Book Review: The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables

The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables

written by Catherine Reid

280 pages // published in 2018 // cultural/travel non-fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Anne of Green Gables is a worldwide phenomenon that has sold over fifty million copies and inspired numerous films, plays, musicals, and television series. It has turned Prince Edward Island into a multimillion-dollar tourist destination visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables, Catherine Reid reveals how Lucy Maud Montgomery’s deep connection to the landscape inspired her to write Anne of Green Gables. From the Lake of Shining Waters and the Haunted Wood to Lover’s Lane, readers will be immersed in the real places immortalized in the novel. Using Montgomery’s journals, archives, and scrapbooks, Reid explores the many similarities between Montgomery and her unforgettable heroine, Anne Shirley. The lush package includes Montgomery’s hand-colorized photographs, the illustrations originally used in Anne of Green Gables, and contemporary and historical photography.

So much of the beloved Anne books is centered upon the land, the scenic landscapes described. These descriptions add poetry and romanticism to the stories. When you read the Anne books yourself, tell me, weren't you inspired by the beauty of Prince Edward Island? It creates the very atmosphere of the story, and if you read between the lines, the elements of nature express and emphasize the plot and emotions therein. Some of this, I subconsciously knew before. After reading this book though, I have keener insight in the lay of Montgomery's land.

Reading this book brings out areas of Anne's character too, which I never thought about before, myself... and yet it rings true nonetheless. Her passions (and Montgomery's) are expressed through the moods of the outside world. So many nuances are there in Montgomery's writings, when it comes to her island, but you have to search the pages for it.

"It's to the natural world, then, that each girl turns when her soul is beginning to despair. The inspiration found there not only shifts her mood, it changes the very caliber of the writing, the sentences seemingly possessed of a new vitality, bringing readers into a brighter, better place."
- Catherine Reid

Such a remarkable and stunning collection of pictures are included; some from Montgomery's private collection (even taken by her own hand); some modern day shots of the bright and colorful landscapes. The red cliffs of P.E.I. just steal the show for me, so beautiful they are in photos. But I think my heart stopped beating, and I may have stopped breathing air for a moment, when I saw an actual picture of Lover's Lane in the 1920s. I think you'll feel the same way.

This book feels magical. I think it could be a balm for a hurting heart. You're seeing fictional places out in the real world (they never were "fictional" anyway). Lover's Lane, the Lake of Shining Waters, the White Lady... and it all increases my desire to visit these landmarks myself. There is so much good-feeling nostalgia locked away in this volume. You must get it for yourself!

I'm so glad to have gone on a tour via the vehicle of a book -- armchair travel. It will suffice until I go to P.E.I. to take it all in myself in person, some blissful distant day.

"I had... then as now, two great refuges and consolations -- the world of nature and the world of books. They kept life in my soul; they made me love my home because of my dreams and rambles and the deep joy and delight they gave me -- because of the halo they threw over what was otherwise bare and savorless."
- L.M. Montgomery

hardcover // e-book

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Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables

Marilla of Green Gables

written by Sarah McCoy

320 pages // published in 2018 // historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A bold, heartfelt tale of life at Green Gables . . . before Anne: A marvelously entertaining and moving historical novel, set in rural Prince Edward Island in the nineteenth century, that imagines the young life of spinster Marilla Cuthbert, and the choices that will open her life to the possibility of heartbreak—and unimaginable greatness

Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother has dies in childbirth, and Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm wife: cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh.

In Avonlea—a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island—life holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world is Aunt Elizabeth “Izzy” Johnson, her mother’s sister, who managed to escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy’s talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world.

Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities. Joining the Ladies Aid Society, she raises funds for an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity in nearby Nova Scotia that secretly serves as a way station for runaway slaves from America. Her budding romance with John Blythe, the charming son of a neighbor, offers her a possibility of future happiness—Marilla is in no rush to trade one farm life for another. She soon finds herself caught up in the dangerous work of politics, and abolition—jeopardizing all she cherishes, including her bond with her dearest John Blythe. Now Marilla must face a reckoning between her dreams of making a difference in the wider world and the small-town reality of life at Green Gables.

Anne Shirley was not the first bright, bubbly, garrulous person to shake up Marilla Cuthbert. An aunt arrives to stay awhile at the Cuthbert place, Green Gables, exhibiting louder and more voracious habits of living life than young Marilla (and Matthew) are used to, which they can "barely tolerate"... and thus is Marilla Cuthbert's fictionally-imagined life at 13 years of age. The novel continues uncovering more years of Marilla's hidden past for us... A literary character we already know and love from the Anne of Green Gables series, now reimagined, reinterpreted, reborn.

