Warning, originally the intended audience were young girls, please keep in mind that Anne of Green Gables was also a book that was published in 1908, and because of that, I wouldn't exactly recommend it as a bedtime story. Basically, this book should come with a warning informing readers that a lot of the 'lessons' are out dated and should be taken with a grain of salt.
To put it in simple terms and keep this review short and sweet, this book was one huge warning against the seven deadly sins and a reminder to young girls that their imaginations get in the way of their duties and that their education should come secondary to taking care of the household (though this particular point can be argued). Let's not forget the blatant racism and treatment of children as a commodity that presided in the first few chapters, or the fact that Montgomery was a proud anti-feminist/women's suffrage.
That being said, feminist and religious views aside, I will say that for the most part, I genuinely enjoyed the book. No, that might not be correct, what I enjoyed were the characters in the book.
I enjoyed, Marilla Cuthbert and her slow to thaw heart, who (possibly through no fault of her own but through the fault of her own upbringing) the readers were able to see blossom from a cold-hearted old maid to a loving mother figure and grieving sibling. I enjoyed Matthew Cuthbert and his bashful nature and shy personality, his ability to raise Anne's spirits and give her the love that she deserved after years of being mistreated. I enjoyed younger Anne, and her ability to get lost in her imaginings and fiery temper that matched the colour of her hair. I enjoyed older Anne, and her ability to make me mourn the loss of her former self as well as my own childhood. I enjoyed Diana Barry and her willingness to learn how to use her imagination after so many years of scarce use. I even enjoyed Grandmother Barry and her enjoyment of 'That Anne-Girl', and let's not forget Gilbert, and his consistent desire to smooth things over with an offended Anne, and selfless act of giving up his job so that Anne had a way to provide for Marilla in her old age.
So, were there parts of the book that I didn't like? Absolutely. However, there were also so many other aspects of the book that I enjoyed. What's not to love about a Canadian classic?
Read the book for yourself, form your own opinions, and tell me what you think.
-make some tea, grab a blanket, and keep warm & read.
