Anne of Avonlea: February Review

 Hello, everyone! I am finally going to write out my Anne of Avonlea review! I reviewed the first book in the series last month, so if you want to read that, you can do so here. Oh, and if you are coming for a complete summary of the book, I am not going to give away any spoilers! You will simply have to read it yourself to find out all of the best surprises. :) 

As I read this book, I realized (once again) that there was a lot that I missed when I read Anne of Avonlea before. In fact, I felt like I was reading it for the first time, and I was completely unaware of all the cool connections between characters in the story. I guess I am learning a lesson about thoroughness!

In this book, there were several new characters introduced: Paul Irving, Miss Lavender, Mr. Harrison, Davy, and Dora. Paul Irving was one of Anne's students who became a true kindred spirit and friend. Miss Lavender was a charming old lady whose house Anne stumbled upon by accident. However, it was one of the best mistakes that Anne ever made. Davy and Dora were twins whom Marilla adopted, and Mr. Harrison was the "cranky" neighbor who was greatly changed by the end of the book. All of these people formed some sort of bond with Anne, and she impacted each of their lives in different ways.

The first chapter begins with an introduction to a now sixteen-year-old Anne, who has moved on to a new chapter of life as a schoolteacher, committee organizer, and a soon-to-be college student. She makes new friends, meets difficult obstacles, and matures as she learns how to overcome them. By the end of the book, Anne had gained a whole new perspective on life and friendships. I love this sentence at the end: 

"The page of girlhood had been turned, 

as if by an unseen finger, 

and the page of womanhood was before her, 

its charm and mystery, 

it's pain and gladness."

I got the impression that Marilla changed a bit as well. She wasn't as dry and sarcastic as she used to be, and there were a few moments when her tenderness really showed. She even went so far as to adopt a set of young twins when one of her relatives died, an undertaking which would certainly change her life and the complete atmosphere of Green Gables.

 I loved this book so much that I ended up reading it a second time when I finished it early! I am giving it a five-star rating, and I am so excited to continue the rest of the series! 

Have a lovely day!

 ~Megan ♥