Anne of Green Gables, #1

DRAMA, CLASSIC

"She'll have to go back."

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert had decided to adopt an orphan. They wanted a nice sturdy boy to help Matthew with the farm chores. The orphanage sent a girl instead - a mischievous, talkative redhead who the Cuthberts thought would be no use at all. But as soon as Anne arrived at the snug, white farmhouse called Green Gables, she knew she wanted to stay forever.

And the longer Anne stayed, the harder it was for anyone to imagine Green Gables without her.

“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

I finally finished this book. It's easy to get into but not one to fly through, plus I've been in a reading slump this month.

Anne is a funny child - she's positive and hopeful and...talkative. It's impossible not to like her. As an adult reading this I understand Marilla because the child definitely was willful and up to getting into accidental mischief, although the beginning where they didn't want her because she was a 'useful boy' was just a shame of the times. I'm glad she was around to bring so much joy around to Avonlea, Marilla, Matthew and neighbors. When she amused them with her stories, she amused me at the same time.

Each chapter is divided into an incident or event, which worked well for this type of the story. Montgomery's writing style is a delight, especially considering how old the book is. I can see why this classic has lasted through the ages. Through the afterword I found out how much it meant in particular countries for their hope after the war. Inspiring stuff.

I can see why readers fall in love with Gilbert - I did myself (Carrots! Carrots!)

This book works so well because it takes an unconventional girl filled with hope and wonder in the world, a girl who loves Octobers, nature, beauty, kindred spirits and friends. One loyal and ambitious and full of daydreams. I think this calls to something in all of us, a type of hopeful wonder that the world is always beautiful despite whatever wrenches are thrown in the way. This isn't the say Anne doesn't have a funny, frightful temper or that she doesn't hit with woes when warranted - actually she feels the intensity of lows as much as highs, making her a dramatic sort. This only makes her more endearing.

I think the best part was the feelings she invoked in the practical and still Marilla and the shy and simple Matthew. A beautiful bonding of family tale.

I haven't seen any movie or show adaptations of this one yet, but I somehow think the real beauty of the book can only come to life as its fullest in the written form.