"Silence had always been a Cuthbert comfort."

I started noticing clues right away from Montgomery's Anne books... Elements that made me feel right at home. Yep, there's the family recipe of red currant wine. Yep, there's all the same neighbors and recognizable family names. Yep, there's the Matthew I know, a boy who barely speaks a word, who turns into a man of wise caliber. Yep, there's the brooch. It's all in there, people. The story before the story.

It's such a unique experience to see, touch, and hear Green Gables before Anne arrives. The only thing we ever knew of this fantastic place was to take it in all-new when Anne arrives for the first time. Now we see it in its innocent infancy, through the eyes of a girl who is already accustomed to its beauty, who sees it for what it is... but who will inevitably, continually discover its secrets for decades of her life.

There's a lot of things in Avonlea that still feel exactly the same, just a few decades apart from the original story I cherish. For example, I might have squealed with delight when 13-year-old Marilla's meets a new friend. One of the infamous name Rachel... Now there's a friendship for the ages.

This book does open the reader's eyes. Stern-faced Marilla was a young slip of a girl once, with childish notions in her head. One sentence surprised me the most though... It mentions that when she was a little younger, she believed fairies lived in a particular tree hollow she liked. Fairies? Marilla? Well, maybe so. She was young once too, just like red-headed Anne.

"Tears were misunderstood, she thought, and used inappropriately most often. They were designed as a private response of being. Because sometimes life filled you to the brim and spilled over."

Something the author did differently is that she brought in pieces of historical interest, lining up events in Canada's political history of that time period. Having this in the story definitely sets it apart from Montgomery's writings... This additional historical context is the only thing that made me stop and wonder if I liked it in the story or not, as it seems a bit out of place, especially after I'd just been reading a sweet, charming Montgomery original, which isn't fettered down with such. I can accept it though, for the sake of the rest of the novel.

Note to parents and the discerning reader: Overall, it's "fairly" clean. But there is a rather passionate, dramatic kiss when Marilla is about 15. Also, there are various conversations about pregnancy and child-birth. I might recommend it for ages 13 and up, but only if your kid is ready for those topics.

Plenty of faith-based elements are woven all throughout the chapters, which I personally am glad to see.

Overall? Marilla of Green Gables is an enjoyable read and a beautiful experience. I do feel like the author has done justice to the original and stayed as pretty close to the truth as we know it. It's filled with nostalgia. Honestly, I want this new book to be turned into a movie. But you know what I want even more than that, Sarah McCoy? Please write us Matthew's story too. We do get to see some unique sides of Matthew here in Marilla's story... but I do believe there's still more to discover about that remarkable man.

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words -- that was from the Proverbs, and underlined by Hugh in their family Bible."

Yes, I want all of my fellow Anne friends to try this book out... and I sincerely hope you'll like it! If you don't, then I like to hear your reasons why. Let's discuss it, kindred spirit.

hardcover // e-book // audio

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Book Review: Mistress Pat

Mistress Pat
sequel to Pat of Silver Bush

written by L.M. Montgomery

374 pages // published in 1935 // young adult historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

In this charming sequel to Pat of Silver Bush, Pat Gardiner is growing up but not yet ready to leave her beloved home.

When she was twenty, nearly everyone thought Patricia Gardiner ought to be having beaus--except of course, Pat herself. For Pat, Silver Bush was both home and heaven. All she could ever ask of life was bound in the magic of the lovely old house on Prince Edward Island, "where good things never change." And now there was more than ever to do: planning for the Christmas family reunion, entertaining a countess, playing matchmaker, and preparing for the arrival of the new hired man. Yet as those she loved so dearly started to move away, Pat began to question the wisdom of her choice of Silver Bush over romance. Was it possible to be lonely at Silver Bush?

I'm a bigger fan of Pat after this sequel novel. I remember that the first book "Pat of Silver Bush" didn't feel, to me, like most of Montgomery's works do. Still, I knew I must read the sequel... And I'm so glad I did! Pat has risen high in my esteem. Another fun, sweet, loving character in L.M. Montgomery's canon.

It's such a cozy story too, most of the plot surrounding Silver Bush, Pat's family home. One of her greatest fears is to leave it behind when/if she marries, as she is so very much in love with the house itself and the comforts that she and her family members enjoy there.

"Whatever came and went, whoever loved or did not love her, there was still Silver Bush."

List of characters I will forever miss reading more about: Judy Plum. I wish she was in my kitchen all the time, cooking up wonders and always ready for a talk when you need it. The cherry on top of Judy Plum is her adorable Irish brogue.

