Anne of Green Gables (Chartwell Classics)

In 1985 when I stumbled upon Kevin Sullivan's wonderful production of "Anne of Green Gables" with Megan Follows as Anne, Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla, and Richard Farnsworth as Mathew, it was my introduction to the Lucy Maud Montgomery's red-headed orphan. Like millions of others, I fell in love with the production and then proceeded to read this novel, the other seven books in the Anne Series, and then "The Chronicles of Avonlea," "The Story Girl," the "Jane of Lantern Hill" books, and every other thing written by Montgomery that I could get my hands on (and this was before all of those paperback collections of Montgomery's short stories were published).In 1904 Montgomery had written down an idea for a story in her notebook: "Elderly couple apply to orphan asylum for a boy. By mistake a girl is sent them." In what must be heartening for many would be authors, Montgomery's manuscript for "Anne of Green Gables" was rejected repeated by publishers before it was finally accepted. The book was a bestseller from the moment it was published in June 1908 (I have a 19th impression printed in September 1910), although a critic in "The New York Times" complained that, "there is no real difference between the girl at the end of the story and the one at the beginning of it." Readers of the book would quite happy with that fact, because the reason we love this story is not that the talkative, red-haired orphan girl with her big green-grey eyes changes during the story, but that Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert, the elderly sister and brother who wanted to adopt a boy and got a girl instead, have changed profoundly.Mark Twain described Anne Shirley as "The dearest and most moving and delightful child since the immortal Alice," and nobody has been able to top that statement. Supposedly Montgomery's description of her famous literary creation was based on a photography of Evelyn Nesbit, the notorious American beauty who was the mistress whose husband, Harry K. Thaw, shot and killed her love, Stanford White, in the first scandalous murder trial of the 20th century. I suppose there is something archetypal about stories about orphans, that allows young readers to identify with such characters and explains why generations of children have responded to such stories. But what sets Montgomery's creation apart is her ability to provide of laughter and tears, what with her vivid imagination and her great desire to be loved. You laugh over Anne's over wrought apology to Mrs. Rachel Lynde and how her introduction to Gilbert Blythe ends with her breaking a slate over his head. But then there are the wonderfully touching scenes when Marilla apologizes for refusing to believe Anne about her broach, when Mathew goes to town to get Anne a dress with puffed sleeves, and when the Reaper whose name is Death comes to visit Green Gables. There are just so many wonderful moments in this novel, which is the best in the series. When you read the rest of the books in the series, this is the one you will keep coming back to again and again to read once more your favorite parts (I just did).I have two daughters and despite my best intentions I have never been able to persuade them to read "Anne of Green Gables." But given how long it took me to get around to them they still have at least a decade to beat me to the punch in relative terms, and I have the Sullivan productions on DVD so that I can use the same hook that worked so well one me. Once they do I am sure they will be just as captivated by all of the others who love the Anne-Girl and who have traveled to Prince Edward Island to see all of the sites that Montgomery translated into the world of Anne Shirley.My favorite memory is when we went to "Green Gables." You go in through the front door and follow the way around the first floor and then up the stairs to the second floor. As I was at the bottom of those stairs the young woman watching the door had momentarily stopped the line entering the site. In this case that person who had to wait was a young Japanese girl, who looked to be about eight years old, and who was shivering in delight at the fact that she was standing on the threshold of Anne Shirley's Green Gables. That is how beloved Lucy Maud Montgomery's creation is almost a century after she was first set down on paper.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryFirst book in the Anne of Green Gables series5 starsMatthew and Marilla Cuthbert were hoping that the boy from the orphanage would be a big help around Green Gables, but they are in for a big surprise when Matthew finds Anne Shirley. A red-headed girl with a pension for speaking in flowery prose, dreaming big, and talking whenever she feels like it. Matthew is taken aback because he isn’t comfortable around the opposite sex and Marilla is a strict and stern woman who adheres to rules and reason. Anne slowly melts their hearts and finds her home in Green Gables all the while causing trouble, making friends, and experiencing new adventures. I remember when I first started listening to this audiobook. I wasn’t expecting much or exactly sure what to expect for the story of Anne of Green Gables. I had seen it mentioned every now and then around the blogosphere as a childhood favorite among readers, but I had never personally heard of Anne until I was sixteen and I expected that because I’m older it would be hard to read about such a young girl. That isn’t the case. This story is transcendent. Anne is character not like any other and the interesting thing about this novel is that it is told in third person and there is broad cast of characters to give outlook onto Anne.The writing in this novel is beautiful. The way Montgomery writes is carefree, light, and fun. She makes Green Gables feel real and the characters feel like real people that I could’ve had tea with. I loved the time hops that were involved in the pacing. It paved Anne’s story out nicely and didn’t go through continuous everyday things.Whimsical Writing Scale: 5The main female character of this novel is Anne. Anne is an enduring character. She has a lot of deep thoughts for girl who is such a “kindred spirit”. I truly adore her narration and feel that she is a character that is just easy to instantly love. If I knew Anne personally she would probably be one of my favorite people because there is never a dull moment with her around. Anne is also a bit a trouble maker, but not intentional. She’s always getting into shenanigans in the oddest little ways, but I think that’s what makes Anne so much fun. She is a kid, but also she has the heart of a growing young adult and it can get Anne caught up in situations that she wouldn’t have expected to be in. Anne as a young adult is also one of my favorite things because it’s so amazing to see the metamorphosis from gangly, awkward girl with knobby knees and a loud mouth who takes no BS to a woman who fights for her goals and aspirations with confidence.Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 5The main male character is Gilbert. Gilbert and Anne do not get off to a good start. In fact, she absolutely hates him while it’s obvious that Gilbert has a crush on her. It’s just so cute. As they grow older and experience life’s hardships, their interaction becomes difference and once they reached a truce and become friends my heart soared and I was ready to plan a wedding. Seriously, I just adore the development of this relationship and it brings a smile to my face.Swoon Worthy Scale: 5The Family Dynamic- Marilla and Matthew have a good sibling bond and as they begin to raise Anne, it becomes obvious who has the upper hand. Marilla is a stern woman, but she is an amazing mother figure to Anne and by the end of this novel I absolutely adored her. Matthew is awkward and clumsy at times, but he has a sweet connection with Anne and it’s obvious that she has stolen his heart. While Anne and Matthew aren’t Anne’s parents the dynamic that they bring into her life fill any holes she didn’t have growing up.Character Scale: 5The ending to this novel slowly ripped my hearts to pieces. When I listened to emotional scenes on audiobooks I become a blubbering mess. I definitely became a mess, but I also felt hopeful about where Anne’s life could go. There is no question that I’m going to continue on with this series. Mainly because I NEED to know how Anne and Gilbert get together. They are just so cute and I love them. I have since bought a box set of this series on my Kindle and will be rereading Anne of Green Gables this year because I LOVE it and want to feel happy innocent joy again.Plotastic Scale: 5Cover Thoughts: My cover of Anne doesn’t do justice, but I love the simplicity of it. I’m also planning to buy pretty editions for my book shelves because I need them in my life.

