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After Many Years
Although best known for creating the spirited Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), L. M. Montgomery had a thriving writing career that included several novels and more than five hundred poems and short stories.
This collection brings together rare pieces originally published between 1900 and 1939 that haven't been in print since their initial periodicals. Collins and Woster have carefully curated a mixture of newly discovered stories that showcase all the charm you expect from Mongomery. With scholarly prefaces and notes for each piece, the book offers readers a rare glimpse into how Montgomery's writing developed over the years.
This collection brings together rare pieces originally published between 1900 and 1939 that haven't been in print since their initial periodicals. Collins and Woster have carefully curated a mixture of newly discovered stories that showcase all the charm you expect from Mongomery. With scholarly prefaces and notes for each piece, the book offers readers a rare glimpse into how Montgomery's writing developed over the years.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
35 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Montgomery
1,862 books13.3k followersLucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 28, 2024
Albeit I am of course more than well aware of the fact that especially many of Lucy Maud Montgomery's short stories do tend to often be quite openly and sometimes even very obviously and heavily, massively preachy (mainly in fact due to the truth of the matter that Montgomery was writing for publication in Christian-based and themed newspapers, journals or for magazines that were catering primarily to children), I am sorry to say that far far too many of the included (and recently rediscovered) short fiction selections encountered in After Many Years have really (personally and in my humble opinion) felt considerably more didactic and blatantly holier than thou than a very goodly number of those contained in the Rea Wilmshurst edited series of collected and compiled L.M. Montgomery shorter tales (and that there also often if not actually generally is at least a bit of textual variety between moralising stories and ones that are a bit more delicately nuanced and with multiple reading and comprehension levels to be found in said series).
But that all having been said, I actually have in fact found (and continue to consider) the "lesson" and generally obviously geared towards children short story inclusions of After Many Years considerably more readable and approachable than most if not even ALL of the romance tales (as I for one, my love and appreciation of and for L.M. Montgomery as a writer quite notwithstanding, have never really all that much been a fan of her tales of lovemaking, of matchmaking, of silly romances, and it is kind of hugely annoying that in After Many Years there seems to be only two kinds of tales featured, the preachily didactic offerings and the romantic entanglement ones). And therefore, while I have indeed still enjoyed perusing After Many Years to an extent and absolutely do love and much appreciate the supplemental, research-based bibliographical and biographical information provided by the editors, the featured and presented stories themselves, while never in any manner horrible, although not terrible (and with a very few that I have definitely found both sweet and pleasant doings), these stories as a whole just do not really impress me quite enough to grant to After Many Years more than a high two stars, although I still do very much recommend this collection for and to fans of L.M. Montgomery, but with the necessary caveat that After Many Years in NO WAY even comes remotely close to Rea Wilmshurst's spectacular series of L.M. Montgomery short story compilations, with especially and personally appreciated that in ALL of the Rea Wilmshurst collections, there are detailed analytical introductions presented (introductions that analyse and offer often very interesting interpretations of and for each of the featured and presented tales), and that even with ALL of the interesting supplemental details featured and found in After Many Years, there are sadly and to and for me rather frustratingly no analyses, no potential interpretation ideas of and for the included stories being offered, which is academically speaking a pretty major lack and shortcoming (well, at least for me).
But that all having been said, I actually have in fact found (and continue to consider) the "lesson" and generally obviously geared towards children short story inclusions of After Many Years considerably more readable and approachable than most if not even ALL of the romance tales (as I for one, my love and appreciation of and for L.M. Montgomery as a writer quite notwithstanding, have never really all that much been a fan of her tales of lovemaking, of matchmaking, of silly romances, and it is kind of hugely annoying that in After Many Years there seems to be only two kinds of tales featured, the preachily didactic offerings and the romantic entanglement ones). And therefore, while I have indeed still enjoyed perusing After Many Years to an extent and absolutely do love and much appreciate the supplemental, research-based bibliographical and biographical information provided by the editors, the featured and presented stories themselves, while never in any manner horrible, although not terrible (and with a very few that I have definitely found both sweet and pleasant doings), these stories as a whole just do not really impress me quite enough to grant to After Many Years more than a high two stars, although I still do very much recommend this collection for and to fans of L.M. Montgomery, but with the necessary caveat that After Many Years in NO WAY even comes remotely close to Rea Wilmshurst's spectacular series of L.M. Montgomery short story compilations, with especially and personally appreciated that in ALL of the Rea Wilmshurst collections, there are detailed analytical introductions presented (introductions that analyse and offer often very interesting interpretations of and for each of the featured and presented tales), and that even with ALL of the interesting supplemental details featured and found in After Many Years, there are sadly and to and for me rather frustratingly no analyses, no potential interpretation ideas of and for the included stories being offered, which is academically speaking a pretty major lack and shortcoming (well, at least for me).
July 28, 2017
I've been slowly making my way through the Anne series this summer, and as I saw this book mentioned on someone's blog, I just couldn't pass it through. Luckily, I found it up for request on NetGalley, and I got it right away.
I have to say, Montgomery's stories are definitely pleasant to read, but you can't read too many of them. There's just something a little too cutesy and sugary about them – especially the early ones. It's not hard for me to understand why they are like that – they were published in Christian magazines and were supposed to 'inspire children to be kind', but if you think Anne of Green Gables was a bit much at times – trust me... You haven't seen Montgomery's early stories.
