Anne of Green Gables: A Book Review

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was one of my 5-star reads of 2025. Here's why.

Miss 13 in my Anniest Anne hat 👒

My first time reading Anne of Green Gables was in 2025 as a 41-year-old woman, reading aloud a little each night to my 13-year-old daughter. We've done this before with Harry Potter, The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley, and the Wundersmith Series by Jessica Townsend, but Anne of Green Gables has been my favourite so far.

We both enjoyed this book so much that I just had to expound on the joys of this wonderful novel and why you absolutely must read it.

Anne of Green Gables: A Book Review

History and Escapism

Set in Canada in the 1870s, this novel transports us to a different place and time. Back when people spoke and dressed differently, and worried about things differently. Reading it gave us a chance to learn a little history and took us somewhere completely different.

The Character of Anne

Anne is a delightful character full of enthusiasm, love, positivity, wit, intelligence, and a joyful exuberance that children would be ridiculed for nowadays. I wish that I were more like Anne. It would be hard not to love the character of Anne, and I would worry about the mind of anyone who said that they didn't. She is also a positive role model (despite the stubborn streak).

Miss 13 loves to read (she’s team Jeremiah IYKYK)

ADHD

We have neurodivergent children in our family. When I searched for 'fictional books with ADHD characters', Anne of Green Gables popped up. While the book does not state that Anne has ADHD, I think that anyone who has read the book would agree with the theory. She is... intense. Reading books with characters who exhibit characteristics like those in our family can help us see them differently, grow empathy, and enhance understanding.

Well-Written

Despite the older setting and language, big words, and Anne's rambling dialogue, the book is surprisingly easy to read. It will help you grow your vocabulary, and occasionally you'll wonder if Anne ever shuts up, but that's part of what makes the character of Anne so enjoyable.

Relevant

Despite the age of the text, the topics and themes that L.M. Montgomery tackles in her novel remain relevant for everyone today; Feeling unwanted, coping with disappointment, navigating friendships and misunderstandings, fitting in, and people-pleasing. Anne had something to teach me just as much as she had to teach Miss 13.

Lovely

Wholesome. This book is a joy to read. Truly lovely. Feminine, uplifting, and a true breath of fresh air. I looked forward to picking it up every night.

Posing with the book. Look at me 'reading'

Genre

Coming-of-Age, historical, classic, young adult.

Series

I didn't know when I started reading it, that Anne of Green Gables is a series of books. There are eight in total, and Anne of Green Gables is the first. I am excited to read on and find out about what happens for Anne in her future.

Anne with an E

Immediately after finishing Anne of Green Gables, Miss 13 and I started watching 'Anne with an E' on Netflix. This show seems to capture the essence of the book well, and has been equally as enjoyable to watch together, evidenced by the fact that Miss 14 and Miss 10 are now watching through the series with us, too. Miss 13 and I have found ourselves frequently exchanging knowing glances as the show progresses, and both of us are keen to finish both the book and television series together.

Have you read Anne of Green Gables or seen Anne with an E?

Happy reading!

Much love,

Marley