The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables

January 1, 2018

Fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables are going to love this book. It is filled with lush color photos of Prince Edward Island--the woods, fields, beaches, and gardens that inspired Montgomery and her beloved protagonist Anne Shirley. Some of the images were taken and colorized by Montgomery herself. Reid (Falling into Place; Coyote) employs biography and excerpts from Montgomery's journals and scrapbooks to reveal how important the natural world was to the writer. She combs through the novels comparing character to author, showing how Montgomery's love for nature is also Anne's. Descriptive outdoor passages in the stories often made a first appearance in Montgomery's journals. And the names Anne uses for many places are the same Montgomery used in her daily life. VERDICT This is not just a book filled with beautiful photos; it's a satisfyingly rich and layered combination of the visual and intellectual. Readers will gain a new appreciation not only for Montgomery but also for the landscape that meant so much to her. Reid also includes resources for those interested in literary tourism.--Stefanie Hollmichel, Univ. of St. Thomas Law Lib., Minneapolis

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2018
White Way of Delight. Lake of Shining Waters. Dryad's Bubble. Die-hard Anne of Green Gables fans will instantly recognize these names, but do they understand why Anne, like her creator, has such a profound connection to Prince Edward Island's landscapes? In this exquisite volume, Reid explores the transformative, healing power of nature and how it fuels the imagination, especially Anne's and Montgomery's. According to Montgomery's journals, a stroll outdoors was sure to lift her mood; Anne, though apt to chatter, easily loses herself in a daydream when staring out a window. Reid accompanies these points with quaint images, including snapshots of Avonlea, a real-life re-creation of Anne's village; turn-of-the-century photographs, some hand-colored by Montgomery herself; and close-ups of the numerous flowers and trees Anne cherishes. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing gorgeous pictures of sunsets, shores, and gardens alongside snippets of Montgomery's musical, flowery prose. Reid's love letter to Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery, and Prince Edward Island is sure to delight. Anne enthusiasts will learn more about what inspired Montgomery, while nature lovers will find a kindred spirit in Reid, who clearly has a passion for all things green and growing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)