"And just be remimbering, Patsy, what the Good Book says... about happiness being inside av ye and not outside. Thim mayn't just be the words but it's what I'm belaving it manes."

It turns out, there's much misery in store for Pat in this volume... To be honest (no real spoilers here), but the ending of "Mistress Pat" just tears my eyes up. Keep your tissues at the ready. A bit too dramatic for my Montgomery liking though... I'd tell you another author that the ending reminds me of, but that would give away too much. However, good things, silver linings, come out of bad events... Like being refined in fire, so Pat emerges a new woman.

A story of hope for the reader, with a vast mixture of emotions to relish in along the way.

"And besides we've always got to-morrow."

paperback // hardcover // e-book

Book #1 completed




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L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge 2019

My January always has a little more happiness in it because I can spend it with a kindred spirit of old. The L.M. Montgomery challenge is here again!


Please, go read all about it on Carrie's blog.




My booklist for this month-long challenge consists of:

(1) a novel by Montgomery
(2) a new release about the setting of the Anne books
(3) a new release about Marilla's backstory
(4) a re-read of a novel by Montgomery





Mistress Pat
by L. M. Montgomery (1935)




The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables
The Enchanting Island that Inspired L. M. Montgomery
by Catherine Reid (2018)




Marilla of Green Gables
A Novel
by Sarah McCoy (2018)




Anne of Avonlea
by L. M. Montgomery (1909)




So? Anyone else want to read books by L.M. Montgomery this month?

Book Review: Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

written by L.M. Montgomery

309 pages // published in 1909 // YA historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

When Marilla Cuthbert's brother, Matthew, returns home to Green Gables with a chatty redheaded orphan girl, Marilla exclaims, "But we asked for a boy. We have no use for a girl." It's not long, though, before the Cuthberts can't imagine how they could ever do without young Anne of Green Gables--but not for the original reasons they sought an orphan. Somewhere between the time Anne "confesses" to losing Marilla's amethyst pin (which she never took) in hopes of being allowed to go to a picnic, and when Anne accidentally dyes her hated carrot-red hair green, Marilla says to Matthew, "One thing's for certain, no house that Anne's in will ever be dull." And no book that she's in will be, either.

Well, I finally came around to reading “Anne” again. I was 13 when I found my first kindred spirit (in Anne Shirley, that is). Of course, before that, I didn't even know what a kindred spirit even was. Honestly, my young self had no clue what I was getting myself into, all those years ago. But I did understand the fact that I had found something charming and unique to read. To be honest, I had never read anything like it before – with that beautiful descriptive writing, and a heroine who I found so interesting, like no one I'd ever heard of before...

Well, a “lifetime” later, I've read it again. I found out that I had remembered some of the main plot developments in the novel, but there was a lot more that I had “lost” in my memories of how things really happened. So it was wonderful to meet up with one of my favorite female literary characters again – and to measure up how I see her now, reading it as an adulthood, and in effect, to see how I've changed since my first time.

The re-reading experience was totally different. This time around, I saw the story as an adult. I connected with the grown-ups in the story much more – for example, when I was 13, Marilla and Matthew were background characters to Anne and Diana. But now? The story seems to be more about Anne and Marilla's relationship than what I ever realized before.

[Matthew:] “I suppose—we could hardly be expected to keep her.”
[Marilla:] “I should say not. What good would she be to us?”
“We might be some good to her,” said Matthew suddenly and unexpectedly.

Marilla. She needed Anne to show up in her life, and even though she wants to give back this orphan girl for the boy she expected, well – Marilla gets much more than what she could have anticipated. In a way, Marilla finds herself again – or in some ways, for the first time. For example: “...some of the things Anne had said... were what she herself had really thought deep down in her heart for years, but had never given expression to. It almost seemed to her that those secret, unuttered, critical thoughts had suddenly taken visible and accusing shape and form in the person of this outspoken morsel of neglected humanity.” Over time, Marilla comes to love Anne, even though she didn't mean to at first, and still she certainly doesn't say it much, as emotions come hard for this aging woman, but she loves Anne all the same.

“I’ve been here for a year and I’ve been so happy. Of course, I’ve had my troubles, but one can live down troubles. Are you sorry you kept me, Marilla?”
“No, I can’t say I’m sorry,” said Marilla, who sometimes wondered how she could have lived before Anne came to Green Gables, “no, not exactly sorry.”

Matthew. If it's emotions for his sister, it's words that come hard for this soft-hearted man. “Still Matthew said nothing and Marilla had a sense of having wasted words and breath. There is nothing more aggravating than a man who won’t talk back—unless it is a woman who won’t.” He is a humble farmer, notably comical in his escapades of silence. I couldn't get over him. To me, he's a charmer, because though little words he may speak, he listens – and listens well...

