Anne of Green Gables

 L.M. Montgomery

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Classic + Middle Grade

Initial Impression
I actually owned Anne of Green Gables for quite a while before finally picking it up, and honestly, I wasn’t even sure what it was about. I think I have most of the series in physical form, so I’m hoping this one will be good enough to keep me going. There’s something comforting about finally diving into a classic you’ve had on your shelf forever, even if it’s a bit intimidating.

Summary
The story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative, fiery orphan who’s mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a reserved brother and sister hoping to adopt a boy to help on their Prince Edward Island farm. Anne’s imagination and endless energy make her not an easy child to deal with. Her guardians find themselves off guard more than once, listening to her or dealing with her. The little girl turns the daily routine into something a little more magical.

Right from the start, Anne finds herself in some pretty memorable scrapes. Still, underneath all the chaos, her sharp wit and fierce passion slowly win over the people of Avonlea. The village’s quiet, old-fashioned routine begins to sparkle a bit more with Anne’s energy, as she somehow manages to turn ordinary days into something unexpectedly lively, while building friendships that feel sincere and lasting.

As the story moves along, Anne runs into the typical bumps of growing up—school struggles, the sting of heartbreak, and trying to make sense of how her big dreams fit into the world she lives in. Her relationship with Gilbert is especially interesting; it starts off as rivalry but gradually softens into something sweeter, mirroring Anne’s own shift from a reckless, headstrong girl into a somewhat more grounded young woman. Even when things get complicated, her endless optimism and deep affection for Green Gables keep her steady, though the road isn’t always a smooth one.

Characters
The story shines with vivid characterization that breathes life into every page. Each character is distinct and layered, from Anne’s fiery imagination to Marilla’s tough but tender heart. This rich tapestry of personalities creates a warm, relatable world that captures the joys and struggles of growing up.

Anne Shirley: The fiery, imaginative redhead who turns every moment into an epic tale.

Marilla Cuthbert: The stern but caring guardian who slowly learns to soften her heart.

Matthew Cuthbert: Gentle, shy, and the silent rock of kindness who adores Anne like a son.

Gilbert Blythe: Anne’s rival-turned-sweetheart, clever and a bit cheeky.

Diana Barry: Anne’s bosom best friend, loyal and sweet, the perfect partner in crime.

Rachel Lynde: The town’s nosy but well-meaning gossip with a sharp tongue.

Writing Style
L.M. Montgomery’s writing is rich and vivid without feeling excessive. She describes Prince Edward Island with such fond detail that you can nearly smell the flowers and hear the leaves rustling. The tone moves seamlessly from playful humor—especially when Anne’s imagination allows itself to run riot—to moments that tug at your heartstrings. Montgomery shows us that she understands what it means to be young, restless, full of hope, and clumsy. The style can feel somewhat dated on occasion, but that just adds to the appeal.

Setting and Atmosphere
The story is set in the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward Island, Canada, with its rolling green fields, colorful gardens, and small villages providing a visual backdrop ripe with natural beauty. Avonlea, the small farming community where Anne is raised has a warm, comforting, and cozy feel, with a strong communal tradition and simplicity. This peaceful, rural setting not only provides the scenery but is woven into the lives, values, and gentle pace of the coming-of-age story of Anne.

The atmosphere is warm, nostalgic, and has the innocence of childhood wonder. It envelops readers with nostalgia for a simpler time where friendships form, mistakes and accidents result in possibilities, and every day is a new chance for adventure, ultimately leading to possibilities and discovery. The story balances between ordinary, light, ironic, joyful, and quiet contemplations—Anne of Green Gables is cozy and also alive with the restless vitality of youth.

Overall Impression
I really enjoyed Anne of Green Gables and found it to be a charming, heartfelt story overall, but I have to admit I was torn between giving it 3.5 or 4 stars. Anne’s character is such a whirlwind—sometimes her fiery, talkative nature felt a bit much and even irritating, but at other moments, her wit and imagination genuinely made me laugh out loud. That mix kept me engaged, even if it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Although the tale of an orphan girl discovering her purpose in life is not new, Anne's distinct personality undoubtedly added a special touch.

That said, while Anne is undeniably lovable, I found her strength a bit uneven compared to other iconic orphans in literature like Heidi or Sarah from A Little Princess. Those characters often felt more consistently resilient or inspiring in their struggles, whereas Anne’s highs and lows made her feel more human but sometimes less formidable. Still, the warmth of the setting and the relationships she builds make the journey worthwhile, and it’s easy to see why this book has captivated readers for generations.

Key Themes

• Imagination
• Identity
• Belonging
• Friendship
• Growth
• Resilience
• Home
• Nature
• Optimism
• Acceptance
• Change
• Coming-of-age