Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

37 reviews

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I haven’t read this book since I was a kid, and the joy of reading it again as an adult was acute. Montgomery is truly a wonderful writer, capturing the lush landscape of Prince Edward Island that is so perfectly described it feels real. All of her characters are full and interesting, and this sweet coming-of-age story is just as poignant and applicable now as it was when I was twelve. Undoubtedly a 5 star read!

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emotional funny lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really liked this book. It made me feel nostalgic for the days when I was an imaginative preteen. The characters are all likeable, and Anne is iconic. She is "not like other girls," but she does not demean other girls, she adores and admires them. The descriptions of scenery were a bit too long for me, and parts of the book felt saccharine compared to the more serious tone of the Netflix series. But the prose was beautiful and the humor was spot on. I understand why this is a classic and why it inspired so many adaptations. I look forward to seeing how Anne and Gilbert's romance progesses and what Anne is like as an adult.

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-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

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I picked up Anne of Green Gables on a whim, as it was a nice copy at a free book exchange and I thought to myself, "Why not?" It's a classic for a reason, I was sure, I'd never read it before, and I'd heard good things about the Netflix adaptation (though I haven't seen that yet).

I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I loved reading this book. Anne is a character after my own soul, and she reminded me so much of myself when I was a kid; Head in the clouds, imagining all sorts of things, likely to swallow my own tongue if I didn't stop talking, and making all kinds of silly mistakes due to my ADHD. This book was such a joyful read, and so nice and calming in the face of a world that is so much more complicated now.

I feel confident in saying that Anne of Green Gables has truly stood the test of time and I hope more people get the opportunity to discover the delight that is Anne and her antics. While there are some aspects that could be off-putting to some, like the persistance of Christian morals, overall I think the book is something easily consumed even with a modern perspective.

Now onto Anne with an E, perhaps!

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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funny inspiring lighthearted 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

People say autism is a modern phenomenon as if Anne Shirley wasn't autistic in 1908. Love her.

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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

L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is a highly whimsical, wholesome, and enjoyable read. The story is set in the idyllic and salubrious setting of Prince Edward Island, Canada, which perfectly complements the spirited nature of its eponymous protagonist. 

Anne Shirley is an exceptionally compelling character. Her vivacity, vim, and ceaseless prolixity make her an endlessly charming protagonist, and indeed, are no doubt the reason she is such a beloved literary character. From her very first introduction, Anne's boundless imagination and spirited personality captured my heart. 

A highlight of my read of the book was witnessing Anne's growth and maturation into a (slightly) more well-rounded individual. Throughout the novel, we see Anne navigate various trials and tribulations, gradually learning to temper her impulsive nature with a deeper sense of empathy. 

Equally enchanting is the development of Anne's relationships with her adoptive parents, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Matthew's quiet, unconditional support and Marilla's initially stern but ultimately loving guidance provide a heartwarming backdrop to Anne's journey. Their evolving dynamics speak to the power of love and family (biological or adoptive).

Slightly hampered by some excessive melodrama, and unrealistic in its quixotism, the novel’s overall charm nonetheless earns it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. 

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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