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There are many books that I know by title but have never read. "Anne of Green Gables" is one of them. Here's a summary and my thoughts.
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In Prince Edward Island, Canada, the elderly Cuthbert siblings, Matthew and Marilla, decide to adopt a boy from an orphanage to help with farm work as it has become difficult for them due to their age. However, a mix-up occurs, and instead, they receive a red-haired girl named Anne. Initially, they consider sending her back, but she seems like a good kid and they feel sorry for her, so they decide to keep her. They figure they can just hire a boy for the farm work.
Matthew is a quiet man, but from the start, he is fond of Anne and loves her exuberance and imagination. He never scolds her, so Marilla steps in to discipline her. Marilla struggles to openly praise Anne, who rarely gives her a break due to her knack for getting into trouble. With her rich imagination and proactive nature, Anne is a natural troublemaker. She flies into a rage and smashes a slate over a boy's head for insulting her, mistakenly serves alcohol at a tea party, and falls off a roof while playing. Each time Anne gets into trouble, Marilla sighs and says, "I thought she was due for another mishap." However, as Mrs. Lynde, their neighbor, puts it, "A quick-tempered person who gets heated easily also cools down quickly and never harbors deceit or lies." Anne faces every trouble with her honesty and imagination. She becomes popular at school and, competing with a high-achieving boy, excels academically, eventually earning top marks to enter Queen's Academy. Above all, she always strives to repay the Cuthberts for taking her in and supporting her in every way. Though Marilla speaks harshly, she deeply loves Anne, to the point of asking God if it is a sin to love one person so much.
Anne excels at Queen's Academy and earns a scholarship to advance her education, but she becomes concerned about her guardians' declining health. Then, Matthew dies of a heart attack. Anne decides to forego further education and take up a teaching position at the local school, choosing to stay and live with Marilla in the home she loves.
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What a heartwarming story of raising a child. It was simply a good story. I almost teared up at the part where Marilla, who can't express her sadness openly, is depicted missing Anne after she leaves for Queen's Academy. Here are some memorable passages.
Tsundere Aunt Marilla
- Using the term "tsundere" feels too casual for the thorough, traditional depiction of Marilla. She embodies the perfect mother with deep love and gentle strictness. It truly moved me. Having left my parents early, I managed to keep my emotions in check, but anyone still living with their parents might feel compelled to send carnations after reading this.
Comic Relief Marilla
- Marilla often finds the comedic elements in the story, like discovering the overturned candle dish in the basement the next day or continuing her usual housework while Matthew is off on a grand mission. Her practical nature consistently serves as the punchline, highlighting the clever narrative structure.
Scenes I Could Never Imagine or Write
- "Oh my, Anne, how much you've grown!" Marilla exclaims in surprise at Anne's growth. Though still cute, Anne's growth makes Marilla feel as if she's lost something, and she cries alone in the winter twilight.
- It's hard to describe. It's not quite sorrow or inspiration, but it evokes a teary feeling. Is this a parent's love? I could never write this.
"Quick-tempered people who get heated easily also cool down quickly and never harbor deceit or lies."
- As mentioned in the summary, this line captures Anne's essence. I can't help but resonate with this straightforward sentiment. While I'm not like Anne, I share her honest nature. We aren't deceitful or dishonest.
Anne's Vow to Do for Children What She Was Happy to Receive as a Child
- I made the same vow, so I empathize. It's easy to lecture children, but what I truly wanted as a child was an adult who would speak to me at eye level, openly and honestly. I want to remember that.
270 Pages of Comedy
- It's too funny overall to detail everything.
Avonlea's Folks Are Hilariously Sharp-tongued
- Anne: "Being sensible is definitely a good thing, but I don't want to be like that. Mrs. Lynde says I needn't worry about becoming too sensible."
- "Needn't worry about becoming sensible" made me laugh.
Even the Narrative Joins the Comedy
- "If something exciting comes to mind, you have to express it right away. If you wait and rethink, it'll be ruined. Haven't you ever felt like that, Mrs. Lynde?" No, Mrs. Lynde had not.
- Why is the narrative answering, lol
Unrestrained Narration
- "Don't just think about yourself, consider what would please your wife the most." For the first time, Marilla gave profound, substantial advice.
- Narration, calm down, lol
There’s a lot to it! Marilla's charm and Anne's comedic nature made it an enjoyable read.
