Anne of Green Gables is a beloved coming-of-age novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, first published in 1908. The story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative, talkative, and spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with two middle-aged siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them with their farm in the village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Anne’s arrival causes initial confusion and disappointment, as the Cuthberts had specifically requested a boy. However, Anne quickly wins over the hearts of the Cuthberts with her charm, creativity, and determination. Despite her vibrant personality, Anne struggles with her past as an orphan and her sense of belonging. She is given the home of Green Gables and becomes part of the Avonlea community, where she encounters many colorful characters, including her best friend Diana Barry, her academic rival Gilbert Blythe, and her stern but loving caretaker, Marilla.
Throughout the story, Anne’s vivid imagination and tendency to get into trouble lead to a series of humorous and heartwarming adventures. She accidentally dyes her hair green, gets into quarrels with Gilbert (after he calls her “Carrots”), and finds herself in awkward situations due to her outspoken nature. Yet, Anne also shows her inner growth, learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and the importance of her relationships with others.
Anne’s greatest desire is to pursue an education and achieve her dreams, especially of becoming a teacher. She excels academically and earns a scholarship to attend Queen’s Academy in Charlottetown. Throughout her journey, Anne grows from a talkative and imaginative girl into a more mature young woman who learns to navigate the complexities of life, friendship, and love. As she matures, she begins to realize her feelings for Gilbert, who has always admired her, but Anne is initially too proud to admit it.
The novel ends with Anne accepting Gilbert’s proposal, symbolizing her emotional growth and the fulfillment of her dreams. She is no longer the impulsive, naive girl who arrived at Green Gables but a confident and self-assured woman who has found both personal happiness and a sense of belonging.
Anne of Green Gables is a story about the power of imagination, the importance of kindness, and the enduring value of finding one’s place in the world. Anne’s adventures and personal growth, alongside the beautiful, idyllic setting of Prince Edward Island, have made the novel a timeless classic. It highlights themes of friendship, identity, and the transformative power of love and belonging. The book has spawned numerous sequels and adaptations, cementing Anne Shirley as one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature.