ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is a beloved coming-of-age novel published in 1908, set in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada, in the early 1900s.

The story begins when elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt a boy from an orphanage to help with farm work at their home, Green Gables. However, due to a miscommunication, they receive 11-year-old Anne Shirley instead - a spirited, red-haired, freckled girl with an vivid imagination and a gift for dramatic storytelling.

Initially disappointed, the practical Marilla considers sending Anne back, but the shy Matthew is immediately charmed by the talkative, enthusiastic girl. Anne's infectious personality and desperate desire for a home and family gradually win over Marilla as well, and they decide to keep her.

Anne brings both chaos and joy to the quiet Cuthbert household. Her adventures include accidentally dyeing her despised red hair green, breaking her slate over the head of her academic rival Gilbert Blythe (who teased her about her "carrots"), getting her best friend Diana Barry drunk on what she thought was raspberry cordial (but was actually wine), and various other mishaps caused by her impulsive nature and romantic imagination.

Despite her mistakes, Anne excels academically and dreams of attending college. She develops deep friendships, particularly with Diana Barry, and eventually reconciles with Gilbert Blythe, who becomes her academic competitor and later, romantic interest. Anne's relationship with the stern but loving Marilla deepens, and she finds the belonging she's always craved.

The novel culminates with Anne winning a scholarship to attend Queen's Academy to become a teacher. However, when Matthew dies suddenly of a heart attack and Marilla begins to lose her sight, Anne sacrifices her dreams of college to stay home and help save Green Gables, teaching at the local school instead.

The story explores themes of belonging, the power of imagination, the importance of friendship and family, personal growth, and finding beauty in everyday life. Anne's transformation from an unwanted orphan to a beloved daughter and community member, while maintaining her spirited individuality, forms the heart of this enduring classic.

The novel was hugely successful and spawned numerous sequels following Anne through her teaching years, marriage to Gilbert, and motherhood, making it one of Canada's most famous literary exports.