But this might sound like I didn't like it – I did! Although it's a firm 3 stars, and no more. There were definitely some wonderful stories, and it's truly surprising to see Montgomery's writing and topic choices start changing throughout her life – it's strange reading about cars and [almost] self-sufficient ladies in her books, and it's even stranger to read Montgomery write about the war. (Although, I have to say, it was truly amusing to read how much they abhorred the automobile in Prince Edward Island! Cars have always been a given to me, although thought of as a thing that brought progress, I couldn't have thought people feared and hated them! To the extent of campaigning against them..? Wow!)
Anyway. 3 stars it is, but there's still something truly magical about reading stories that have been lost and found, and were written by no less but one of the biggest Canadian literary miracles. If you are a fan of Montgomery's, you will surely enjoy this.
This review does not appear in my blog, but drop by to visit it for other reviews:
My Bookish Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
I have to say, Montgomery's stories are definitely pleasant to read, but you can't read too many of them. There's just something a little too cutesy and sugary about them – especially the early ones. It's not hard for me to understand why they are like that – they were published in Christian magazines and were supposed to 'inspire children to be kind', but if you think Anne of Green Gables was a bit much at times – trust me... You haven't seen Montgomery's early stories.
But this might sound like I didn't like it – I did! Although it's a firm 3 stars, and no more. There were definitely some wonderful stories, and it's truly surprising to see Montgomery's writing and topic choices start changing throughout her life – it's strange reading about cars and [almost] self-sufficient ladies in her books, and it's even stranger to read Montgomery write about the war. (Although, I have to say, it was truly amusing to read how much they abhorred the automobile in Prince Edward Island! Cars have always been a given to me, although thought of as a thing that brought progress, I couldn't have thought people feared and hated them! To the extent of campaigning against them..? Wow!)
Anyway. 3 stars it is, but there's still something truly magical about reading stories that have been lost and found, and were written by no less but one of the biggest Canadian literary miracles. If you are a fan of Montgomery's, you will surely enjoy this.
This review does not appear in my blog, but drop by to visit it for other reviews:
My Bookish Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
July 24, 2018
Since the 1986 publication of Lucy Maud Montgomery, A Preliminary Bibliography scholars have researched and unearthed numerous forgotten stories. These 21 stories represent a fraction of the short stories published in various magazines in the United States and Canada. The first half of the book features moral tales for children similar in vein to Louisa May Alcott’s “moral pap for the young” but less didactic and more relatable. Maud’s children make normal mistakes and learn lessons or teach a lesson.
The second half of the book features more young adult oriented stories with adult and teenage characters in silly love stories. I preferred the children’s stories because the children seemed more alive and natural than the adult characters. The adult characters are hampered by pride, money and family concerns. Some of these stories were later reworked into chapters in some of her novels or plot devices. “The Matchmaker” was directly retold in Anne of Ingleside inserting Anne as the matchmaker. I also recognized “Tomorrow Comes” as a combination of the story of Little Elizabeth in Anne of Windy Poplars combined with Jane of Lantern Hill. It’s almost word for word transplanted into Windy Poplars and will sound very familiar to those who have read the books and seen the mini-series adaptations. My least favorite story is “The Mirror” a gothic romantic drama. It is creepy and odd.
The editors annotate the stories at the end of each one to tell the reader what was going on in her life and what else she published. There is also a brief introduction explaining the scholarship.
This collection is worth adding to any LMM library. The stories are placed in chronological order so the reader gets a sense of how LMM grew as a writer but they can be read in any order. Additional stories can be found online http://kindredspaces.ca/ryrie-campbel...
The second half of the book features more young adult oriented stories with adult and teenage characters in silly love stories. I preferred the children’s stories because the children seemed more alive and natural than the adult characters. The adult characters are hampered by pride, money and family concerns. Some of these stories were later reworked into chapters in some of her novels or plot devices. “The Matchmaker” was directly retold in Anne of Ingleside inserting Anne as the matchmaker. I also recognized “Tomorrow Comes” as a combination of the story of Little Elizabeth in Anne of Windy Poplars combined with Jane of Lantern Hill. It’s almost word for word transplanted into Windy Poplars and will sound very familiar to those who have read the books and seen the mini-series adaptations. My least favorite story is “The Mirror” a gothic romantic drama. It is creepy and odd.
The editors annotate the stories at the end of each one to tell the reader what was going on in her life and what else she published. There is also a brief introduction explaining the scholarship.
This collection is worth adding to any LMM library. The stories are placed in chronological order so the reader gets a sense of how LMM grew as a writer but they can be read in any order. Additional stories can be found online http://kindredspaces.ca/ryrie-campbel...
June 24, 2017
This book is the equivalent of a cosy comfort blanket, it immediately took me back to my childhood and reminded me of the hours I spent reading the Ann series, Jane of Lantern Hill and The Story Girl. It is a collection of lesser known published short stories, and it was fascinating to see outlines of plot and characters which appeared in more developed form in other works. I also particularly enjoyed the little explanatory paragraphs included at the end of each story which talked about what was happening in Montgomery's life at the time they were written and what the inspiration could have been.
A delightful read for any L.M. Montgomery fan
I received a copy to review courtesy of NetGalley
A delightful read for any L.M. Montgomery fan
I received a copy to review courtesy of NetGalley
July 17, 2017
Book received from NetGalley.
