalry, and fall in love with the residents of Avonlea. Even as Anne grows and changes, the spark that defines her remains constant through the gorgeously satisfying end of the novel.
NOTE: For the sake of thoroughness, I would like to mention that this book contains some outdated ideals and viewpoints, especially regarding religion and physical appearance. That being said, I feel that these depictions are non-intrusive, help to paint a more vivid picture of Avonlea, and are accurate to the period.
The most endearing aspect of Anne of Green Gables is its loveable cast of characters. Every person in Avonlea has their own vivid personality, and even when they clash it is easy to empathize with each individual’s motives. This leads to many a heartwarming friendship, the most notable being between Anne and Diana. A perfect depiction of girlhood, their connection as “bosom friends” brings the reader back to simpler days of youthful joy and all-consuming love.
Anne of Green Gables exceeded my already-high expectations set by its Netflix adaptation, and in many ways made me appreciate the TV show even more. I look forward to continuing the book series in the near future, and when I read all of the books I plan to write a full review/comparison of Anne of Green Gables and Anne With an E.
Recommendation & Rating:
Overall, Anne of Green Gables is a wondrous, romantical experience of a novel. Though it has its slower moments, every word builds up an ode to the world as told through the life of one sprightly girl. I would strongly recommend this novel to those looking for a feel-good slice of life that unveils the beauty of the human experience.
“Dear old world’, she murmured, ‘you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.” -L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
My Rating: ★★★★★ 5 stars
Thank you for reading my Anne of Green Gables review. To read more of my book reviews, check out my Book Reviews page.
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