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Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Original Publisher: L.C. Page & Co.
Original Publication Date: 1909
Pages: 421 (Vintage Classics Edition)
Why, look at that cover! The artist has captured the natural essence of Anne's deep connection with Avonlea (the gorgeous landscape), Anne's ridiculous encounter with a jersey cow (the cow), and Anne's infatuation with literature (the book placed next to her). So much symbolism in one cover!
'Anne of Avonlea' is the second edition of L.M. Montgomery's fantastic and addictive book series. Anne Shirley is now 16 years of age and teaches at the local Avonlea school, simultaneously completing her studies in correspondence and being a secretary for the 'Avonlea Village Improvement Society'. Throughout the book, we meet new characters such as 'An Irate Neighbour', a pair of twins Marilla had adopted, and a new favourite pupil of Anne's named Paul Irving. Marilla Cuthbert, Diana Barry, and Gilbert Blythe return as supporting characters once again.
I took pleasure in reading this book because the main themes are love, individuality and decisions. Firstly, love is reflected upon because there is a rekindling of a romance between old lovers. Love also takes place when the twins are adopted -- Marilla and Anne now have young hearts to fulfill. Secondly, individuality is cogitated in 'Anne of Avonlea' through the meeting of one of the new characters, Miss Lavendar. Everybody in Avonlea thought of Miss Lavendar as a queer old lady, but when Anne and Diana met her there was a beautiful maiden concealed within her facade. Thirdly, decisions took place in this book through Anne's thoughts. It may not seem of it, but the whole plot represented Anne's risky decision of going to university and leaving Marilla alone with the twins.
'Anne of Avonlea' was a bit humdrum in a sense that nothing really happened in this book. As beautiful as this story is, not many opportunities ceased to affect Anne's character. But I shall remember all book series have at least one sequel that lacks an effective plot.
For the remainder of this book review, I will answer a questionnaire I found on Tumblr that accompanies this book very well. It may have more to do with my personal experiences.
Compared to the first book, how did you like Anne of Avonlea? Compared to the rest of the series (if you’ve read it)?
I perceived it as a 'feel-good' book. Nothing very tumultuous happened in 'Anne of Avonlea' compared to its predecessor, which I thought lacked empathy.
Anne begins teaching at age 16. When you were sixteen, would you have been able to handle a class of unruly pupils of all ages?
When I'm sixteen, I'd only be able to teach pupils also sixteen or younger. If I were in Anne's position, I'd induce a concussion from all the stress!
How do you feel about Davy and Dora? Love Davy? Love Dora? (Personally I’m like Anne: “Marilla, it may be a dreadful thing to say, but honestly, I like Davy better than Dora, for all she’s so good.”
Davy's character had more depth. I prefer rambunctious Davy over angelic Dora. It means that Anne could reform him and explore the interior of his disposition.
What about the other new characters? (Mr. & Mrs. Harrison, Paul Irving and his father, Lavender Lewis
and Charlotta the Fourth, also Fred because for some reason he was only introduced in this book)
Paul Irving was such a darling in this book. I never wanted him to grow up as in 'Anne's House of Dreams'. I could relate to Miss Lavendar by her peculiar reputation and her splendid imagination.
Speaking of Fred, how do you feel about Fred and Diana?
DIANA AND FRED! HAHA! Pardon, my colloquialism. It's strange to see Fred appear out of the unexpected. It makes me feel as if Fred's only goal in life were to marry Diana Barry.
Did you whisper, “It’s okay, Gilbert baby, you only have to wait six more years?” every time Gil showed up? Because I did.
Oh, poor Gilbert! I have to admit that I did. However, it was more: "ANNE, CAN YOU NOT?"
What did you think about Mr. Irving and Lavender’s romance? I thought it was the most romantic thing ever (coming together after years of separation), so maybe I’m like Anne in that respect.
Yes! It was oh, so romantic! Nevertheless, I wanted answers to why they fought. Did one of them need more time to understand themselves? Did either of them need to manage their career needs?
Speaking of romance: favorite Anne/Gilbert scene? Other than the ending, I mean. They didn’t have enough, it seemed.
EVERY MOMENT. Anne could just look at him and I'd swoon.
Do you think Anne grew up a lot in this book? Were you grown up at ages 16/17/18?
Anne could conquer the world at the ages of 16-18! Anne's age was considered "grown-up" because there wasn't much to study back then. When I reach the ages of 16-18, I'd be completing my NCEA levels and trying to enter university.
Finally, THAT ENDING. Best foreshadowing ever? Best depiction of romance ever? Best passage ever? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
Oh, my Gilbert. It was tragical but amorous. I wanted more, but the best stories end with an ethereal conclusion.
This closes my 'Anne of Avonlea' book review! The Tumblr discussion questions were written by the user avonleavignettes. I've written this review out of sincerity and I hope you've enjoyed reading this lengthy review!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
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