Prince Edward Island is a province in eastern Canada. Situated in the gulf of the St. Lawrence Seaway, it is in that part of Canada known as the Maritime Provinces. Since it is completely surrounded by water, Prince Edward Island is somewhat isolated geographically and culturally. Graced with abundant natural beauty, the province is home to one of the most famous series of books ever written by a Canadian. This renowned author is Lucy Maud Montgomery. The beloved character in this series is Anne Shirley. However, she is better known worldwide as Anne of Green Gables.
An orphan stands at the train station in the Bright River station, eight miles from Avonlea. She is a skinny, red-headed, freckled girl. Attired in a nondescript dress, this plain-looking child is waiting for her new family.
An old bachelor, Matthew Cuthbert is coming to fetch an orphan home to the village of Avonlea. He lives on a small farm named Green Gables with his spinster sister, Marilla. Matthew needs a young boy to help him on the farm, and looks forward to seeing the young man at the station. Matthew is a man of few words, and is especially uncomfortable around children, particularly girls.
When he gets to Bright River, the station master introduces him to his new ward, Anne Shirley. He had asked for a boy, not a girl. The station master leaves and Mr. Cuthbert is faced with a decision. Should he take Anne home, or return her to the orphanage?
She is so small and helpless-looking that he decides to take her home to Green Gables. Matthew knows that his loving but sharp-tongued sister will oppose Anne staying. As his ponderous mind works on this problem, Anne asks him many questions about flowers, plants and trees during the ride. Matthew starts to enjoy Anne’s chattering, friendly personality. She tell him about her imagination. He slowly tries to think about this imaginary world as Anne prattles on. Soon they are back in Avonlea. As he drives the horses up to Green Gables, he sees Marilla. She never encouraged Matthew to adopt a boy, and with a stunned manner looks at Anne. She tells Matthew that Anne cannot stay. Anne is crushed by this rejection, and Matthew tries to think of what must be done to convince his sister to adopt Anne.
What plan does Matthew develop to keep Anne? How does imagination play into this decision? Can a lonely little girl bring warmth into the hearts of two middle-aged people? What about Anne makes her so attractive? Does her imagination ever get her into trouble? How does the commonsense of Marilla and the genuine goodness of Matthew cement their bonds? Why have readers worldwide found Anne of Green Gables to be one of the most attractive personalities in children’s literature? To find out, go to the library and check out “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
“Anne of Green Gables” launched a famous literary career for Lucy Montgomery. In many ways, Montgomery resembled Anne. Her mother had died when she was young, and she was raised by her grandparents. She was lonely as a child and escaped into a world of imagination. She became a teacher and later a writer. The pluck and honesty of Anne Shirley has endeared her to generations of readers. The conversations in the novel are funny and refreshing. I hope you go to the library and check out this delightful book. It gave me a pleasant day of reading, and I think you will like it as well. Enjoy!
