Anne Of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery

Puffin. Review by Gemma McLaughlin

While we wait for the next season of the television adaptation of Anne Of Green Gables, “Anne With An E” I’ve decided to go back and review the book. I’ve loved every second of the new Netflix TV show and was excited to delve into the story in its original, more detailed form. I obviously went to the book with my own opinions around the plot and characters but have tried to evaluate Anne Of Green Gables in as fair a way as possible.

Going into the story I was dazzled by the beautiful descriptions of landscapes and was fascinated to see what the characters I’ve already grown to love are thinking and the motives behind their actions. Despite the old fashioned language the messages portrayed were well written and easy to understand at any time.

At the beginning of the book we are introduced first to the town of Avonlea, and then to Rachel Lynde, the local gossip and friend to Marilla Cuthbert, a strong, capable older woman with a secret soft side, and her kind, quiet brother Matthew. Matthew and Marilla have been living together for most of their adult lives and decide to adopt a boy from Nova Scocia to help them with farm chores. The siblings are shocked when the orphan they receive is a young girl by the name of Anne.

Anne has a beautiful and wild imagination, a thin gangly figure, and shocking red hair. Although she is not expected by the Cuthberts, they welcome her into their home for what they think will be a short time. Despite Anne not being a boy and being in general quite different to what they expected she finds her way into Matthew’s heart and, though it takes some time, Marilla finds herself caring deeply for Anne.

Through fascinating and heart-melting twists and turns we learn about Anne’s past and all the awful things that led her to end up at Green Gables, living with the Cuthberts. We watch Anne attend school and learn how with mystery, danger and excitement she grows to be accepted by those around her and make some wonderful friends.

The book finished just as beautifully as it started and made me feel honoured to be allowed to peek into the life of Anne and the residents of Avonlea. I was left feeling hopeful and excited to see even more of them in the other books and of course in the visually and emotionally stunning tv adaptation.

Overall, the story was moving, inspired and of course, completely timeless. I adored the plot, characters and setting with all of my heart and hope to revisit Green Gables. This book is a classic for many reasons and all of these back me up in urging you to take the time to pick up the book and join Anne in her adventures as I have.