Re-exploring Anne of Green Gables

My Thoughts After A Re-read

Photo by me

Hello my lovely readers!!!

Welcome back to my little bookish corner of the internet where I talk all things books. How’s your February going?

So, last year, I re-read Anne of Green Gables, followed by binge-reading the entire series. I wanted to talk about the books but wanted to give them some time to settle. It’s been over a month since, so I think I’m good to go now.

I’ll make it a two-part thing because I have many thoughts and I like to keep my letters short. The first part will be about Anne of Green Gables itself, and the second part will be about the following books and the series as a whole.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book of the series that introduces us to Anne and the beautiful world of Avonlea. It’s also the most popular book of the series and my favourite. Re-reading a book is always very rewarding because with every new read I discover something new. Especially since my first reads are often driven entirely by a strong desire to ‘find out what happens’. My re-reads are a lot more relaxed and allow me to notice the finer details. And this time, I noticed how beautifully Montgomery integrates the outsider Anne into Avonlea society, one step at a time.

Anne’s arrival at Green Gables is a mistake, something that was never meant to happen. But as she does appear there, Matthew, despite the mistake, takes to her right away. The more pragmatic Marilla however, isn’t so easily moved. She takes some time and convincing. But Anne doesn’t have to take active action to convince her, her unfortunate circumstances are enough to mellow Marilla’s heart. With this, Anne makes her place in Green Gables.

After Green Gables, the circle widens and Anne’s next encounter is with Mrs. Rachel Lynde from next door. They start on the wrong foot and here, Anne has to step up play an active role to resolve matters. It’s not too much work though, all she has to do is to apologise and that suffices to win over Mrs. Rachel. 

After Mrs. Lynde, the circle broadens even further and this time Anne’s match is with Mrs. Barry. After her mishap at the tea-party with Diana, Anne apologises to Mrs. Barry like she did with Mrs. Rachel. But unlike with Mrs. Lynde, Mrs. Barry doesn’t isn’t so quick to forgive Anne. So, with her Anne has to step up even a bit higher. This time, she has to play an even more active role and actually save Mini May’s life before Mrs. Barry finally accepts Anne.

All of this is resolved within the first half of the story. Anne’s winning over Mrs. Barry comes halfway into the story after which, Anne’s struggle for acceptance in the local community comes to an end. She still continues to have trouble, whether it’s her struggle with geometry, serving liniment flavoured cake to Mrs. Allan or breaking her ankle in her game of dare with Josie Pye. But those are more regular troubles of any young kid her age. 

I really loved this gradual build up, gradual enlargement of the circle and more and more active effort from Anne. The story is one of my favourites and it’s just so comforting, I can’t wait to read it again and find new details to appreciate.

What about you? Have you read Anne of Green Gables? Don’t forget to let me know.

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That’s it for today, I'll be back in your inbox next week.

Until then,

Joyie 🌻