#AtoZChallenge : A is for Anne of Green Gables

My A to Z Challenge looks at some of my favourite book characters.

A is for Anne of Green Gables

Anne Shirley was the orphan who arrived in Prince Edward Island to astonish all who met her. Written in 1908, but set in the previous century, it describes the problem middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert must face when the promised boy who will help them on their farm turns out to be a girl, and not just any girl, but a dramatic, imaginative girl.

The yard was quite dark as they turned into it and poplar leaves were rustling silkily all around it.

“Listen to the trees talking in their sleep,” she whispered, as he lifted her to the ground, “What nice dreams they must have.”

Anne’s zest for life is infectious so despite the stern attempts to temper her enthusiasm she gradually charms the whole district.  The book’s chapter titles such as, “Mrs Rachel Lynde is properly Horrified,” and “A Tempest in the School Teapot,” warn the reader of the humour and inventiveness in the plot.  This is a moralistic tale but it is also sheer escapism into an alternative time and place where goodness and a sense of fun wins out.

You can see a recreation of Green Gables in Ruth Daly’s post.

Ten things you can learn from Anne.

How many of you grew up wanting to be Anne’s friend?