[Mrs. Lynde:] “But to think of Matthew taking notice of it! That man is waking up after being asleep for over sixty years.”

Diana. To a girl who's never had a friend, someone she can trust with her innermost secrets, Diana is exactly who Anne needed to find in this great big world. And they just happen to be neighbors, after Anne is taken in at Green Gables. As Anne dramatically proclaims to Marilla: “I cannot ever live without her. But I know very well when we grow up that Diana will get married and go away and leave me. And oh, what shall I do? I hate her husband—I just hate him furiously.”

Gilbert. I couldn't help but smile every time his name came up in the story. Anne passionately hates him, and the scrapes she gets it to avoid him are hilarious. She says she'll never forgive him for the “carrots” episode, but... when one is as emotional as Anne, you never know when your feelings will do a flip-flop.

“The rivalry between them was soon apparent; it was entirely good natured on Gilbert’s side; but it is much to be feared that the same thing cannot be said of Anne, who had certainly an unpraiseworthy tenacity for holding grudges. She was as intense in her hatreds as in her loves. She would not stoop to admit that she meant to rival Gilbert in schoolwork, because that would have been to acknowledge his existence which Anne persistently ignored...”

Anne. There are enough words to sum up this particular girl. She's an odd bird, to be sure. She also tries her best to please the Cuthberts who have fulfilled this orphan's dreams of a happy home. In her own words, “Miss Marilla Cuthbert is a very kind lady who has taken me to bring up properly. She is doing her best, but it is very discouraging work.” In her all little mistakes (no matter how many she makes), we find each relatable to our own life. In her “scope for imagination” we find the ideas and creativity that childhood freely gives, and most people never use properly.

“There’s such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I’m such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn’t be half so interesting.”

Until we meet again, dear friend.

- - - - - - - - - -

Other quotes I found ever so delightful...

“Who’s bringing this child up, Matthew, you or me?”
“Well now, you,” admitted Matthew.
“Don’t interfere then.”

“I love Miss Stacy with my whole heart, Marilla. She is so ladylike and she has such a sweet voice. When she pronounces my name I feel instinctively that she’s spelling it with an E.”

“It must be a great deal better to be sensible; but still, I don’t believe I’d really want to be a sensible person, because they are so unromantic. Mrs. Lynde says there is no danger of my ever being one, but you can never tell. I feel just now that I may grow up to be sensible yet.”

“I don’t know—I don’t want to talk as much,” she said, denting her chin thoughtfully with her forefinger. “It’s nicer to think dear, pretty thoughts and keep them in one’s heart, like treasures. I don’t like to have them laughed at or wondered over. And somehow I don’t want to use big words any more. It’s almost a pity, isn’t it, now that I’m really growing big enough to say them if I did want to.”

Matthew, with a suspicious moisture in his eyes, got up and went out-of-doors. Under the stars of the blue summer night he walked agitatedly across the yard to the gate under the poplars.
“Well now, I guess she ain’t been much spoiled,” he muttered, proudly. “I guess my putting in my oar occasional never did much harm after all. She’s smart and pretty, and loving, too, which is better than all the rest. She’s been a blessing to us, and there never was a luckier mistake than what Mrs. Spencer made—if it was luck. I don’t believe it was any such thing. It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon.”

Available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio format.

This is book #2 for me in the Back to the Classics 2018 challenge.
[CATEGORY: Re-Read a Favorite Classic]




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Book Review: Maud

Maud

written by Melanie J. Fishbane

400 pages // published in 2017 // YA historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Fourteen-year-old Lucy Maud Montgomery—Maud to her friends—has a dream: to go to college and, just like her idol, Louisa May Alcott, become a writer. But living with her grandparents on Prince Edward Island, she worries that this dream will never come true. Her grandfather has strong opinions about a woman’s place in the world, and they do not include spending good money on college. Luckily, she has a teacher to believe in her, and good friends to support her, including Nate, the Baptist minister’s stepson and the smartest boy in the class. If only he weren’t a Baptist; her Presbyterian grandparents would never approve. Then again, Maud isn’t sure she wants to settle down with a boy—her dreams of being a writer are much more important.

Life changes for Maud when she goes out West to live with her father and his new wife and daughter. Her new home offers her another chance at love, as well as attending school, but tensions increase as Maud discovers her stepmother’s plans for her, which threaten Maud’s future—and her happiness—forever.

I so wanted to love this title, based on the early life of one of my favorite authors. But me and this book just didn't quite see eye to eye.

