Review: Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables
by L. M. Montgomery
Children's Classics
Amazon  /  Goodreads

Plot Summary:

As soon as Anne Shirley arrived at the snug, white farmhouse called Green Gables, she knew she wanted to stay forever... but would the Cuthberts send her back to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected -- a skinny girl with decidedly red hair and a temper to match. If only she could convince them to let her stay, she'd try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes or blurt out the very first thing she had to say. Anne was not like anybody else, everyone at Green Gables agreed; she was special -- a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreamed of the day when she could call herself Anne of Green Gables.

Review:

Although this is definitely a book I should have read when I was younger, I feel like this was also a great book to read for the first time as an adult.  Because Anne's character is so bright and full of life, and that's something I wouldn't have appreciated as much when I was younger when I wouldn't have recognized how important it is to have that zest.  It's sort of remarkable how much Anne's character fills up the narrative.  It's glorious really to immerse yourself in this story and feel like you are in Avonlea with the beautiful scenery and these characters that feel so real and familiar.  This was a beautiful story, with so many poignant, funny and heart-warming moments.

The book is made up of a series of events in Anne's life as she's growing older.  It seems like she does grow up so fast too - I felt just as affected by it as Marilla.  It's powerful writing when such a seeming simple story can be so moving.  The setting is such a strong character in itself too.  Anne's descriptions and her enthusiasm for Avonlea makes the place come alive.  As does the author's way of painting a character's portrait in well chosen words that show off particular character traits.  While the story is a simple coming of age tale, it's the brightness of the setting and the characters that sets off the imagination and really makes you fall in love with the story.  I'm so glad I finally read this book!