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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I did not expect this to be my least favorite book in the series so far. I think perhaps this is mostly due to my expectations. I still love L.M.'s writing.
Gilbert and Anne get married at the beginning of the book, so I was expecting lots of Gilbert and Anne. Instead the focus is on Anne and Gilbert's (but mostly Anne's) new friends: Miss Cornelia, Captain Jim, and Leslie Moore. Miss Cornelia, whose favorite phrase "isn't that just like a man" is an abrasive person and my least favorite friend.
The further along in this series I get, the more I realize Montgomery's strengths are in writing children and friendships, not love stories. There is scarcely any dialogue between Anne and Gilbert - except their first quarrel. The lack of Gilbert and Anne interaction was the most disappointing aspect of the book for me. Not only that, this was the most tragic book in the series, with the loss of Anne and Gilbert's first baby and Leslie Moore's heartbreaking story. In addition, there are no Avonlea friends/family, with the exception of a bit of Marilla.
I listened to the book on audio with Barbara Caruso narrating.
"Human nature is not obliged to be consistent."
Gilbert and Anne get married at the beginning of the book, so I was expecting lots of Gilbert and Anne. Instead the focus is on Anne and Gilbert's (but mostly Anne's) new friends: Miss Cornelia, Captain Jim, and Leslie Moore. Miss Cornelia, whose favorite phrase "isn't that just like a man" is an abrasive person and my least favorite friend.
The further along in this series I get, the more I realize Montgomery's strengths are in writing children and friendships, not love stories. There is scarcely any dialogue between Anne and Gilbert - except their first quarrel. The lack of Gilbert and Anne interaction was the most disappointing aspect of the book for me. Not only that, this was the most tragic book in the series, with the loss of Anne and Gilbert's first baby and Leslie Moore's heartbreaking story. In addition, there are no Avonlea friends/family, with the exception of a bit of Marilla.
I listened to the book on audio with Barbara Caruso narrating.
"Human nature is not obliged to be consistent."
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The ableism against Dick Moore is really shocking. Calling him a big baby, always mentioning "how terrible it is for Leslie that she has to nurse this big useless baby" and all this is really problematic, but for the book was published in 1922 I thought "well, that's how it was back then" and was willing to give 3 stars. But after the chapter "Gilbert and Anne disagree" I was mad, I tell you that!! But again, I know that's how it was back then, still that doesn't mean I have to enjoy it.
Also, it was so confusing that Anne was pregnant and we only know that because of three vague sentences and then she gets the baby, it dies and Anne griefs only two pages long before it is rarely mentioned again
Also,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Death, Suicide
this made me long for the Little House of Dreams, portrayed so idyllically.
emotional
funny
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
I gave the first four books five stars, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others. It was still a good book, but not a favorite. The characters were great, but the stories in it just weren't as interesting to me.
This book is a strange experience. It’s beautifully written and Anne and Gilbert are there. Just like we expect from the other books.
But so much happens that feels rushed and skipped over. It was like Montgomery couldn’t bring herself to talk about adult topics—pregnancy, women having their own thoughts, stillbirths, motherhood & mental health.
But so much happens that feels rushed and skipped over. It was like Montgomery couldn’t bring herself to talk about adult topics—pregnancy, women having their own thoughts, stillbirths, motherhood & mental health.
While this still had humor and the beautiful descriptions and the feels.....and the love bits were very sweet.....i have to say this one was lackluster. Anne's dreams have become quite...narrow. Gilbert has some attitudes that I can't full abide (though that punny joke had me all but forgiving him). And...overall it just feels rather melancholic. Not sure if that was the author's life coloring her prose or what but....yeah. Not one of my favorites.
Anne is still herself, and I even enjoy how this book is a little sad. I love watching Anne & Gilbert together and seeing them develop as a newly married couple!
I don't know if I really needed this last(?) installment. I think the wedding at the beginning could have been tacked on to the end of Anne of the Island and I would have been good. It is nice to see Anne's adventures as a married woman, but it's more of the same with her meeting some colorful characters. I did like Anne struggling with her fear of losing her baby. Each book always brings some heartfelt moment and this was one that tugged at my heartstrings.
This also has the unfortunate element of naming a character Dick. And having one woman loudly declare "I miss Dick!" So that was fun.
This also has the unfortunate element of naming a character Dick. And having one woman loudly declare "I miss Dick!" So that was fun.
I've always loved this one. I love how happy Anne & Gil are, their sweet little home, Anne's growing friendship with Leslie and, of course, Captain Jim. Beautifully written and a lovely, moving complete story.