There's just too much mushy stuff for my taste. It seems that the entire plot moves along based on who Maud is “in love” with. She's a young teenager, for goodness' sake (who isn't even allowed to wear her hair up, you know), and I just wanted to learn more about her development as a writer than I cared for who she was crushing on.

Some notes on various characters...

Her parents (or her mother in particular) is hinted at having a shameful past, all throughout the story.

Maud's relationship with her stepmother, on the other hand, is clearly depicted as strained. There's always tension between the two characters. I, right along with Maud, intensely disliked the woman.

Oh! And Mr. Mustard! Did such a man really exist in Maud's real life? I can hardly imagine that her parents allowed this detestable man to visit her for so long and not put a stop to it.

“To Maud, books were essential; without them she would have crumbled into despair.”

There is some character development though, and I saw some changes in Maud closer to the end of the novel, like she was going somewhere new. She does sometimes have a bit of a naughty or rebellious streak showing – but maybe that's the Anne in her.

I wouldn't recommend lightly handing this novel over to young girls who have fallen in love with quirky Anne Shirley, without a parent's perusal. I'd consider it only mildly mature, but I (personally) would only recommend it to readers 16 or older.

“But creating a world of characters who spoke to her, sharing the stories she knew and loved, this was her calling. Most of the time, she didn't feel she had control over anything but her words.”

Available on Amazon in hardcover, and ebook format.

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Book Review: Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902-1903

Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902-1903
Chronological Montgomery short stories, #2

written by L.M. Montgomery

216 pages // published in 1903 // literary Canadian fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Lucy Maud Montgomery, (always called "Maud" by family and friends) and publicly known as L. M. Montgomery, (1874-1942) was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables (1908). In 1893, following the completion of her grade school education in Cavendish, she attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown. Completing a two year program in one year, she obtained her teaching certificate. In 1895 and 1896 she studied literature at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After working as a teacher in various island schools, in 1898 Montgomery moved back to Cavendish. For a short time in 1901 and 1902 she worked in Halifax for the newspapers Chronicle and Echo. She returned to live with and care for her grandmother in 1902. Montgomery was inspired to write her first books during this time on Prince Edward Island. Her works include: The Story Girl (1911), Chronicles of Avonlea (1912), The Golden Road (1913), Anne of the Island (1915), Anne's House of Dreams (1917), Rainbow Valley (1919), Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920) and Rilla of Ingleside (1921).

This is a delightful collection of Montgomery's short works from the years of 1902 and 1903. I'm wanting to read all of her short stories, and making my way through them, year by year. This is the second such volume.

Many of the works included would make great moral stories for young readers. Others feature romance as the driving element, and would be intended for adults (although they're so tame and sweet, teen girls could enjoy them). Some of the themes covered include reconciliation, finding love at last, and in some cases, orphans finding their forever home.

Here's a bit about a few of my favorite stories in this volume:

Aunt Cyrilla's Christmas Basket: A delightful holiday story. While it may or may not be too original, it's charming. Kindness reigns in the end.

Miss Cordelia's Accommodation: Ah! At least, Montgomery's royal and fabled heroine makes her appearance. Cordelia knows she rules as a queen over her four-acre domain. This story just shines with happiness and generosity.

Ned's Stroke of Business: Now, this boy has a head on his shoulders! I found myself so attached to this story... I'm still not sure if it's the thought of the ice skating, or the hard challenge that has to be plowed through, or the genius idea of Ned's... but I liked his story.

The Bride Roses: What a romantic tale... and it ties a family back together again!

The Strike at Putney: Fabulous and hilarious! The people of the Putney church are dividing against the issue of allowing a female missionary to speak at the pulpit. The church splits down the middle, between men and women on the subject. Oh, what fun those women have in battle!

The Unhappiness of Miss Farquhar: I like this one because it's a plain-and-simple story that shows how you get on better in life if you don't mope about your problems.

Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind: This plucky schoolteacher knows how to create leverage – by obtaining evidence with her kodak. You go, girl!

These stories may be old-fashioned... but... well, that's part of their charm!

Available on Amazon in paperback, and (FREE!) ebook format.

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Book Review: Pat of Silver Bush

Pat of Silver Bush
Pat, #1

written by L.M. Montgomery

288 pages // published in 1933 // literary coming-of-age fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Patricia Gardiner loved Silver Bush more than anything else in the world. She was born and raised in the beautiful old-fashioned house on Prince Edward Island, "where things always seemed the same" and good things never changed. But things do change at Silver Bush--from her first day at school to the arrival of her new own first romance. Through it all, Pat shares her experiences with her beloved friends and discovers the one thing that truly never changes: the beauty and peace she will always find at Silver Bush--the house that remembers her whole life

Another Montgomery book down! I apologize in advance for this lengthy review...

