Reviews

The Story Girl Illustrated by L.M. Montgomery

itsemuuu's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

A classic Montgomery book, but not my favorite. It felt a lot more religious in tone than her other books which got a little repetitive and wasn't to my taste.

anneof221b's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Montgomery's works have an increasingly evangelical undertone as she begins her life as a minister's wife-- in this essay, I will-- 

ragonmoss's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Read it for the podcast, it's so charming and sweet.

heathcliffdt_'s review against another edition

3.0

"There is such a place as fairyland--but only children can find the way to it. And they do not know that it is fairyland until they have grown so old that they forget the way. One bitter day, when they seek it and cannot find it, they realize what they have lost; and that is the tragedy of life. On that day the gates of Eden are shut behind them and the age of fold is over. Henceforth they must dwell in the common light of common day. Only a few, who remain children at heart, can ever find that fair, lost path again; and blessed are they above mortals. They, and only they, can bring us tidings from that dear country where we once sojourned and from which we must evermore be exiles. The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and story-tellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland."

Oh my God. That quote. As Maud's favorite among her works, the Story Girl and her group of friends remind readers of childhood whimsy and carefree afternoon sunray spills. However, I find it a bit jarring as it is told from the perspective of Bev, a boy who arrives at Prince Edward Island together with his brother, to live among his cousins, aunts, and uncles. I love bits of sneak peeks into the minds of Maud's heroines, especially when their emotions are heightened (hotheaded Anne, spiteful Emily), and this is entirely wanting in Story Girl. I fail to see the importance of telling the story from Bev's perspective; he was merely an instrument who observes and lacks personality as compared to the rest of the friends.

But the sequel, the Golden Road seems a bit promising. It's always Maud's sequels that steal my heart.

wulfwyn's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Anne is still my favorite but I did enjoy the escape to a different time this book offered. When reading this, I think it helps to remember this was written at a time when everything did not revolve around political correction and cancelation. Yes it does call someone fat and religion was important in children's lives. Also Beverly was a name given to boys. Understand all that going in and you should enjoy the book a bit more. I loved the friendships in it and the feeling of being a part of it all (a feeling I often get with Ms. Montgomery's books). I love the character known as Story Girl. I wish I had her gift. 

saguaros's review against another edition

2.0

Something a bit charming in the concept and setup of it—tweens and teens, relations and friends spending the summer together, playing games, telling stories, getting into very mild trouble. There’s definitely a glow of childhood summer about it. But it’s incredibly fucking dull. Just, boring. And way too religious. Half of the stories must be about them figuring out religion, praying for the wrong things, etc in the way that children do. Also one of them is chubby and they won’t stop calling him fat and it’s annoying. But mostly it’s just dull.

nicolarr's review against another edition

5.0

One of the lesser known sets by L.M. Montgomery, and a happy attic rediscovery for me. Nothing happens and yet everything happens. I’m hoping Pat of Silver Bush re-re-emerges nexts

christinaoh's review against another edition

4.0

This is the second novel I've read this year with a male character named Beverly. This is a lovely novel about four boys and four girls, most of them cousins, in a rural part of Prince Edward Island hearing and sharing stories, having adventures (some scary) while enthralled by the seasonal landscapes from May to November.

baileydouglass's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Classic, sweet, low stakes LM Montgomery. This is the first of her books I’ve read with a male narrator, but the vibes are similar to the Anne and Emily books you know and love. Her writing is really beautiful and the points she makes about religion are still salient. Gentle, lovely reading.

sunbean's review against another edition

4.0

I remember reading this as a kid; it was a library book or something, because the paperback had a plastic cover that would make a pleasing pop on the binding when I opened and closed it. I didn't remember much about the plot, but wishing I knew the Story Girl. The narrator of the book is now an adult reflecting on a summer he spent among relatives. Strangely as I re-read it, I feel a similar way as if I too had been a member of the little band of friends: beautiful and haughty Felicity (I never liked her), chubby Felix, smart and hard working Peter (Felicity never deserved him), sweet Cecily, pitiable Sara, dear Bev, and clever Dan. And of course the amazing, wonderful Story Girl! Though this era of childhood has passed, the innocence and sweetness remain. It's a good one.