I love a Victorian novel with snark. ( )

I feel somewhat hypocritical as I wield my stars, since I docked Little Women a star for being very 19th century, and here is a 1908 story of a girl who chooses a fairly conventional path. But there's something about Anne Shirley... I find myself quoting her when something goes awry: "I never make the same mistake twice." I think it's very wise to pack all your mistakes into your youth when everyone around you is filled with indulgence and forgiveness :) ( )

Anne is a memorable heroine who has aged well. Her sincere desire to do good is never saccharine because it is so thoroughly balanced by her impulsivity and liveliness; she pulls off that most difficult feat of being a good example and entertaining at the same time. The novel is not just her story, but also that of the elderly bachelor brother and spinster sister whose declining years she graces. Marilla’s attempts, in particular, to mold Anne’s characters are repeatedly defeated by Anne’s molding of Marilla! While the reading level is perhaps a bit challenging for today’s upper elementary and middle school students, it’s a great read for adults of all ages and a fine choice for reading out loud to a child.

The annotated edition in particular is more suitable for adult fans of the novel. Some of the side notes are blindingly obvious, for instance, “It is a commonly held belief that one can distinguish between a dream and the waking state by pinching oneself,” while others are drily academic. Still, many of them added to my enjoyment of the story, especially the comparisons to Montgomery’s own life. Likewise, the appendices clarify Anne’s world for a reader from a much different one—the difference, for instance, between Queen’s and Redmond’s. For a child, I would simply get a nice boxed set of the novels (indeed, that’s exactly what I did—bought the annotated edition for myself and a boxed set of paperbacks for my niece). ( )

Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery is the first in the Avonlea series. Written in the early twentieth century, it offers a unique look at that time period in rural Canada. Anne is an orphan sent to live with a brother and sister couple, Aunt Marilla and Uncle Matthew. In this first book, we see Anne as a gawky, imaginative tomboy who has a knack for doing daring things and getting into trouble. Even though this series is close to a century old, it still feels fresh and new. The annotated version added a wealth of information to make the reader feel more connected to the work. Would have been better to have color photographs. ( )