The spirit of Anne is alive and well in Mariah Marsden's crisp adaptation, and it's a thrill to watch as the beloved orphan rushes headlong through Brenna Thummler's heavenly landscapes. Together Marsden and Thummler conjure all the magic and beauty of Green Gables. Like Anne herself, you won't want to leave. — Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and The Marvels The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.
When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.
Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, …
The spirit of Anne is alive and well in Mariah Marsden's crisp adaptation, and it's a thrill to watch as the beloved orphan rushes headlong through Brenna Thummler's heavenly landscapes. Together Marsden and Thummler conjure all the magic and beauty of Green Gables. Like Anne herself, you won't want to leave. — Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and The Marvels The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.
When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.
Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.
Brenna Thummler has created a perfect rendering of Anne and Avonlea from the classic novel. Her art is brimming with a sense of place and expressive characters. Mariah Marsden's script kept all the core events and personalities of the characters intact. This is a genuinely masterful collaboration that only adds to the original while remaining failthful to it and Anne.
Brenna Thummler has created a perfect rendering of Anne and Avonlea from the classic novel. Her art is brimming with a sense of place and expressive characters. Mariah Marsden's script kept all the core events and personalities of the characters intact. This is a genuinely masterful collaboration that only adds to the original while remaining failthful to it and Anne.
Charming adaptation of the book by Lucy Maud Montgomery!
4 stars
I really enjoyed seeing Anne come to life in the pages of this graphic novel.
Growing up, The Story Girl was one of my favorite books, and I'm reminded why when I read this book. L.M. Montgomery wrote such delightful characters -- in particular, strong female protagonists who are clearly neurodivergent-coded, though of course she wouldn't have known that at the time. She also wrote about families who share love and compassion, and vibrant communities filled with memorable characters.
As an AuDHD woman, I find myself relating to Anne, her earnest foibles and her urgent desire to be accepted and loved for who she is (in spite of her fiery temper and red hair). My heart broke in recognition of her social stumbles, her struggles with emotional regulation, and her sensitivity to rejection. And I longed for the kind of supportive family and community Anne was surrounded with …
I really enjoyed seeing Anne come to life in the pages of this graphic novel.
Growing up, The Story Girl was one of my favorite books, and I'm reminded why when I read this book. L.M. Montgomery wrote such delightful characters -- in particular, strong female protagonists who are clearly neurodivergent-coded, though of course she wouldn't have known that at the time. She also wrote about families who share love and compassion, and vibrant communities filled with memorable characters.
As an AuDHD woman, I find myself relating to Anne, her earnest foibles and her urgent desire to be accepted and loved for who she is (in spite of her fiery temper and red hair). My heart broke in recognition of her social stumbles, her struggles with emotional regulation, and her sensitivity to rejection. And I longed for the kind of supportive family and community Anne was surrounded with at Green Gables.
The critiques I have of this adaptation are few. One is that the art style, while charming, is a bit limited when it comes to conveying details like facial expressions. I would've appreciated something a bit more expressive, but this still does a good job. I also would've liked to see more details of Anne's world, especially since she talks so much about being in love with nature. There are some nice moments of this, though! Lastly, I... just wish it was longer! I know a project like this is a massive undertaking, and I understand every detail from the book can't be included, but I was just left wanting more. Wanting more of Anne, more of her dear friends and kooky neighbors, just more of her world. I suppose that's just as much praise as it is a critique ;)
All in all, a quick and breezy read that's a positively delightful way to spend an afternoon.
