L.M. Montgomery’s opening paragraph for Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorites in all of literature:
Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with alders and ladies’ eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place; it was reputed to be an intricate, headlong brook in its earlier course through those woods, with dark secrets of pool and cascade; but by the time it reached Lynde’s Hollow it was a quiet, well-conducted little stream, for not even a brook could run past Mrs. Rachel Lynde’s door withot due regard for decency and decorum; it probably was concious that Mrs. Rachel was sitting at her window, keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up, and that if she noticed anything odd or out of place she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherefores thereof. (Montgomery, 1998, p. 1)
Montgomery’s wit remains the same throughout the novel. Her descriptions of Avonlea allow a reader’s mind to drift to another time and place. Mrs Rachel Lynde could easily become a character that is absorbed into the scenery. Instead, she takes an important role in Anne’s life as she develops into a young lady. Her relationship with Anne is one of my favorites in the novel.
Anne is adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a couple that is well into their 60’s. They’ve not ever raised a child. Marilla decides she would like to take on the child rearing aspect for Anne. Matthew is a more quiet character with strong opinions and a tender heart towards Anne. Marilla takes Matthew’s opinions into account at times. She mostly disciplines Anne on her own.
L.M. Montgomery’s description of Anne:
A child of about eleven, garbed in a very short, very tight, very ugly dress of yellowish gray wincey. She wore a faded brown sailor hat and beneath the hat, extending down her back, were two braids of very thick, decidedly red hair. Her face was small, white and thin, also much freckled; her mouth was large and so were her eyes, that looked green in some lights and moods and gray in others. (Montgomery, 1998, p. 11)
Many readers will relate to Anne as she faces her own struggles such as a fiery temper and not thinking too much before she acts. Anne uses positivity to keep fighting in a world that in some ways has been tough for her. Anne tells Marilla “It’s been my experience that you can near always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” (Montgomery, 1998, p. 37) The quote sets the tone for chapter five. Anne discloses her difficult past to Marilla.
I love the way Marilla grows to love Anne. Marilla’s tenacity is shown throughout each chapter. She doesn’t believe she’s strong enough to raise Anne well. Marilla comes to know her own self.
Anne of Green Gables is a series of 8 books for children, yet loved by all ages around the world. Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908. Avonlea is a fictional town set in the real location of Prince Edward Island. Click here to read more about Prince Edward Island and to view a map.
Anne of Green Gables series is perfect for reading on your own or together as a family in the cozy fall and winter seasons.
I’m reading the box set. Purchase the set here.
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