General Thoughts:
To start, here's a little bio I put together of Pat, based on my musings of her type of character: As mentioned in the book, she has “French-English-Scotch-Irish-Quaker blood” (what a combo!). Most importantly, probably the first thing you should know, I believe, is that Pat loves things. Specifically she loves Silver Bush and anything connected to it. She loves many things found in nature. She loves people (dearly). And cats. And Pat is self-proclaimed “hopelessly Victorian” (take from that what you will).

For a while, when I would read L.M. Mongtomery's books, it seemed like each heroine I read about turned out to be my new favorite from all her books (first it was Anne that I fell in love with, then Emily, then Valancy, and most recently Jane – who at this moment still takes the cake). I cherished reading Pat's story, but this heroine didn't reel me in as some of the others have so easily done.

Regardless, I wouldn't have minded the satisfaction of knowing that there's a book out there called “Pat's House of Dreams” … just like the title of an Anne book I'm fond of. You'll know, once you read “Pat of Silver Bush” why I would desire to read a book of that title, but alas, it's not a real book. However, I can imagine just as good as the best of them – Pat and Anne, for example.

When I first started my reading of “Pat of Silver Bush”, I thought I'd have a running commentary on each chapter. This is now what I wish I'd have done for “Jane of Lantern Hill”, which I read a year ago (as I loved each and every chapter so intensely). Might as well not accidentally make the same mistake. I'll try to keep out the spoilers, in case you haven't read the book yet.

So here's my chapter-by-chapter notes... I hope you find them just a little bit witty...


Chapter 1: Introduces Pat
I'm not sure that I learned too much about Pat after chapter 1, as it seems I gleaned much more on Judy Plum. Maybe this is because Pat loves Judy so much. Judy appears to be the housekeeper at Silver Bush, I believe. Pat isn't an orphan, or anything like an orphan; so this is different. I think the last few pages of the chapter allowed me to see a bit more of Pat when she talked so vividly about the house cat, Gentleman Tom (who Judy says was “a bit particular who he spoke to”). But Pat and I are certainly not on bosom friend level yet.

Chapter 2: Introduces Silver Bush
I'm seeing more of Anne Shirley in Pat now, particularly in the way she names all the places around Silver Bush. And she's only 7 at the moment? As usual, Montgomery has infused quite the imagination into this little girl's brain. Even more now, I'm seeing that little Pat has a terrible penchant for cats (it's ever-increasing).

And at last, one of my favorite details so far... “But there was one house in which there was never any light...an old white house among thick firs on the top of a hill to the southwest, two farms away from Silver Bush. It was a long, rather low house...Pat called it the Long Lonely House. It hadn't been lived in for years. Pat always felt so sorry for it, especially in the 'dim' when the lights sprang up in all the other houses over the countryside.” (Hello, this familiarity in Emily Byrd Starr. Hello, my Disappointed House.)

Chapter 3: Concerning Parsley Beds
Pat, Patsy, Patrica. This girl's family tree has me out of sorts. It appears she has a full family, complete with a father and a mother, siblings, – and yet another sibling on the way. So, she's not orphaned, half-orphaned, or been sent away to live with strange relatives. Where are you, Montgomery that I know?

Chapter 4: Sunday's Child
Still a little befuddled in finding that one extra spark from Montgomery. It feels like it's 80% her. I want 100%, stat.

Chapter 5: “What's in a Name?”
I just need a touch of tragedy...

Chapter 6: What Price Weddings?
Ah. I may have stumbled onto something. One sentence in particular contains dramatic and prophetic foreshadowing, perhaps? It remains to be seen. And an a different note, since I haven't mentioned it yet... I truly do love Judy Plum and her amazing stories. And her Irish lilt.

….

Chapter 10: A Maiden All Forlorn
At last! An orphan appears. Hopefully this is headed somewhere interesting.

Chapter 11: Dinner Is Served
Indeed, Jingle is a fine lad and an adequate new friend. Ahem. How I adore this line... “She and Jingle had one of those chummy laughs that ripen friendship.”

Chapter 12: Black Magic
McGinty is missing! That lovely little dog has up and gone off somewhere... I can't hardly stand the thought of it. And I'm not sure that even if I were to read the chapter a hundred times, I'd ever understand that twisted ending to the dilemma. (Caution to parents: This chapter takes place during Halloween, and Pat ends up visiting a local “witch”.)

