Good Morning Everyone! Hope you guys are having a great week so far. Sophia Rose is back on the blog today. She has a review of a classic and if you follow the instruction and rafflecopter below she also has a great giveaway for you! Enjoy!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Benjamin Lefebvre, J. Courtney Sullivan Series: Anne of Green Gables #1
Published by Penguin Classics on March 1st 2018
Genres: Fiction, Childrens
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Rating:
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The beloved coming-of-age tale of a spunky heroine named Anne "with an E," now for the first time in Penguin Classics and packaged in a Deluxe edition. L. M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to a pair of siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help work on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Yet Anne's quirky personality and good-natured spirit causes the siblings to grow to love her anyway, and soon the entire town falls for the precocious little girl with bright red hair. Cherished by both children and adults, Anne of Green Gables is a celebration of fierce individualism, and the families we create, rather than the ones we are born into. This Deluxe edition is enhanced with a foreword by bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan, and an introduction and suggestions for further reading by Benjamin Lefebvre, as well as reviews and a selection of early writing by L. M. Montgomery about the process of writing Anne.
Decades later and I still count Anne of Green Gables as one of my favorite all-time books. As a young girl, it was likely one of the three most influential books I read. Over and over. I delighted in the later TV film adaption, but still gravitated to the sparkling, light-filled prose of the print copy on my shelf. I have carried around that copy over thousands of miles and years.
I was all agasp when I was offered the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition knowing that 2018 marks the 110 year anniversary of the book’s release and 75 years since the gifted author’s death. The book’s whimsical cover and end papers made me sigh with happiness to see and touch them. I’m a sucker for the rougher cut style cream colored pages. And it was fascinating reading the author biography, forward, introduction, and later the discussion of how Montgomery came to write in the author’s own words.
But the piece de resistance was the ageless story about a little red-headed orphan girl brought by mistake into the colorless, lonely lives of older siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, of P.E.I.’s Green Gables farm.
“Matthew, much to his own surprise, was enjoying himself. Like most quiet folks he liked talkative people when they were willing to do the talking themselves and did not expect him to keep up his end of it.”
“You’re not eating anything,” said Marilla sharply, eying her as if it were a serious shortcoming. Anne sighed. I can’t. I’m in the depths of despair. Can you eat when you are in the depths of despair?”
I’ve never been in the depths of despair, so I can’t say,” responded Marilla.
Weren’t you? Well, did you ever try to IMAGINE you were in the depths of despair?”
No, I didn’t.”
Then I don’t think you can understand what it’s like. It’s very uncomfortable a feeling indeed.”
Anne with an ‘e’ makes her odd and endearing way into the hearts of many including readers because of her sincere, honest, but many times disastrous ways. Bosom friend Diana. Long bitter school rival Gilbert (at least on Anne’s part, wink). Mentor in teacher, Miss Stacy. Nosey, managing neighbor, Rachel Lynde. And oh so many more connections in the little village of Avonlea and beyond.
“Gilbert told Charlie Sloan that you were the smartest girl in school, right in front of Josie.”
“He did?”
“He told Charlie being smart was better than being good looking.”
“I should have known he meant to insult me.”
“Miss Barry was a kindred spirit after all,” Anne confided to Marilla, “You wouldn’t think so to look at her, but she is. . . Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”
There are no flashes of swashbuckling danger or passion in this story, but there are universal themes of childhood, family, friendship, dreams, mistakes, and growing up from a child and adult perspective with which young and old, male or female can connect. The book still brings me to laugh, cry, and sigh throughout. I’ve been quoting Anne-isms now for years like ‘tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it’ or ‘I’m having a Jonah day’ or ‘bosom friends’ or ‘we’re kindred spirits’ or ‘I’m in the depths of dispair’. So many.
“My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes.”
“I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.”
Picking up this new edition with its classic tale was sheer joy. I meandered down to the Lake of Shining Waters and gasped at the beauty of the White Way of Delight, and sighed over the loveliness of October, and girlhood fancies and dreams. I was impacted by the uplift I got from reading of a more innocent time and place, but with real people going about their normal lives.
Whether you are a newbie or a long-time Anne lover, I can definitely recommend picking it up and losing yourself in the pages.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY
I have a treat today for US residents. Penguin Classics is offering up one print copy of the book to one of our US readers. Fill in the Rafflecopter for your opportunity to win.
- U.S. residents 13 years of age or older (if you are underage have an adult enter on your behalf)
- Must reply within 48 hours to collect your prize
Have you read or watched a film adaption of Anne of Green Gables? Do you have a favorite Anne-ism or favorite scene?
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
I’m so ashamed I haven’t read this yet, I really need to add it to my TBR pile, I know I would love it too. Great review Sophia!
No shame. It’s a classic so it will keep until you have the time. 🙂
Thank you, kindlemom1!
Anne is a Daydreamer.
She makes life so exciting!
She sprinkles Magic everywhere!
Like Anne, I adore Nature 🌷
I love Greens 💚
Sophia I wish to get this Book plxxxx, so I joined the giveaway.
Yay! Love what you say about Anne, Hamna. Best of luck on the giveaway. 🙂
I love this series and devoured them over and over as a child.
The stories are just priceless. I need to re-read the rest of the series.
I’m with Ali. I have not read any of these books to my utter shame. 🙁 I have this very copy, though. I bought it for my daughter for her to enjoy.
Ah, that is so neat that you have the book with your daughter. Maybe you can read it together. I know I adored it when my mom read with me. And no shame, lady. 🙂 We all still have a pile of the good ones to get around to. LOL
AWW!! I just loved reading your thoughts on this great classic Sophia. I have admired this book so well and I adored the movies, so well done, Anne is exactly how you picture her in the book. What I have loved about this book, is the characters. They are so easy to relate to and so personable and so real. Its probably why its one of those book I think that every person needs to read. It gives the reader (no matter the age) a unique experience that you can’t find in any other book.
