When I was around eight years old, I fell in love with a character by the name of Anne Shirley and though she first made an appearance in L. Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables, I was first introduced to her through Kevin Sullivan’s film adaptation.
The story of an orphan girl who, after being treated as nothing more than a housemaid and babysitter by her prior foster parents before being taken in by the Cuthberts of Green Gables, is charming and will certainly delight viewers of any age.
Those who have either read or seen Pollyanna or Annie will no doubt be familiar with the concept. At first, Marilla Cuthbert, who had requested a boy and received Anne by mistake, doesn’t want the orphan girl. It’s Marilla’s brother, Matthew, who convinces Marilla to keep Anne and as a result, she changes everyone around her.
Anne is a feisty, quirky character who young girls will almost instantly take a liking to. She’s dramatic and determined, a combination that makes her a fantastic literary role model.
As Anne struggles to make her way in Green Gables and make friends, namely the quiet and demure Diana Berry, she is introduced to Gilbert Blythe, an infuriating boy in her class who soon receives a slate over the head courtesy of Anne. The spark between the two characters grows brighter as the two characters grow older and head into the sequel, Anne of Avonlea.
Anne of Green Gables is a charming tale that will more than likely incite many young viewers to read the novels of L. Maud Montgomery and will introduce a truly independent and strong female character into the life of young girls.
Anne of Green Gables can be purchased on DVD from Amazon.com.