Goodreads blurb: “When ageing brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with chores around their farm, Green Gables on Prince Edward Island, neither is prepared for the feisty and imaginative red-headed girl who is mistakenly brought to them instead. Nor are they prepared for the way in which she will change their lives. Through a series of hilarious misadventures, Anne’s uncompromising spirit makes her a striking presence in the close-knit village, bringing new friendships, first crushes, and, for her foster parents, a love and openness unimaginable before her arrival.”
My Review
What a wonderful audiobook this was! I hadn’t read this classic children’s book before, but I did enjoy the wonderful Canadian series in the 80s with Megan Follows, so when this came up on the Audible daily deal last year I snapped it up. It was mostly because it was Rachel McAdams reading it, as she is one of my favourite actresses.
I fell in love with Anne Shirley (Anne with an ‘e’) as soon as Matthew Cuthbert collected her up from the the train station and took her to Green Gables. I loved hearing her chattering away to him as they travelled along the White Way of Delight and glimpsed the Lake of Shining Water. I loved following her journey as she settled into Green Gables and as her relationship with the Cuthberts and their neighbours grew from one of strangers to family and friends.
I was so surprised by how funny this book was, causing me to smile and laugh out loud on numerous occasions. I’d always thought that because it’s a children’s classic that it would be quite a boring book, but it was far from boring, especially with Rachel McAdams superb performance. She sounded like she was thoroughly enjoying reading the book bringing all the characters to life with absolute perfection. I love the enthusiasm she brought for Anne and Matthew’s shyness was so endearing.
This is a new favourite that I will definitely be listening to again in the future.
This is my first book that I’ve listened to for the #2019HistFicReadingChallenge and #2019WhenAreYouReading?
I pounced on this daily deal as well. Still in the queue. Glad it lived up to promise!
Yes it’s wonderful 🙂
The series grows up with Anne, if you like the idea you can watch her grow up. And get a chance to see her kids too 🙂
Yes I know there’s a series but I didn’t realise she had children as well!
🙂
Hallo, Hallo Nicki,
Ever since I listened to the Post Hypnotic Press editions of the first three stories in this series I must admit, I’ve become spoilt for the narrator they selected as for me, she developed Anne th way I remember reading Anne as a young girl, seeing Anne in the original Megan Fellows adaptations (same as you) and of course, I think even a part of that nostalgia was with me when I used to watch “Avonlea” which brought with it tales of PEI.
I agree about McAdams as an actress – she is one of my favourites as well – when I get back on Audible, I will have to remember this title and perhaps sample it ahead of time — the only downside for me is that I’m emotionally attached to PHPs version, so in theory, I am not even sure I can re-transition into a new narrator for that one reason alone.
I loved the humility and the honesty of Anne – of how she is constantly trying to do what is right and not always succeeding. If your curious about my take on Anne, you can find my thoughts & reflections for “Anne of Green Gables” discussing the story and the narrator. I’d love to hear your thoughts/takeaways in case you had similar ones as you listened to the story.
That was an interesting observation? About Classical Children’s stories? I must admit I’ve never found that to be true but then again, I’ve never actually stopped reading Children’s Lit.
Thanks I will definitely check out your link and the PHPs version.
shame on me – i’ve never read it! Will have to get the audio version it seems! Fab review!
Thanks I think your tbr mountain really needs this one! 🤣
This is a book that kids were reading when I was young, but for some reason… I never was interested. It sounds good, though!
It’s delightful!
Hi Nicki.
I have not read it, as I’m a dude and it is sort of a chick book, but my dad is from the Island, and so I have always felt a bit of a kinship with this story.
{Folks up there in Eastern Canada never say ‘Prince Edward Island or P.E.I., they just call it, ‘The Island’.}
{Eastern Canada; the home of bagged milk.}
Yes it’s definitely a chick book! 🤣
I loved Anne of Green Gables as a child and have been wanting to re-read it for a while now. After reading your fab review I’m thinking that I might get it on audio and listen to it. 🙂
Thanks I hope you enjoy it as much as I did if you do listen to this version.
I remember the book with fondness but can’t remember details. This would probably lovely to listen to. Thanks for your review, Nicki!
Thanks 😊
I loved this series when I was a kid! I’m glad you discovered it 🙂 Wonderful review!
Thanks I’m so glad I discovered it! 😊
I love Anne of Green Gables! Do you intend to listen/read any more in the series?
Yes I do if I can find another narrator that I like as this is the only one by Rachel McAdams.
This is one of my favourite childhood reads Nicki! Oh I really want to listen to it on audiobook now. 😍
I’m so glad I listened to this one as I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed it as much.