Chapter 13: Company Manners
It's Christmas time now, and, oh, what a delightful what it is. Especially Jingle. How is it that I think that this is secretly a book about an orphan boy instead of his friend Pat? His story is what pulls at my heartstrings.

“[Norma:] 'We've got shutters on our house, too...ever so much greener than yours. You should just see our house. You haven't a veranda...or even a garage.'
'No. But we've got a graveyard,' said Pat triumphantly.
Norma was a bit floored. She couldn't deny the graveyard.”

Chapter 14: The Shadow of Fear
Pat reminds me of a miniature Anne Shirley, still. I love how she had to “run out in the twilight to tell the good news to the silver bush and the leafless maples.” And another favorite line: “Even in winter Silver Bush was lovely because of what it sheltered and hoped for.” This reminds me of my home.

Chapter 15: Elizabeth Happens
I love it when new friends enter the picture. Don't you?

Chapter 16: The Rescue of Pepper
No! Judy, don't tell me such things about Bets. I'll not hear of it.

“Sometimes we call each other Gertrude and Margaret. We are so sorry for our middle names because they are never used. We think they feel bad about it.”

Chapter 17: Judy Puts Her Foot Down
(Caution to parents: Pat misbehaves horridly. It involves bathing – in moonlight, not water.)
“'Pat!' said Aunt Edith, with forty exclamation points in her voice.”

….

Chapter 20: Shores of Romance
Oh! What an adventure Pat gets into now!

Chapter 21: What Would Judy Think of It?
“Uncle Robert calls her his Maiden Aunt behind her back and you can just see the capitals.”

Chapter 22: Three Daughters of One Race
Pat seems to be growing up well, putting away some of her childish ideals. Why, she's now turning 13? My, my. And she didn't even slap her relatives this time when they visited.

Chapter 23: Mock Sunshine
I love this line... “The Gordons had had a telephone put in at last and Jingle and Pat generally kept the wire from rusting.” Plus some bewitchingly beautiful news arrives... and yet... I have my doubts.

Chapter 24: Ashes to Ashes
Goodness, this is heart-breaking! My poor Jingle. For just as for Pat, he will always be Jingle to me – and by no other name can I call him.

Chapter 25: His Way Is on the Sea
So. It has been foreordained, a teacher is what Pat must grow into, whether she wanted a career or not.

Chapter 26: Gentleman Tom Sits on the Stairs
After experiencing some earthly trials, Judy gets to make the finalizing proclamation: “She isn't the child inny more. She'll never be the same again.” After all her trials though, Pat receives a bounteous reward, I daresay, in the end.

Chapter 27: Glamor of Youth
I love the idea of a “glory box” where you store all your sentimental treasures and souvenirs.

Chapter 28: Even as You and I
Concerning a potential suitor: “It was thrilling to discover that he liked cats and was not in the least annoyed when Bold-and-Bad rubbed against his best trousers and haired them.” (… AND HAIRED THEM!) One of the most unique lines in the book. And another favorite from this chapter, showing off some of Pat's fieriness?

“'I'm not quite senile yet,' said Pat.
Harris laughed.
'So it can scratch.'”

Chapter 29: April Magic
Oh, the sadness of it all! I would say it's the saddest chapter yet. However, the next chapter title warns of more tragedy, and I hardly don't know what to expect...

Chapter 30: One Shall Be Taken
This chapter certainly swiped away every bit of happiness, and it all came so out of the blue. And yet Montgomery still had to add a sense of humor to the occasion of mourning: “'That awful girl,' Mrs. Binnie always said when she told of it. 'She talked like a perfect heathen.'” … But on a serious note, anyone suffering from grief might be affected by this part of the story.

….

Chapter 32: Exile
A funny little description of Pat, now at college: “A bit proud.... A bit reserved.... A bit odd....” I like that bit of wording. Maybe it feels like me.

This was a great look into Pat's life at school, her interactions with Jingle, who may be her only friend there. But I love hearing about their trips home together on the weekend, and about how McGinty always makes sure to travel over to Silver Bush – always at the right time to see his master home.

Chapter 33: Fancy's Fool
These young gentlemen just don't know that they shouldn't speak of Silver Bush in that way. Of course, maybe they know now.

Chapter 34: “Let's Pretend”
Ah. We're back to the good old days, of Pat and Jingle wiling their precious time away together in the most charming of ways. What quirky remarks they share with each other, and yet they understand each other perfectly.

Chapter 35: Shadow and Sunshine
A very touching chapter, although I'd rather not talk of it and give away any of the plot here.

….

Chapter 39: The Chatelaine of Silver Bush
Ooh. He'll have her yet. What intriguing words, leaving me anxious to see what happens in the sequel.

