In Anne of Green Gables, Anne made her way in Green Gables. In the sequel, once titled Anne of Avonlea, but now renamed with the somewhat lackluster title “Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel,” Anne is grown and has fully realized her career as a schoolteacher.
As she continues to write stories and, as a result, get said stories rejected, Anne once again attempts to make her way in a society that, at first, has no intentions of accepting her. Taking a position as a teacher at an all girls boarding school in New Brunswick, Anne immediately finds herself at odds with both the faculty and a number of the students as well.
Anne, of course, perseveres and adds an entirely new facet to the character of Anne Shirley as she overcomes her adversaries as an adult instead of simply bashing them over the head with a slate (though, let’s admit it, that was fun as well).
In the meantime, Anne must also struggle with that age old dilemma of watching her friends grow up, settle down and become adults – a situation that Anne is not particularly fond of. As Diana becomes a wife and settles into a domestic life, Anne must also face the feelings she has for her other best friend, Gilbert Blythe.
Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel is a engaging addition to the story of Anne Shirley, a spitfire girl who makes her way in the world by mixing both determination and the ability to believe that there really is a better life out there. Megan Follows defines the character of Anne Shirley and even improves upon her. No doubt that tweens and teenage girls will certainly find Anne Shirley and her exploits more interesting than some, but even younger viewers, if paced, will enjoy the story as well.
Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel can be purchased on DVD from Amazon.com.