Hey, fellow Anne fan! She and the rest of the cast are most definitely relate-able. I catch myself seeing a little of all those girls, yes even Josie Pye. LOL
I have never actually read these but I should
Oh, you really should. 🙂 Anne’s a bit monologue-y in book one, but she also gets into some fun troubles while she grows up. 🙂
I loved this book growing up and I still love it! The shows are great but there’s just something special about the book.
That is exactly how I feel about the adaptions. They are good, but there’s still something special about the original words.
I feel like this is something that I should have read by now. I did pick up a copy of the audiobook this week so maybe I can finally tackle this book.
It takes a bit to adjust to the writing, but its an adorable story. Hope you like it, Carole.
Oh yes, I snagged that freebie, too. Couldn’t believe it when I saw it after I just finished this one. 🙂
I’ve never read this but it sounds like such a classic and just a great story. I’ve seen a lot of people say this was a big influence on them. And I love the sound of the family aspect, and the fact that it’s so quotable. I may have to read this one of these days!
Yes, I could have kept pulling quotes, but I made myself stop. It’s one of those books that just sticks with you and you remember little things long afterward. Hope you get the chance sometime, Greg.
I didn’t know about these and even if I don’t read a lot of middle grade books but it looks really good!
This is great that I get to introduce you to it, Melliane. 🙂
There’s a film adaptation? My! I can’t believe I missed this one. And look at those wonderful cover!!!
Several. You can take your pick. My favorite is the one done by the CDC back in the ’80s. It is a fun cover. 🙂
OMG how exciting to be offered the special edition! I love Anne of Green Gables as well 😀
I was on Cloud Nine, Sarah. It had such an adorable cover, but it was still the lovely story I remembered. 🙂
Great review! I seriously need to re-read this book as well. It sounds so enjoyable even now. I saw that Netflix had a remake of some sort but hadn’t watched it. Maybe I’ll give it a shot 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
Shane @ Itching for Books
Oh yes, it’s a cutie! I saw that adaption on Netflix, but haven’t watched it yet. Hope you get the chance at a re-read soon, Shane!
Can you believe I’ve never read this? *gasp* The publisher sent me a copy as well after my confession. I’ll be reading it after I get back from Thanksgiving vacation. Glad to see your 5 stars, Sophia Rose!
Oh neat! Hope you end up liking it, Rachel.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I haven’t read the book yet, but I confess I’d love to, especially since me and my sister used to watch the Anime adaptation and we both loved it! 😀
It is so adorable, Silvia and several LOL moments. Hope you get the chance. 🙂
I adored this series when I was a kid. The cover on this edition is gorgeous too!
Oh neat! A fellow fan. I agree, Suzanne. It’s a fun cover. Love the little Anne-ism quotes they slip in on it.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve even thought about Anne of Green Gables, but this brings back so many good memories!
How lovely, Nicole. It really is that kind of story to bring up the good things. 🙂
Ahh, too bad the giveaway is for US residents only. I’m 27 and still haven’t read AoGG. A shame isn’t it? But it’s happening sooner or later… I won’t miss out on it that’s for sure. I hope I’ll love it as much as I loved To Kill a Mockingbird when I finally picked it up.
Nice review, Sophia Rose as always 😉
Ah, bummer, that you can’t enter for it, Ronnie.
But yes, its an ageless story so it can delight anyone. It’s a gentle style of writing. Hope you like it when you get the chance.
Thanks! 🙂
I have seen the film adaption of Anne of Green Gables, loved it all.
I’ve only seen the old Kevin Sullivan adaption, but it was just wonderful, Shirley. I hope to see the newer ones at some point.
“Have you read or watched a film adaption of Anne of Green Gables? Do you have a favorite Anne-ism or favorite scene?” I have seen glimpses of the Canadian TV version!
Howdy, John!
I’ve only watched the Kevin Sullivan version and parts of an older black and white. One of these days I’ll get to the more recent adaptions. I loved the CBC Sullivan version and could watch it once a year at least. 🙂
A favorite? No. Several favorites? Absolutely. I just said this morning that I ‘was having a Jonah day’ because things weren’t going exactly well. LOL
I have to say, I never read Anne of Green Gables. My nan was responsible for encouraging me to read older books and this was never on her recommended reading list. I know it’s many people’s favourite from childhood so I do feel I should read it, maybe it’ll be one I discover a little later, especially with some significant anniversaries coming up for this one.
Oh neat that your nan had you reading the older books. There are so many, for sure. It is an ageless sort of story so you could definitely appreciate it as an adult reader.
Yes, hard to believe its coming up on 110 years. 🙂
Wow, 110 years. I had no idea it has been that long. This is one of my favourite childhood classics as well. Anne is a girl who really was ahead of her time wasn’t she, so spunky, much moxie. That anniversary edition is gorgeous, must grab a copy! I have a few copies already of this one and it’ll be one I pass onto my children as well to read. Really enjoyed the stroll down memory lane. Good luck to those in the US who are entering and great review Sophia, thanks for sharing it with us Lily <3
I know, it blows the mind how long its been around, Kelly.
Neat to encounter another Anne fan! I have two older copies, but this was a cute edition, too. I still want to acquire the 100 year anniversary edition. Hope you enjoy it if you get it.
Thanks, lady!
I don’t recall ever reading this one but I’m sure I must have. Ergs! I did pick it up on audio recently 🙂 Wow what an anniversary! That’s pretty amazing it’s still so widely known and loved.