This story is a captivating read. I am sorry I had not read it years ago. Anne’s tenacity and spirit was so refreshing. It should be required reading for all young girls.

Absolutely loved this book. I've watched the movie numerous times throughout the years, since my childhood. Now, here in my mid-forties and it dawned on me that I'd never taken the time to sit and read the novel. I'm so elated that I did. The story was just as good! The character of Anne, along with everyone else came to life, as I could picture where in the movie things took place. If it's possible, I may be more of a fan than before.

Editorial changes were made to this book's edition. Since it was first published in the early 1900s, this book is a classic that I read when I was younger. The tale is about an 11-year-old orphan girl named Anne who was unintentionally sent to live with two middle-aged siblings who desired to adopt a son to assist them on their farm. The story follows her difficulties and experiences as she develops in a new house and neighborhood, making friends and enemies along the way and learning to use her imagination and inventiveness.As a young child, I didn't really understand the novel, but as an adult, I enjoyed it more. Many TV series and movies based on this book were developed after it was published. I'm glad I made the effort to read the book again because it contributes much more than the films do.

This book is a best book for kids my 8 year old love it ! It is every fun to read this book

Anne of Green Gables is a beautiful story of an eleven-year-old orphan girl, Anne, who is adopted by a brother-sister duo despite their apprehensions. With her constant chatter and lovable nature, Anne wins hearts at home and school.Her positivity, her zest for life, and her vivid imagination make this story a heartwarming read. Her words make you ponder life and how we live, and her thoughts on life make you want to be a better person, embracing everything that life brings to your doorstep with a smile.I wish this book was part of the curriculum for 11-year-olds. It would inspire little girls to go for their dreams.Here's a quote that will instantly make you smile, " Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive—it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it?"And, this quote about mornings is sure to make you look at mornings from a whole new angle: "Isn't it a splendid thing that there are mornings? All sorts of mornings are interesting. You don't know what's going to happen...and there's so much scope for the imagination!"I would suggest you gift this splendid book to your little daughter and watch her get lost in its pages.

Anne is a joy and the story is captivating. This is a smallish book and handy for the train journey to work or a long flight etc. The print is a bit small for tired old eyes and we opted to buy a larger version. It will suit some people and is very good quality. It's not just a book for young people.

Anne of Green Gables is such a classic story. I loved it when I was a youngster so I purchased this one for my granddaughter. I know she will love it as well!