A Quick Book Summary: Anne of Green Gables
By Lily | Published 3 February 2023 | Book titles and covers are affiliate links
Anne of Green Gables is a classic coming-of-age story by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The book follows the life of Anne Shirley, a freckle-faced 11-year-old orphan girl with red hair and a vivid imagination.
First published in 1908, this book has since become a beloved children's novel. Give your child a taste of the adventure that awaits them in Avonlea by sharing this book summary of Anne of Grables. If they fall in love with this book, encourage them to read the entire collection of the Anne of Green Gables series.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
The Plot of Anne of Green Gables:
The story is set in the late 1800s in the small town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The story begins with Anne mistakenly sent to Green Gables instead of the boy they had requested to help on the farm. The farm belongs to middle-aged siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert and at first, Marilla is hesitant to keep Anne. But her brother Matthew takes a liking to her, and they ultimately decide to adopt her.
From the moment Anne steps off the train at the Avonlea train station, her life at Green Gables farm is filled with adventure and misadventures, as she tries to fit into her new surroundings and make friends. She meets Diana Barry, who becomes her bosom friend, and Mrs. Rachel Lynde, the town gossip.
Anne's first day of school at the Avonlea School is a disaster, as she accidentally insults her teacher, Mr. Phillips, and gets into trouble with her classmates. However, she soon makes an impression on the new teacher, Miss Stacy, and becomes one of the smartest students in her class. Anne also has a fierce rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, a young boy in her class, who calls her "Carrots" because of her red hair. This rivalry continues throughout their teenage years.
As the story progresses, Anne's life takes many twists and turns. She earns an Avery scholarship to attend Queen's Academy, where she excels in her studies. She then goes on to attend Redmond College, where she meets new friends and experiences new adventures. Anne eventually becomes a teacher at the Avonlea School, where she has a trial period before being offered a permanent teaching position.
Throughout the book, Anne's imaginary playmates and vivid imagination lead her into trouble, but she learns important lessons about life and love. She also learns about the social expectations of her time and tries to mold herself into what society expects of her.
The “Kindred Spirits” of Anne of Green Gables:
Anne Shirley: Anne is the main character and the protagonist of the book. Despite her difficult past as an orphan, Anne’s positive attitude and determination to succeed endear her to almost everyone she meets. Her red hair and freckles are a defining characteristic of her appearance, but it is her intelligence, wit, and kindness that makes her unforgettable. She has a strong sense of right and wrong and is always eager to learn new things due to her unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Matthew Cuthbert: Matthew is the shy and reserved brother of Marilla. He is a kind-hearted man who takes an immediate liking to Anne. Matthew is quiet and reserved but has a deep love for Anne and his family. He is initially hesitant to take in Anne but quickly becomes her staunch supporter.
Marilla Cuthbert: Marilla is the practical and no-nonsense sister of Matthew. She is a strict and practical woman who initially hesitates to keep Anne and is not comfortable with displays of emotion or affection. However, Marilla grows to love Anne fiercely and learns to express her feelings more openly as she becomes more attached to Anne.
Diana Barry: Diana is Anne's best friend and kindred spirit. She is sweet-natured and loyal, and her friendship with Anne is one of the most enduring and important relationships in the book.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde: Mrs. Lynde is the town gossip and busybody. She is quick to judge and often has a sharp tongue, but she ultimately means well and is a loyal friend to Marilla and Matthew.
Gilbert Blythe: Gilbert is Anne’s classmate and rival. Their relationship starts off on shaky ground when Gilbert teases Anne about her red hair, but over the years they become good friends and eventually fall in love.
Miss Stacy: Miss Stacy is Anne's beloved teacher at the Avonlea School who encourages and inspires her to pursue her dreams of higher education. She is a progressive and forward-thinking educator who challenges her students to think critically and creatively.
Key Themes of Anne of Green Gables:
The book explores many themes, including the importance of family, the power of imagination, the struggle to fit in, and the challenges of growing up.
One of the key themes of Anne of Green Gables is the importance of imagination and creativity. Anne’s vivid imagination and love of storytelling are what make her such a memorable character, and her ability to see the beauty and wonder in the world around her is what helps her to overcome the many challenges she faces.
Another important theme is the power of friendship and the idea of kindred spirits, which refers to the deep connection that two people can share despite their differences. Anne’s close relationships with Diana, Miss Stacy, and others help her to feel supported and loved as she navigates the ups and downs of growing up. Her friendships also serve as a source of strength and inspiration as she pursues her dreams.
The book also explores the idea of social expectations and the pressure to conform. Anne struggles with fitting in and meeting the expectations of others but ultimately learns to embrace her individuality and be true to herself.
Another theme is the importance of education, which is a recurring motif throughout the story.
Why Kids Will Love Anne of Green Gables:
Anne of Green Gables is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Children will identify with Anne’s struggles and triumphs as she navigates the challenges of growing up. They will be drawn in by her vivid imagination and larger-than-life personality and will root for her as she pursues her dreams.
The book is also filled with humor and heartwarming moments that will resonate with young readers. From Anne’s misadventures with Raspberry cordial to her battles of wits with Gilbert Blythe, there is plenty of excitement and entertainment to keep kids engaged. Children will also enjoy the book's themes of friendship, family, and growing up, which are relevant to their own lives.
Fun Facts about the Book and L.M. Montgomery:
The character of Anne Shirley was inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences growing up on Prince Edward Island. Montgomery was also an orphan and had a vivid imagination.
L. M. Montgomery based the fictional town of Avonlea on her own hometown of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
L.M. Montgomery originally submitted the manuscript for Anne of Green Gables under a pseudonym, but it was eventually published under her own name.
Anne of Green Gables is the first book in a series of eight, which follows Anne’s life from childhood to adulthood. Other books in the Anne of Green Gables series include Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, and Anne of Windy Poplars.
The book has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, and has been translated into over 30 languages.
Montgomery also wrote many other books, including short story collections and novels for adults.
Montgomery's writing has been compared to that of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. Like them, her stories often feature strong female characters who overcome adversity and find their place in the world.
Montgomery was also a teacher, and many of the experiences she had in the classroom are reflected in Anne’s life as a student and teacher.
Conclusion
Anne of Green Gables is a classic children’s novel that has captivated readers for over a century. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless themes and relatable characters that make the story so compelling.
Children will love Anne’s indomitable spirit and imaginative nature and will be inspired by her determination to overcome adversity and pursue her dreams. With its themes of friendship, individuality, and the power of imagination, Anne of Green Gables is a must-read for children of all ages. This is a good book for parents to read with their children, as it will spark important conversations about life, love, and the power of imagination.