Customer Reviews

Anne of Avonlea (Puffin Classics)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Anne of Avonlea" is the second novel in Lucy Maud Montgomery's superb "Anne of Green Gables" series. After her foster father's sudden death, 16-year old red-haired orphan Anne Shirley gives up a college scholarship to stay with her ailing foster mother Marilla on their farm in the village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Thanks to the unexpected generousity of childhood rival Gilbert Blythe, Anne gets the job of teacher at Avonlea's one-room school.

The imaginative and enthusiastic Anne is determined to make the best of her situation. Armed with a teaching certificate, she takes on the challenge of inspiring young minds and finds education runs both ways. In between teaching and grading papers, she will begin to experiment with her own writing. When Marilla adopts the orphaned young twins of a distant cousin, Anne willingly adds child care to her responsibilities.

Anne still has a circle of friends in Avonlea, including best friend Diana Barry and fellow teachers Jane Andrews, Priscilla Grant, and Gilbert Blythe. Together, they will explore their beautiful island home, take on some village improvement projects, and experience a few last youthful escapades. Anne and Diana will share their dreams of a romantic future. To her delight, Anne will arrange the reunion of two star-crossed older lovers.

At age 18, the deserving Anne gets another chance at college. Her last summer at home will mark childhood's end. She will be shocked when Diana becomes engaged to an amiable but unremarkable former schoolmate. Anne herself will be troubled by her changing feelings toward best guy pal Gilbert, who has become a handsome, responsible young man. At book's end, Anne will glimpse a future that includes, not an imagined romantic hero, but a sensible, caring friend she sees in a new light.

"Anne of Avonlea" is very highly reocmmended to her many fans of all ages.