Reviews

“But there is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when she felt it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods…for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of spirit and purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them.” - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars.

Anne of Windy Poplars is the fourth book in the Anne of Green Gables series, but the first one I hadn't already read. Growing up, I would re-read the first three books over and over; I absolutely adored everything about them! However, I always felt that Anne's graduation from university and engagement to Gilbert seemed like a natural end to the book series, and I never felt the need to continue on. In retrospect, I still believe my younger self was correct; the first three books do make up a perfect trilogy.

Following Anne's childhood and university life, book four encompasses her time at the Windy Poplars house during her engagement to Gilbert. While she continues her career as a teacher and waits for him to finish his medical qualifications before they get married, Anne's character development seems to have concluded. The story now focuses more on her interactions and adventures with the people she lives with and those nearby.

There are a few key characters like Rebecca Dew, Aunty Kate, and Aunt Chatty; these are the women Anne lives with at Windy Poplars, and they provide her with much entertainment, often involving their pet cat Dusty Miller. There are also the ever-present Pringles, the ruling family of the village, who try to make Anne's life miserable while she endlessly tries to win them over. Alongside various other cast members, small vignettes are painted of Anne's engaged life, making for a very cosy and relaxing read.

If you are looking for an engrossing plot and exciting times, I'd definitely stop earlier in the series (perhaps even just read the first one). But if you're looking for a cosy time before bed or a relaxing audiobook to listen to while doing something else (personally, I loved it as a crocheting companion), I'm sure you'll enjoy it. On the whole, this is my least favourite of Anne's series so far, but I still find value in it and am glad that I have finally read it.

Review coming for the next book in the series soon! - C x

sophia_joy17's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

bergsteiger's review against another edition

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5.0

Good Lord. I couldn't stop from crying throughout this book, which would have been ok if I wasn't always reading it in public places. All I can say is that you must be made of stone if this book doesn't touch your heart. Perhaps it has extra significance for me--an orphan child being raised by second generation folks in a rural setting. I love the descriptions of the land, I love the imagination of the little red-headed girl that runs like flame through the summer brush, and I love the relationships that blossom and bear the most delicious fruit. It is quite possibly one of the most well-wrought coming of age books ever and emphasizes the necessity of mentors and loved ones in a child's life. I would recommend this book to anyone, but if you have a little girl it would almost be sacrilegious not to give a copy to her. Five stars.

jenmkin's review against another edition

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4.0

I like this book more each time I come back to it. Also, my childhood dream of a tower bedroom is reawakened every time I read it.

jazzyjbox's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

4.0

kate_not_kate's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

It’s always so good to return to Anne and her life optimism. I enjoyed it even though I don’t like to read fictional letters.

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