Anne of Avonlea

SYNOPSIS:

Five years after Anne Shirley came to the town of Avonlea, she feels (a little) more grown up, but she’s still the same skinny, red-headed orphan Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert took in. After putting her dream of attending Redmond College on hold so she can help Marilla with the farm, Anne doubts she has many adventures ahead of her. But even in plain old Avonlea, her life proves to be anything but ordinary.

REVIEW (4 STARS)

I'm in love with these books. They are sweet, passionate and cute, making it impossible not to smile while reading.

I confess I was a bit caught off guard when I started reading this sequel. Anne was now a 16-year-old, with new responsibilities and dreams. Her voice was different, her tone more grown-up. I wondered what would come of it, this new book. What would Montgomery teach us? Where would she take Anne? What story did she want to tell?

The first book had an open ending and I sometimes think it's best if the author leaves a story to let it grow on its own. However, I'm glad Montgomery chose to keep on writing Anne's tale. It was nice to see her grow and become a woman. She was still our romantic, patient Anne, who got into (not as many) scrapes and made us smile at her dramatic flairs.

After sacrificing her dreams to help Marilla with the farm, she journey's on a year of hard work only to be rewarded at the end. Anne proves once again to be Avonlea's sunshine, the glue that keeps the community healthy and happy.

Even though the book was sometimes predictable, it also warmed by heart with its simplicity and charm. These books are about love and hope and following your heart. They inspire us to live.

The only thing I didn't appreciate as much was the twins' dynamic and how Marilla and Anne had a favourite (poor Dora, I wanted to adopt her), but I also understood why that happened – none of them plays the role of mother, but of carer, and so it was inevitable for them to have a favourite (even though the one the preferred was the worst kid).

Anyway, reading this book was like being welcomed home by old friends and I can't wait to go back.