Brief Synopsis
“Anne of Green Gables” was written by L.M. Montgomery and originally published in 1908. It follows the story of Anne Shirley after she is mistakenly sent to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had been expecting a boy orphan to help them on the farm.
Content Warnings: Major Character Death
What Do I Think?
When I first began reading this book, I’ll admit that I went into it with a bit of cynicism. After all, if my previous reviews haven’t made it obvious enough, my preferred reading tends to skew in a more action-oriented direction. “Anne of Green Gables”, while many things, is not that.
And yet, as I continued to read, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this novel. For starters, the prose is simply phenomenal – Montgomery’s ability to describe Prince Edward Island and its inhabitants is superb. This is further developed by Anne’s own speaking style, which trends more toward the dramatic. While the plot is minimal (aside from one devastating story near the end), it also doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Overall, I was struck by how much this book reminds me of the modern ‘cozy’ genre that has exploded in popularity. This is a book that explores a quaint country life of a girl seeking to be more than she is, despite the struggles and hardships of her past. If you’re looking for a relaxing read that manages to stand the test of time, this is an excellent pick!
Jacob Ryckman 