This is another book that caused me to squeal like a fangirl when NetGalley approved me, and I admit I'm a huge fan of this author's works. I have loved L.M. Montgomery's books ever since my Grandmother bought me my first copy of Anne of Green Gables when I was 8. I'm always thrilled when they find more of her "lost" stories most of which were published in the various magazines of the era. The reasons the book got a 4-star rating was due to many of the stories being a bit extreme in the soppy morality tales of the era and the fact that many were fairly familiar to anyone who has read the majority of Montgomery's novels since she changed various things slightly and reused them. Other than that the stories were cute and quick to read and the explanations at the end of how and where they found them as well as where and when they were originally published just added to the enjoyment of the book for me. This is definitely a must for any L.M. Montgomery fan.
This is another book that caused me to squeal like a fangirl when NetGalley approved me, and I admit I'm a huge fan of this author's works. I have loved L.M. Montgomery's books ever since my Grandmother bought me my first copy of Anne of Green Gables when I was 8. I'm always thrilled when they find more of her "lost" stories most of which were published in the various magazines of the era. The reasons the book got a 4-star rating was due to many of the stories being a bit extreme in the soppy morality tales of the era and the fact that many were fairly familiar to anyone who has read the majority of Montgomery's novels since she changed various things slightly and reused them. Other than that the stories were cute and quick to read and the explanations at the end of how and where they found them as well as where and when they were originally published just added to the enjoyment of the book for me. This is definitely a must for any L.M. Montgomery fan.
November 13, 2017
While the stories in this collection are at times familiar or are over the top in giving moral lessons, they are also sweet, funny and imaginative. And, just like all of her other books and stories, there is just something magical and comforting about them. I know I'll be reading this collection again!
May 29, 2019
3.5 stars. I am a diehard L. M. Montgomery fan and did enjoy these stories but I could tell some the early ones were from her beginning writing. I also found it interesting that a couple stories had similarities to later published novels. Glad to have been able to read some more of her unpublished work.
September 21, 2018
Many writers do not have the gift of writing an excellent short story. Lucy Maud Montgomery has proven over and over and over again that she was a master of the short story (she wrote over 500). I loved this "new" collection of her short stories. Some themes and plots are reminiscent of older stories I have read but I never get tired of her writing. As I was reading on of the stories I kept thinking to myself: "this reads like a mix between Jane of Lantern Hill and little Elizabeth's story from Anne of Windy Poplars" and sure enough at the end, there was a note about how she had been working on Jane at the time of that story. I love that she developed some of her short stories into her novels or stories or characters within her novels. This is a beautiful collection and I really appreciated the editor's notes at the end of each story describing where they found the particular story and what was going on in Montgomery's life at the time.
September 24, 2024
Not really related to Covid 19 and really not realistic for what people are going through now. I'm not worrying about my investment portfolio or buying a second property for retirement, I'm worried about if I can pay my mortgage next month and how I'm going to keep up my car repayments.
Not a helpful book for right now and just cashing in on people's worries about Coronavirus.
Not a helpful book for right now and just cashing in on people's worries about Coronavirus.
January 4, 2022
Stay tuned for a review!
July 14, 2017
I received a copy of After Many Years from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I requested After Many Years by Carolyn Strom & Christy Woster because I am a big L.M. Montgomery fan. This collection of her short stories did not disappoint. They were classic Montgomery stories and featured many of her favorite and common topics like orphans, family relationships, love, schools/education, lighthouses, and the simple beauty and joys of both nature and childhood. The stories are set on her beloved PEI and feature well-known settings like lighthouses, coastlines, flower blooming lover's lane, gardens, and benches for couples. Every store comes with a simple moral or lesson.
These stories take the reader back to a simpler time and era which is a refreshing reprieve from the troubles and divisions of today. Similar to all her stories and novels, Montgomery is a master of evoking a period of history. Her descriptions are so well written and strong that I felt like I was on PEI in the early 1900s. The commentary, provided by Strom and Woster, at the end of each short story offers informative context for both what was happening in Montgomery's life and the world when the story was originally published. I found the commentary to be particularly interesting and valuable.
Fans of L.M. Montgomery will find these stories familiar, comfortable, and like returning home. They will enjoy reading this book and I highly recommend it. However, for readers not familiar with L.M. Montgomery, I do not think this book will interest or entice them. I do not think this is a good introduction to L.M. Montgomery. I recommend starting with one of her novels, like Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon. If those are enjoyed, then give this book a read - it will be enjoyed.
I requested After Many Years by Carolyn Strom & Christy Woster because I am a big L.M. Montgomery fan. This collection of her short stories did not disappoint. They were classic Montgomery stories and featured many of her favorite and common topics like orphans, family relationships, love, schools/education, lighthouses, and the simple beauty and joys of both nature and childhood. The stories are set on her beloved PEI and feature well-known settings like lighthouses, coastlines, flower blooming lover's lane, gardens, and benches for couples. Every store comes with a simple moral or lesson.
These stories take the reader back to a simpler time and era which is a refreshing reprieve from the troubles and divisions of today. Similar to all her stories and novels, Montgomery is a master of evoking a period of history. Her descriptions are so well written and strong that I felt like I was on PEI in the early 1900s. The commentary, provided by Strom and Woster, at the end of each short story offers informative context for both what was happening in Montgomery's life and the world when the story was originally published. I found the commentary to be particularly interesting and valuable.
