Anne of the Island

In this third book in the renowned series about orphaned Anne Shirley, the heroine leaves Avonlea and begins Redmond College. Just as Anne remarks about the evening sunset and its magic, so this book is about the "moments of transformation" in her own life--from schoolmistress to college student, from Green Gables to Patty's Place, and from comrade to friend to love. Susan O'Malley sets a brisk pace to her narration. Once the listener becomes attuned, the details of Anne's college years unfold rapidly. The girlishness of the younger women is fresh and eager; the gossip of the older women is clipped yet incisive. Personalities emerge--Aunt Jamesina is dear and endearing, the owners of Patty's Place are eccentric, Gilbert is hurt yet true, and Anne is both distressed and exuberant. This recording is a treat. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine