Published: 1908
Pages: 320
Rating: 4/5 stars
Desperate for some help around their quaint Prince Edward Island farmhouse, siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt a young boy. However, a mix-up at the orphanage results in them adopting Anne Shirley, a fiery young girl who knows nothing about Marilla's strict way of life. As Marilla attempts to teach Anne proper social decorum, Anne begins to teach Marilla, and her by-the- book new town, how to live life not so seriously.
I had to read this book for my children's literature course, and I did not expect it to go well. I have a love-hate relationship with classics, and this one is a bit longer and tedious. However, I was shocked to find that I completely flew through this book, and I definitely want to read more in the series.
I found Anne to be so incredibly heartwarming. The descriptions of peaceful PEI scenery, mixed with the lovable characters, made for a very light-hearted read. I didn't find it heavy or overbearing, just overall very adorable.
The secondary characters were very enjoyable to read. Matthew was a kind soul, Diana was a very patient friend, and I enjoyed reading about Marilla's change in character. These characters really won this book over for me. However, the one thing that didn't make Anne a complete win, was the main character herself.
I found Anne to be incredibly childish, and frustratingly stubborn. Even when she grew older, she just seemed to be unnecessarily difficult. I get that this is part of her charm, and part of what makes the plot. But for me, I never really enjoy characters like that. So, she kinda irritated me as a protagonist.
But other than that, I am so happy that I loved this book. It made studying it so much easier, and I would also love to go further in the series.
Have you read Anne of Green Gables? What did you think?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
I've only ever been vaguely aware of this one, but I'm glad you enjoyed it - it's so much easier when you *like* the book you've gotta read for class/uni/whatever! :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s so funny meeting people who are not very familiar with Anne of Green Gables. Mostly because over here, this series is a Canadian staple. I have seen so many adaptations of it over the years, that it seems that Anne is everywhere lol!
DeleteI know we've talked about this a bit already, but I've always been in love with the story and the 1980s adaptation, but never could get through the book. It's interesting how Anne herself was a bit of a drawback for you - I'm curious to see if that changes as she matures in later books, and I wonder if I will have the same/similar opinions to yours when I get the chance to pick it up myself.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I never usually hate main protagonists and yet here we are! You have a good point. Maybe as she gets older I will like her more.
DeletePEI sounds so peaceful haha, and the characters sound delightful (except maybe Anne lol). I never read these but I know lots of people love 'em!
ReplyDeleteI’ve never been to PEI but it is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!
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