Fans of L.M. Montgomery will find these stories familiar, comfortable, and like returning home. They will enjoy reading this book and I highly recommend it. However, for readers not familiar with L.M. Montgomery, I do not think this book will interest or entice them. I do not think this is a good introduction to L.M. Montgomery. I recommend starting with one of her novels, like Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon. If those are enjoyed, then give this book a read - it will be enjoyed.
March 25, 2018
There were some lovely stories in here, but it's definitely aimed for L.M. Montgomery fanatics. The beginning few are quite simple Sunday school morals. A few others had been reworked for other published books and stories. The notes after each story tying it to the point in her life they were published were somewhat interesting but also stiff. At times, they took away from the flow of enjoying her stories.
September 29, 2017
I regarded this book as a surprise treat (I didn't realize there were still undiscovered stories by her out there) but I'll tell you - you really need to be a major fan to enjoy it. Many of these stories will sound very familiar, as Montgomery reused much of her work from short stories in her novels. Still, just discovering that is fun, in my world.
July 14, 2021
LMM Admirable Qualities Shining Through Yet Again - Since my youngest daughter and I read all of LMM’s stories from the point where new collections had come out in the 1990’s it was heartening to see yet another volume of stories issued again “After Many Years.” I was also interested to learn that these entries come from all periods during the author’s career and curious to see changes over time (see my review of Rubio’s "Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Gift of Wings").
Although the differences were not apparent to me, it was fascinating to note, as others have said, that the stories are quite good and consistent over time even with the many ups and downs in LMM’s life. Perhaps this is the real meaning behind the name of Rubio’s biography. What comes through these and her other tales is Maud’s ability despite all to gain perspective, recall personal kindness, and realize prospects for us to be our better selves and the possibilities of same in the world---still clearly qualities we need during this period of such cynicism and disingenuousness. The editors exhibit similar care and tenacity in their efforts.
More specifically, the book after an introduction by the editors, as its title indicates, presents 21 entries that had been issued in various publications obscure and virtually hidden from us today. Namely, in order, there are: (1) The Chivers Light (1900/1924), (2) Elvie's Necklace (1906), (3) What Happened at Brixley's (1906), (4) Janie's Bouquet (1907), (5) Jeans Birthday Party (1907), (6) Maggie's Kitten (1907), (7) The Old Homestead (1907), (8) The Pineapple Apron (1908), (9) How Bobby Got to the Picnic (1909), (10) Peter of the Lane (1909), (11) For the Good of Anthony (1910), (12) Our Neighbours at the Tansy Patch (1918), (13) The Matchmaker (1919), (14) The Bloom of May (1921), (15) Hill o' the Winds (1923), (16) Jim's House (1926), (17) The Mirror (1931), (18) Tomorrow Comes (1934), (19) The Use of Her Legs (1936), (20) Janet's Rebellion (1938), and (21) More Blessed to Give (1939). At the end of each chapter there are notes about the entry that provide details of its origin and some context regarding related LMM writings.
My favorite parts of the book, besides certain stories, include the introductory remarks which situate these stories as they relate to other collections, the author’s body of work, and briefly summarize their subjects. Among the stories that affected me most were “Peter of the Lane” and “Janet’s Rebellion;” perhaps due to being reintroduced to such tales and thoughts harkening back to my own family. In fact, these readings led me to go back and re-read a few of my favorites from the other compilations such as “The Brother Who Failed” from "Further Chronicles of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables book series)" and selections from "After Many Days (Children's Continuous Series)" (note the similar name) such as the title piece, “In the Old Valley” and “The Prodigal Brother” (where Miss Hannah exhibits LMM tendencies). Within the notes, the editors allude to the over 500 such stories, many of which remain to be mined (it is good that proceeds from this book and others may contribute to preservation of Prince Edward Island culture and heritage).
The sheer volume of her stories and LMM’s progression as a working author brought to mind Vonnegut and the relatively recent Complete Stories where there seem to be some writer career parallels. As I read, I also thought of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ recent foray into fiction with "The Water Dancer: A Novel" as a way to proceed with more encouraging themes given the sobering tenor of his non-fiction work (see my reviews). With works such as those of George Saunders (e.g. “The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip” or “The Tenth of December”) we may see a glimpse of what is so endearing about LMM emerging again in contemporary literature.
While related comments and a mention or two about concurrent happenings in Maud’s life would make such entries even more interesting, perhaps that is a value add that someone else in future oeuvres can provide. Never the less, this recent batch of LMM stories are welcome, and like her message, we are left with the hope of more moving tales and an improving social climate.
Although the differences were not apparent to me, it was fascinating to note, as others have said, that the stories are quite good and consistent over time even with the many ups and downs in LMM’s life. Perhaps this is the real meaning behind the name of Rubio’s biography. What comes through these and her other tales is Maud’s ability despite all to gain perspective, recall personal kindness, and realize prospects for us to be our better selves and the possibilities of same in the world---still clearly qualities we need during this period of such cynicism and disingenuousness. The editors exhibit similar care and tenacity in their efforts.
More specifically, the book after an introduction by the editors, as its title indicates, presents 21 entries that had been issued in various publications obscure and virtually hidden from us today. Namely, in order, there are: (1) The Chivers Light (1900/1924), (2) Elvie's Necklace (1906), (3) What Happened at Brixley's (1906), (4) Janie's Bouquet (1907), (5) Jeans Birthday Party (1907), (6) Maggie's Kitten (1907), (7) The Old Homestead (1907), (8) The Pineapple Apron (1908), (9) How Bobby Got to the Picnic (1909), (10) Peter of the Lane (1909), (11) For the Good of Anthony (1910), (12) Our Neighbours at the Tansy Patch (1918), (13) The Matchmaker (1919), (14) The Bloom of May (1921), (15) Hill o' the Winds (1923), (16) Jim's House (1926), (17) The Mirror (1931), (18) Tomorrow Comes (1934), (19) The Use of Her Legs (1936), (20) Janet's Rebellion (1938), and (21) More Blessed to Give (1939). At the end of each chapter there are notes about the entry that provide details of its origin and some context regarding related LMM writings.
My favorite parts of the book, besides certain stories, include the introductory remarks which situate these stories as they relate to other collections, the author’s body of work, and briefly summarize their subjects. Among the stories that affected me most were “Peter of the Lane” and “Janet’s Rebellion;” perhaps due to being reintroduced to such tales and thoughts harkening back to my own family. In fact, these readings led me to go back and re-read a few of my favorites from the other compilations such as “The Brother Who Failed” from "Further Chronicles of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables book series)" and selections from "After Many Days (Children's Continuous Series)" (note the similar name) such as the title piece, “In the Old Valley” and “The Prodigal Brother” (where Miss Hannah exhibits LMM tendencies). Within the notes, the editors allude to the over 500 such stories, many of which remain to be mined (it is good that proceeds from this book and others may contribute to preservation of Prince Edward Island culture and heritage).
The sheer volume of her stories and LMM’s progression as a working author brought to mind Vonnegut and the relatively recent Complete Stories where there seem to be some writer career parallels. As I read, I also thought of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ recent foray into fiction with "The Water Dancer: A Novel" as a way to proceed with more encouraging themes given the sobering tenor of his non-fiction work (see my reviews). With works such as those of George Saunders (e.g. “The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip” or “The Tenth of December”) we may see a glimpse of what is so endearing about LMM emerging again in contemporary literature.
While related comments and a mention or two about concurrent happenings in Maud’s life would make such entries even more interesting, perhaps that is a value add that someone else in future oeuvres can provide. Never the less, this recent batch of LMM stories are welcome, and like her message, we are left with the hope of more moving tales and an improving social climate.
August 1, 2025
My mother loaned me this collection of L. M. Montgomery's twenty-one short stories that have been published but never before compiled into a collection for current readers to enjoy. At the end of each chapter, it is detailed the year of publication, common story threads, and sometimes little aspects of the author's life. There are themes of family, loss, imagination, kindness, and quarrels that lead to misunderstandings.
As is my custom, I will describe and review each short story separately.
The Chivers Light (1900/1924). 3 stars A young boy named Jack is warned by his parents not to take their boat out on the water on his own to attend local races. He disobeys and learns a valuable lesson about listening to his parents. My thoughts: A good moral tale.
Elvie's Necklace (1906) 3 stars A young girl is allowed to take a valuable family necklace to a birthday party, but when she loses it, she learns the valuable lesson of taking care of items. My thoughts: A good moral tale.
What Happened at Brixley's 3 stars (1906) Two cousins decide to teach a village bully a lesson and decide to give him the fright of his life. My thoughts: I had a good chuckle over this one.
(Janie's Bouquet (1907) 3 stars A gesture from a young girl makes a sweet gesture to let a beloved teacher know that she cares. My thoughts: Tugged at my teacher's heart
Jeans Birthday Party (1907) 3 stars A group of third-grade girls surprise their classmate Jean with a birthday party. My thoughts: A nice message about how being unselfish and thinking of others is the right way to go. I liked it.
Maggie's Kitten (1907) 4 stars Maggie is a little girl who would love to have a kitten of her very own. Little does she know that her journey to find her feline friend will also help soothe a family quarrel. My thoughts Oh, I adored this one because I always had a fondness for L.M.M's knack for solving familial issues in her stories.
The Old Homestead (1907) 3.5 stars. Stephen and Priscilla have raised their children and decided to sell the family farm and move to the city to be closer to their adult children. But are they really happy? This was a cute story.
The Pineapple Apron (1908) 3 stars A young girl becomes jealous of something belonging to her classmate. My thoughts: Is it any wonder she became a minister's wife? Another nicely written moral tale.
How Bobby Got to the Picnic (1909) 3 stars A young boy, Bobby, dreams of going to his first picnic, but a lie about a precious family heirloom lands him in hot water. My thoughts Yeah, it is certainly similar to what Anne Shirley experiences in Anne of Green Gables. Still loved it.
Peter of the Lane (1909) 5 stars. A young boy's relationship with his curmudgeonly next-door neighbour helps lead a father's reconciliation with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. My thoughts: L. M. Montgomery had me ( again) reaching for the tissues.
For the Good of Anthony (1910) 4 stars A lovely romance between two stubborn young people and letters between cousins. My thoughts: How is that for a vague summary? Haha! It's a good one, written in that perfect Montgomery style.
Our Neighbours at the Tansy Patch (1918) 3.5 stars Two families...one very traditional and circumspect, the other wildly eccentric — are close neighbours. The legend of Captain Kidd's treasure inspires some hilarious antics. My thoughts: I liked the weaving of Maritime folklore into the story, and the characters were very well written.
The Matchmaker (1919) 4 stars. An older woman decides to match her much loved niece with a local boy, but it doesn't go exactly as she planned. My thoughts: Pure comedy gold.
The Bloom of May: The Story of an Old Apple Tree and Those Who Loved It (1921) 3 stars My thoughts: The title lets you know the gist of the story. It was a sweet tale.
Hill o' the Winds (1923) 4 stars A novella that explores an existing family feud with very memorable characters. 4 stars My thoughts: As I have said before, family quarrels, which run in many of the author's stories, are one of my favourite tropes.
Jim's House (1926) 6 stars A story featuring cats, odd houses, and misunderstandings. My thoughts: My absolute favourite story in the collection, and as you see, I liked them all!
The Mirror (1931) 4 stars A young woman's obsession with an inanimate object may halt her matrimonal dreams. My thoughts: So many thoughts, still mulling over this one.
Tomorrow Comes (1934) 2.5 stars A young woman named Judith, living with her mother and grandmother, comes to learn that the father she believed to be deceased is very much alive. My thoughts: If you have read Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill, then you are familiar with how this story plays out. I have, so I rate this one lower.
The Use of Her Legs (1936) 4 stars The protagonist, Amanda Page, has lost the use of her legs and uses a wheelchair. The story revolves around Amanda's struggle to survive when a strange man, Daniel Random, appears at her home, forcing her to flee. The narrative focuses on her desperate attempt to escape, forcing her to confront the possibility of using her legs to save her life. My thoughts: I enjoyed it. Good characterization.
Janet's Rebellion (1938) 2 star Tired of hand-me-down dresses, Janet's Aunt Lena comes to her rescue. 3 stars My thoughts: It was a nice tale, but I didn't like it.
More Blessed to Give (1939) 3 stars Winifred and Helen were very good friends at college. However, Winifred feared that she would never be able to finish college due to a lack of money. Then Helen offered her the money to complete her studies, but Winifred was too proud to accept the money. Could her mind be changed? My thoughts: A nice story, but it does not have staying power in my mind, but a nice message.
If you have made it this far, I highly recommend this short story collection to Anne fans, new and old.
Goodreads review published 07/07/25
As is my custom, I will describe and review each short story separately.
The Chivers Light (1900/1924). 3 stars A young boy named Jack is warned by his parents not to take their boat out on the water on his own to attend local races. He disobeys and learns a valuable lesson about listening to his parents. My thoughts: A good moral tale.
Elvie's Necklace (1906) 3 stars A young girl is allowed to take a valuable family necklace to a birthday party, but when she loses it, she learns the valuable lesson of taking care of items. My thoughts: A good moral tale.
What Happened at Brixley's 3 stars (1906) Two cousins decide to teach a village bully a lesson and decide to give him the fright of his life. My thoughts: I had a good chuckle over this one.
(Janie's Bouquet (1907) 3 stars A gesture from a young girl makes a sweet gesture to let a beloved teacher know that she cares. My thoughts: Tugged at my teacher's heart
Jeans Birthday Party (1907) 3 stars A group of third-grade girls surprise their classmate Jean with a birthday party. My thoughts: A nice message about how being unselfish and thinking of others is the right way to go. I liked it.
Maggie's Kitten (1907) 4 stars Maggie is a little girl who would love to have a kitten of her very own. Little does she know that her journey to find her feline friend will also help soothe a family quarrel. My thoughts Oh, I adored this one because I always had a fondness for L.M.M's knack for solving familial issues in her stories.
The Old Homestead (1907) 3.5 stars. Stephen and Priscilla have raised their children and decided to sell the family farm and move to the city to be closer to their adult children. But are they really happy? This was a cute story.
The Pineapple Apron (1908) 3 stars A young girl becomes jealous of something belonging to her classmate. My thoughts: Is it any wonder she became a minister's wife? Another nicely written moral tale.
How Bobby Got to the Picnic (1909) 3 stars A young boy, Bobby, dreams of going to his first picnic, but a lie about a precious family heirloom lands him in hot water. My thoughts Yeah, it is certainly similar to what Anne Shirley experiences in Anne of Green Gables. Still loved it.
Peter of the Lane (1909) 5 stars. A young boy's relationship with his curmudgeonly next-door neighbour helps lead a father's reconciliation with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. My thoughts: L. M. Montgomery had me ( again) reaching for the tissues.
For the Good of Anthony (1910) 4 stars A lovely romance between two stubborn young people and letters between cousins. My thoughts: How is that for a vague summary? Haha! It's a good one, written in that perfect Montgomery style.
Our Neighbours at the Tansy Patch (1918) 3.5 stars Two families...one very traditional and circumspect, the other wildly eccentric — are close neighbours. The legend of Captain Kidd's treasure inspires some hilarious antics. My thoughts: I liked the weaving of Maritime folklore into the story, and the characters were very well written.
The Matchmaker (1919) 4 stars. An older woman decides to match her much loved niece with a local boy, but it doesn't go exactly as she planned. My thoughts: Pure comedy gold.
The Bloom of May: The Story of an Old Apple Tree and Those Who Loved It (1921) 3 stars My thoughts: The title lets you know the gist of the story. It was a sweet tale.
Hill o' the Winds (1923) 4 stars A novella that explores an existing family feud with very memorable characters. 4 stars My thoughts: As I have said before, family quarrels, which run in many of the author's stories, are one of my favourite tropes.
Jim's House (1926) 6 stars A story featuring cats, odd houses, and misunderstandings. My thoughts: My absolute favourite story in the collection, and as you see, I liked them all!
The Mirror (1931) 4 stars A young woman's obsession with an inanimate object may halt her matrimonal dreams. My thoughts: So many thoughts, still mulling over this one.
Tomorrow Comes (1934) 2.5 stars A young woman named Judith, living with her mother and grandmother, comes to learn that the father she believed to be deceased is very much alive. My thoughts: If you have read Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill, then you are familiar with how this story plays out. I have, so I rate this one lower.
The Use of Her Legs (1936) 4 stars The protagonist, Amanda Page, has lost the use of her legs and uses a wheelchair. The story revolves around Amanda's struggle to survive when a strange man, Daniel Random, appears at her home, forcing her to flee. The narrative focuses on her desperate attempt to escape, forcing her to confront the possibility of using her legs to save her life. My thoughts: I enjoyed it. Good characterization.
Janet's Rebellion (1938) 2 star Tired of hand-me-down dresses, Janet's Aunt Lena comes to her rescue. 3 stars My thoughts: It was a nice tale, but I didn't like it.
More Blessed to Give (1939) 3 stars Winifred and Helen were very good friends at college. However, Winifred feared that she would never be able to finish college due to a lack of money. Then Helen offered her the money to complete her studies, but Winifred was too proud to accept the money. Could her mind be changed? My thoughts: A nice story, but it does not have staying power in my mind, but a nice message.
If you have made it this far, I highly recommend this short story collection to Anne fans, new and old.
Goodreads review published 07/07/25
August 20, 2019
I am going to say two things about this collection - first, it took me sometime to read because some of Montgomery's stories in this collection are either sugary-sweet or just too preachy (or worse some combination of both). And second, I gave this a four star read based on a handful of stories.
Last year, I figured it was time to re-read Anne of Green Gables since it'd had been years since I'd first read the books, in particular the first three books of the series. I was partly inspired by the new Anne TV series that CBC and Netflix has put out. And I wanted to see what was different between the book(s) and the show aside from the glaringly obvious. And then I decided, I needed to re-read the Emily books which I'd read once or twice around Grade 8 and from there, I've been reading more of L.M. Montgomery. The new editions released by Tundra Books has really helped since the covers are so lovely and the size of both the book and text is rather nice as well.
When I came across this book when I was looking for another L.M. Montgomery book that Tundra had released in June of this year, I decided to give it a chance. I will say that before reading this book, I wasn't quite aware of how prolific of an author Montgomery was. Having read this book, I have to wonder how many of her short stories were written to make money rather than for the joy of writing. Although her characters are always entertaining, there were a handful of short stories at the start of this book were intended to teach children certain lessons and as such came off as a little too saccharine and preachy.
Since I am not really a Montgomery scholar or completest, one point I considered DNF'ing this book. I am glad that I didn't because stories like "Jim's House" and "The Bloom of May" and "Hill O' the Winds" were completely charming and had that certain something that made Montgomery a beloved author. There's a reason why Anne of Green Gables is so well-loved and why Montgomery's books keep getting reprinted for newer audiences and that's because she's able to capture something about the human condition that make people want to get to know Anne, Emily, the Story Girl and so many other characters.
Montgomery is at her best when she's not preaching to her audience. Although there were "teachable" moments in the Anne, Emily & Story Girl books, the entire book(s) are not a lesson for the young reader to learn and take with them. She's at her best when she's writing about the natural world or about the delightful follies of youth or about love in general.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend this book to everyone. I'd definitely say if you're a fan of Montgomery's works then you may want to pick this book up. It's a good look at how Montgomery's writing progressed and there are some gems in this book.
Last year, I figured it was time to re-read Anne of Green Gables since it'd had been years since I'd first read the books, in particular the first three books of the series. I was partly inspired by the new Anne TV series that CBC and Netflix has put out. And I wanted to see what was different between the book(s) and the show aside from the glaringly obvious. And then I decided, I needed to re-read the Emily books which I'd read once or twice around Grade 8 and from there, I've been reading more of L.M. Montgomery. The new editions released by Tundra Books has really helped since the covers are so lovely and the size of both the book and text is rather nice as well.
When I came across this book when I was looking for another L.M. Montgomery book that Tundra had released in June of this year, I decided to give it a chance. I will say that before reading this book, I wasn't quite aware of how prolific of an author Montgomery was. Having read this book, I have to wonder how many of her short stories were written to make money rather than for the joy of writing. Although her characters are always entertaining, there were a handful of short stories at the start of this book were intended to teach children certain lessons and as such came off as a little too saccharine and preachy.
Since I am not really a Montgomery scholar or completest, one point I considered DNF'ing this book. I am glad that I didn't because stories like "Jim's House" and "The Bloom of May" and "Hill O' the Winds" were completely charming and had that certain something that made Montgomery a beloved author. There's a reason why Anne of Green Gables is so well-loved and why Montgomery's books keep getting reprinted for newer audiences and that's because she's able to capture something about the human condition that make people want to get to know Anne, Emily, the Story Girl and so many other characters.
Montgomery is at her best when she's not preaching to her audience. Although there were "teachable" moments in the Anne, Emily & Story Girl books, the entire book(s) are not a lesson for the young reader to learn and take with them. She's at her best when she's writing about the natural world or about the delightful follies of youth or about love in general.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend this book to everyone. I'd definitely say if you're a fan of Montgomery's works then you may want to pick this book up. It's a good look at how Montgomery's writing progressed and there are some gems in this book.
