Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anne finally goes to Redmond College to earn herself a B A degree, and she has a lovely four-year spell. She’s back with her old school chums, Stella and Priscilla and she makes a new friend in the unusual yet charming Phillipa Gordon. They get themselves a little dream house during the final three years of college, enjoy a lovely comradie, fall in love and/or get proposed to, and generally do a lot of growing up.
I enjoyed reading this book as much as I did the previous one and the one before that. Perhaps, I liked the new characters in this book better than the new ones introduced in Anne of Avonlea – at least, they were definitely more down-to-earth! I did get a bit frustrated with Anne’s silly notions of romance that proved a hindrance to so many things. But then, no doubt, it was only natural course of events. I remember when I was as silly as her in that respect!
I love the soothing way in which Montgomery writes. Her plots are mild, but so realistic that it feels familiar — like settling down with a lifelong friend for a nice cozy chat of days gone by. I’ve noticed that in the first three books I’ve read so far Montgomery does not shrink away from portraying death. And the I respect and admire the way in which she treats the deaths of old and young alike as an absolutely natural course (which it is). Even then we see various manners in which Anne’s friends and loved ones pass away. In this particular book one of Avonlea’s belles falls victim to consumption, and I love the way her mask and her fears our related with sensitivity and yet a definite tone of eventuality.
All these experiences and more make Anne who and what she is. She is growing on the pages from a young dreamer to a woman of the world, and I’m really thrilled about moving onto the next book in the series (publication wise) – Anne’s House of Dreams.
This I think is part of why I love the Anne books so much. All these people could be our neighbors or friends–and perhaps we wish they were. Glad you’re enjoying the books so much!
True. They’re all just ordinary people leading ordinary lives with ordinary, everyday tales. …and it’s all related so beautifully!
I have never read the Anne books, and I never thought it was a big deal. However, the reviews I’m reading through Club members are making me realize that I may be missing out on something pretty special…. -Sarah
If you like slow moving books with lovely language and an endearing story line, you’re bound to enjoy this series.
[...] Reads reviewed: North and South, Anne of the Island, Anne’s House of [...]
As an only child, I read a lot, and felt like Anne was one of my best friends growing up…you summed it up perfectly with the “lifelong friends” bit! Anne of the Island is my second favorite Anne book (behind Green Gables)…have you read the Emily or Pat books? You might love those as well!
Nope. I’ve been debating on getting myself the Emily books. I know nothing about it though. Is it much like the Anne series? If so, I might avoid it. Too much of a good thing could turn out to be a bore. I’ve never heard of the Pat books. Have your read The Blue Castle? Apparently it’s the only book for adults she wrote, and it’s an absolute keeper!