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4.27k reviews for:

Anne of Avonlea

L.M. Montgomery

4.15 AVERAGE


Audiobook read by Shelly Frasier

In book two of the series, Anne Shirley has graduated from school and is now the only teacher in Avonlea. Only sixteen, she is barely older than many of her pupils, but she moves forward as best she can and with the confidence of youth. Many of the characters from the first book reappear, and a few new ones are introduced.

I am late to the party in regards to this series. I never read them as a child and read Anne of Green Gables only a few years ago. But I immediately fell in love with Anne. Her enthusiasm for life and natural predilection for finding trouble continue to charm and engage readers a century later. There is not much plot, but the characters shine and their relationships are what give the books such universal appeal. The novels are enjoyable for adults and children alike.

Shelly Frasier does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She imbues Anne with an infectious charm and is particularly delightful when voicing young Davy Keith.
adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-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

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

An expected sequel chronicling Anne's transition years (17-19) from child to woman. 4/5 stars due to the slower, tamer substance of the novel, though that's no surprise seeing as it takes place in the late 19th century and Anne is learning how to temper her imagination with the propriety expected of young women. So the subject matter is not as endearing and nostalgic as the first book, though the themes certainly still ring true to adult readers who remember the struggling transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. It's fun seeing Anne start to modify her wild whimsical fancies to the sometimes sad reality of change, seeing as it's something we all have gone through at one time or another in our lives. Montgomery's writing is still a beautiful mixture of "poetry and prose" (those who have read the book will understand this reference), and she pulls us through Anne's seemingly mundane life with subtle notes on what it means to be an evolving human. Also, though Montgomery doesn't write as a glaring feminist, she approaches themes and subplots with a surprisingly progressive stance, considering the time she was writing. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and expect to move on to book 3.

Absolutely delighted to see that Anne can mature but maintain her Anne-ness. I was worried it couldn’t be done, but clearly I have no scope for imagination.