Review by Jill Williamson
When Rachel Lynde sees Matthew Cuthbert wearing his best suit of clothes and driving his buggy out of Avonlea at three in the afternoon she knows something it going on. Why, Matthew should be out in the fields sowing his turnip seed. She hustles over to her neighbors’ house immediately to ask Matthew’s sister, Marilla, what her brother is up to.
Marilla informs Rachel that they’ve decided to adopt a boy to help Matthew with the farm, as he’s getting older and his heart troubles him a good deal. Rachel, a woman who prides herself on speaking her mind, tells Marilla this is a horribly risk plan. Orphans cannot be trusted! They might set fire to the house, rob them blind, or put strychnine in the well.
Anne Shirley is thrilled to meet Matthew Cuthbert. He’s shy, but Anne has no problem chattering on as they drive back to his home. Anne can hardly believe that she is finally going to belong to a family, have a real home of her own. It all seems too good to be true, and when Marilla Cuthbert says, “Where is the boy?” Anne’s dreams are crushed. No one ever did want her. But Marilla isn’t ready to jump to any quick decisions. She decides to let Anne stay on trial to see how things might work out.
Anne Shirley is an endearing orphan: quirky, dramatic, and hilarious. I love Anne. I’ve always loved Anne. She is one of my favorites. She touches my heart in so many ways. I relate to her drama and dreams. Every girl should read this book once, if not over and over. I highly recommend it!
Age Range: 12 and up
Genre: Historical fiction
Part of a Series: Yes
Pages: 304
Publisher: Sterling
Released: 2004
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