And so... “Childhood was gone. The 'first fine rapture' of youth was gone.”

Available on Amazon in paperback, and ebook format.

This is book #1 for me in the Back to the Classics 2018 challenge.
[CATEGORY: Classic With a Color in the Title]





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Lucy Maud Montgomery reading challenge 2018

My January always has a little more happiness in it because I can spend it with a kindred spirit of old. The L.M. Montgomery challenge is here again! (I didn't think the challenge would happen, but joy of joys, it is happening!)

Please, go read all about it on Carrie's blog.


My booklist consists of:
(1) a novel by Montgomery
(2) a short story collection by Montgomery
(3) a fictionalized novel written about her



Pat of Silver Bush
by Lucy Maud Montgomery



Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902-1903
by L.M. Montgomery



Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery
by Melanie Fishbane

So? Anyone else want to read books by L.M. Montgomery this month?

Book Review: Jane of Lantern Hill

Jane of Lantern Hill

written by L.M. Montgomery

274 pages // published in 1937 // literary children's fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead until she accidentally learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother deems unladylike, she dares to dream that there could be such a house back in Toronto...a house where she, Mother, and Father could live together without Grandmother directing their lives -- a house that could be called home.

My Review...



This novel is like reading a dream come true.

I feel like I could gush for a month on the superior qualities of this novel. I feel like L.M. Montgomery really outdid herself! Of course, I've always liked Anne of Green Gables, but it's been so many years since I've read Anne, that I can hardly believe if it was ever half so fun to read as Jane of Lantern Hill. Certainly, the author's most famous book has to rank close, right? (Herein I digress. That is a discussion for another time when I re-read Anne.)

For me, this book represents more of an emotion than it does a plot. (Of course, this is based on my personal feelings and how touched I was in reading it. This is also not to say that there is no arcing plot -- as can happen say, particularly in Victorian literature -- but not so in this case.) Regardless, this book will forever represent JOY and PLEASURE and GLITTERY HAPPINESS in my mind.

The heroine. So, let's talk about Miss Jane herself. She's a caring little creature, filled with hope. Since she lives in a heavily guarded "gilded cage" with her mother and wealthy grandmother, she has no need to do menial work (even though sometimes she desires to), but would never be allowed to such. What is so striking is that when given the chance, she takes to cooking and cleaning and other such chores so easily -- so enviously easy. This added so much to the dream-like aura of the plot. She'd dreamt about and studied the tasks she wanted to do for so long that she effortlessly was able to to fall right into the work, lickety split! Wouldn't that be amazing if we all could perform such miracles? What a capable girl she is -- surely a role model for the girls of the 1930s/1940s (honestly, what did those girls think when they first read Jane?).

The other characters. I have many new favorite characters by meeting them in this novel. I think I fell in love with every single character in the entirety of the book (not because I believe they would all make agreeable friends, but because no matter their personality, they contribute something important to the overall story). But 2 stand out above the rest, and it's a good vs. evil battle between the duo. There's Victoria Kennedy, the all-important, overbearing matriarch of the family. Her acidic tongue caught even me off guard sometimes; her carefully crafted insults certainly riled me, but often set me off in laughing fits. I shan't soon forget her. Turning to the other corner, we see Andrew Stuart entering -- Jane's estranged father. The man she didn't even know existed. I could write much of him too, but I'll keep some mystery shrouding 'round him. But what would you think if this is how your dad talked to you?

"Sorry I couldn't get in last night but my jovial, disreputable old car died right on the road. I managed to restore it to life this morning . . . at least long enough to hop into town like a toad . . ."

The chapters. While reading Jane, I felt like never before had I experienced the thrill of chapters in a book. No, seriously. Don't you ever wonder why books (that is the plain, ordinary, everyday kind) even have chapters? Just because of tradition -- "that's how books are written". But in this book, it was literally like being able to experience a "chapter" of Jane's life with her. Each chapter encapsulates an individual event or thought of hers. By reading 5 chapters in one sitting, I so then felt that I had experienced 5 brand new things with young, enchanting Jane Stuart.

One thing is for certain -- more people need to read Jane of Lantern Hill. If you enjoyed Anne of Green Gables at all, then you, like myself, will certainly revel in this novel -- which history and fellow bookworms don't speak of often enough.

In short? Utter bliss. This story has tickled my literary fancy and strummed my heartstrings in a terrible fashion.

Now, if only I can locate the 1990 film adaptation, and upon viewing it, not be disappointed.

Jane of Lantern Hill is available on Project Gutenburg AU in e-book format, and on Amazon in paperback, and e-book format.

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