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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An interesting take on Marilla Cuthbert's life as a young women in Avonlea prior to - and leading up to - Anne's arrival at Green Gables. I'm often a bit leery of these kinds of books when they are not sanctioned or written by the author of the original source material (in this case, the late L.M. Montgomery, so - of course - this would be impossible), but I was curious when I saw this at the library and decided to take a chance on it. McCoy does a decent job - you can tell she is a fan, and she certainly did some research and literally walked in Montgomery's footsteps while writing this (she visited Prince Edward Island and talked to Montgomery's relatives and such). Most importantly, she builds the story off of Marilla's casual comment to Anne in "Anne of Green Gables" that John Blythe (Gilbert's father) used to "be a beau"; a lot of this book centers around Marilla's budding relationship with John Blythe, and their subsequent rift. It is in this relationship part where McCoy makes some creative choices that had me cringe a little - the writing turns borderline romance novel in parts, describing Marilla and John's coming together at points in detail that would no doubt have made L.M. Montgomery blush a little. But overall, it's a good imaginative read and "what if" into Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's earlier lives - with the insertion of some important political and historical details of the time, including the migration of escaping American slaves to the north. I couldn't help but picture a young Colleen Dewhurst (who played Marilla in the excellent PBS miniseries) in my mind as I read this, which was, indeed, lovely.
The idea was well-intended, and parts were very sweet. The beginning was the best. But it was not faithful to the characters in the original books. This Marilla would not have been the Marilla in Anne of Green Gables.
As I told my own bosom friend, this book was “gently enjoyable.” McCoy’s Marilla isn’t the one in my imagination, but reading the book was a lovely mind-visit to Avonlea and certainly put me in the mood to re-read the Anne books.
This is the story of Marilla Cuthbert, who along with her brother, Matthew, adopted orphan Anne Shirley in the classic Anne of Green Gables book by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This fictional account is very much in the spirit of the Anne series, and serves as sort of a prequel. The book begins with middle-aged Marilla and Matthew contemplating adopting an orphan to help them on their farm, then reverts to cover Marilla's life at age 13-15, then again in her late 30s. We learn about Green Gables, Marilla's parents, farm life, women's choices, and Marilla's character development. There is a visit from her independent Aunt Izzy, her friendship with Rachel White (later Lynde), and romance with John Blythe (father of Gilbert) that is alluded to in the Anne book. The book also covers the politics of the period and the underground railroad of American slaves that operated in Canada. Marilla is a compelling character with her strong family ties, faith, and love for her home in Avonlea. This book will be a treat for anyone who enjoyed the Anne series or watched the PBS movies with Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla. It makes me want to re-read the original book.
I wanted to love this book so badly, but I only liked it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
While McCoy is no LM Montgomery, it was lovely to be transported again to Green Gables with characters that I have loved for so long. The book is slow at the beginning, but ties together nicely by the end and brings in details of what Canadian life might have been like while the American Civil War was brewing.
Such a fun exploration of Marilla’s history. I love how closely woven with the original Anne books it was.
Anyone who is a fan of Anne of Green Gables, do yourself a favor and read this book! Although L.M. Montgomery did not write this prelude to the original, it immerses the reader right back into Avonlea as if it were. After devouring this book, I may have to go back and re-read the rest of the series. :)