Customer Reviews

Anne of Green Gables (Puffin Classics)

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

 

 

"Anne of Green Gables" is one of my favourite books ever. I've worn out two paperback editions of it re-reading it. This is NOT a review of the story, which is still as wonderful as ever. This is a review of the Puffin edition, which is shoddy.

Since we all know not to judge a book by its cover, I shan't go into the hideous cover art, that looks like it was drawn by a third grader. In fact, if it was, I'd probably like it, because it shows that Puffin was interested in bringing children into the creative process. I'm assuming, though no artist is mentioned, that it was drawn by an actual adult professional. Which makes it hideous.

The book itself started to disintegrate on page 72, and I had to be very careful finishing it in order to not have the pages actually tear out by just turning them.

The only reason this doesn't get one star is that I do love the story, and there are a couple of nifty extras in the back. I bought it because I wanted a good, sturdy copy of "Anne of Green Gables". What I got was a cheaply made copy that couldn't stand up to one reading.

Also, it was edited to a certain extent. Not big changes, but some of the vernacular was lost. I suppose that means I've just read it too much, that I noticed small word substitutions, but still.... did they really have to muck with it?

Anyway, I suppose I should have been warned by the price, but now I know better. I'm avoiding all Puffin books.

I can't believe it took me so long to read this book - it was truly excellent. I think this is one of the best classic coming of age stories, with a little bit of everything. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

first, allow me to say that i am quite enjoying these puffin classics editions of some of my favorite novels!

this is the story of excitable orphan anne shirley; full of imagination and genuine appreciation for everything. after a mixup at the orhpanage in which a little boy was requested and not a little girl, the cuthberts decide to keep her at green gables anyway, and this story is of her first five years of adventures at the gables.

what a delightful (if unintentionally mischevious) little girl! this story is a whimsical depiction of a child's life, especially for one from such a difficult background.

a bonus here with the puffin classics is the addition of backstory included at the end of the book. here you can learn more about the author, the stories, the characters, and so much more. what a delightful thing to include!

i have purchased most of these puffin classics editions, and will certainly look for future additions to add to my collection.

Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel "Anne of Green Gables" continues to captivate readers with its heart-warming story of an orphan girl growing up on a farm in rural Canada.

When middle-aged bachelor farmer Matthew Cuthbert and his spinster sister Marilla decide to take in a young orphan boy to help on their farm in the village of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, they are not prepared for what follows. By mistake, the orphange sends a scrawny eleven-year old girl named Anne Shirley, with wide eyes, red hair, and an active imagination. Anne has known only poverty and neglect, and would do anything to stay in a good home.

Matthew and Marilla decide to keep Anne, who will be a handful to raise. Although honest, obedient and hardworking, she is impulsive and sometimes distracted by her own imagination. The result is a series of often hilarious misadventures as she grows up.

Anne will put down roots in Avonlea and make friends with her schoolmates, especially best friend Diana Barry; she will be spurred to academic excellence by rival/admirer Gilbert Blythe. In time, she will blossom into an attractive and good-hearted teenager who will earn a rare chance to go to college. When death strikes her foster family, the sixteen-year old Anne will suddenly face mature choices. Thanks to the unexpected generosity of Gilbert Blythe, she will find her way, and a true friend.

Through L.M. Montgomery's sympathetic prose, readers will share Anne's love of natural beauty, her passionate embarassment over her mistakes (and her red hair), and her triumph in making a place for herself in the world.

"Anne of Green Gables" is most highly recommended as an entertaining and authentic reading experience for all ages. It is also the first volume of a series on the life and adventures of Anne Shirley.