Wednesday, April 28, 2010

That's Anne with an "E"

Lucy Maud Montgomery is the woman behind Anne of Green Gables . She published these books in 1908, and although they were meant for younger readers, these books top my list of favorites even today.  I also watch the mini series, created for PBS in 1985 probably once a month, sometimes more. This story never seizes to inspire me. I get something from it every time I read the book or watch the movie. In short it's about a red-headed orphaned girl who is bounced from home to home to take care of bratty little kids until one day, she winds up at Green Gables on Prince Edward Island in Canada (by Providence.) Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a bachelor and spinster brother and sister, send for a young boy to help them with chores around their farm, Anne (with an E) is sent instead. While Anne proves to be a trouble maker, talking too much, smashing her slate over  a boy's head at school, she also proves to be remarkably smart. She gets the best grades in her class, recites "The Lady of Shallot" over and over, and is on a quest to find a "bosom friend." You cannot help but fall in love with this story. Anne is the underdog who rises from her sad past and makes the entire town proud to know her. This story is about love, family, and community. The relationships Anne creates with Matthew, Marilla, Diana, and the rest of the town are touching. Anne may be a supreme trouble maker, and overly dramatic, renaming Barry's Pond to "The Lake of Shinning Waters" and the avenue to "White Way of Delight" but she is genuinely endearing and wonderfully real. You will love this interpretation of Montgomery's story. Pick up the DVD and book and get in touch with your wholesome side!

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