June 13, 2021
I loved this selection of some of L. M. Montgomery's short stories. The author of "Anne of Green Gables" had written these for various magazine publications, but they had not been gathered into book form before. I would read this collection again, and it's definitely "a keeper."
Oddly enough, my first thought of this set was one of disappointment. The earlier couple of stories in the book had been for a Sunday School publication. While I am rare in that I don't mind stories that preach (I don't mind being challenged and continually trying to live better), these just seemed to have too much of a sense of serendipity. Things are not likely to work out that well and they lacked a certain depth.
But there were many better stories in this collection that were very satisfying - "Peter of the Lane," "Maggie's Kitten," "Hill o' the Winds," "Tomorrow Comes," "The Bloom of May." I think the common themes that made them so satisfying were the common themes of kindness in fully depicted characters.
I loved "The Bloom of May" about those around the blooming tree so much I was sorry when it ended. I loved the strange, quirky selection of characters in "Our Neighbors in the Tansy Patch," and the ending to "The Matchmaker" caught me by surprise.
I knew about the naming before the main character in "Hill o' the Winds."
For those who don't like the religious bent, they were not particularly religious either. In fact, despite the author's Presbyterian preacher husband, "The Use of Her Legs" almost seemed to mock people with deeply held religious beliefs. I just wanted someone to tell poor Daniel Random that he didn't need to sacrifice anything, that in his own religion, Jesus had already made the final, ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and there is no need of more.
"The Mirror" held a little of the paranormal, like her "Emily of New Moon" series, my favorite of L. M. Montgomery's works. I thought "The Mirror" was a little dark for L. M. M.'s usual writings, but it drew me in and was well done, too. Some of the short stories in her "Story Girl" collection were a little dark, too, so L. M. M. does have a full range of emotions in her genre, but somehow that's still not what I think about when I think of her works.
Several other reviewers mentioned having to ration these out slowly rather than galloping through them. I did the same. Some did it that way to keep them from accumulating and feeling too sweet altogether. I can understand that. I did it because I wanted to savor each one and consider each one individually as was its due.
Favorite quotes:
"Folks around here call paw lazy, but he says no, he's just contented."
"There can be no interchange of soul in the city. Here, in the beautiful country under God's blue sky, human beings can be their real and highest selves."
"My soul sought food and was given a lecture."
"It was worth while having been ill to realize the tang and savor of returning health again on a morning like this when a sea wind was blowing up over the long, green fields." I like this description of healing, not being impatient for it, but actually savoring it and being confident that healing will happen.
"To accept a favor gracefully is one of the hardest things to learn. Anyone can refuse. Independent people make a merit of refusing. It's only ungracious pride not to grant a friend the privilege of helping us."
Oddly enough, my first thought of this set was one of disappointment. The earlier couple of stories in the book had been for a Sunday School publication. While I am rare in that I don't mind stories that preach (I don't mind being challenged and continually trying to live better), these just seemed to have too much of a sense of serendipity. Things are not likely to work out that well and they lacked a certain depth.
But there were many better stories in this collection that were very satisfying - "Peter of the Lane," "Maggie's Kitten," "Hill o' the Winds," "Tomorrow Comes," "The Bloom of May." I think the common themes that made them so satisfying were the common themes of kindness in fully depicted characters.
I loved "The Bloom of May" about those around the blooming tree so much I was sorry when it ended. I loved the strange, quirky selection of characters in "Our Neighbors in the Tansy Patch," and the ending to "The Matchmaker" caught me by surprise.
I knew about the naming before the main character in "Hill o' the Winds."
For those who don't like the religious bent, they were not particularly religious either. In fact, despite the author's Presbyterian preacher husband, "The Use of Her Legs" almost seemed to mock people with deeply held religious beliefs. I just wanted someone to tell poor Daniel Random that he didn't need to sacrifice anything, that in his own religion, Jesus had already made the final, ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and there is no need of more.
"The Mirror" held a little of the paranormal, like her "Emily of New Moon" series, my favorite of L. M. Montgomery's works. I thought "The Mirror" was a little dark for L. M. M.'s usual writings, but it drew me in and was well done, too. Some of the short stories in her "Story Girl" collection were a little dark, too, so L. M. M. does have a full range of emotions in her genre, but somehow that's still not what I think about when I think of her works.
Several other reviewers mentioned having to ration these out slowly rather than galloping through them. I did the same. Some did it that way to keep them from accumulating and feeling too sweet altogether. I can understand that. I did it because I wanted to savor each one and consider each one individually as was its due.
Favorite quotes:
"Folks around here call paw lazy, but he says no, he's just contented."
"There can be no interchange of soul in the city. Here, in the beautiful country under God's blue sky, human beings can be their real and highest selves."
"My soul sought food and was given a lecture."
"It was worth while having been ill to realize the tang and savor of returning health again on a morning like this when a sea wind was blowing up over the long, green fields." I like this description of healing, not being impatient for it, but actually savoring it and being confident that healing will happen.
"To accept a favor gracefully is one of the hardest things to learn. Anyone can refuse. Independent people make a merit of refusing. It's only ungracious pride not to grant a friend the privilege of helping us."
June 26, 2019
Unlike Montgomery's other short story collections, the stories in this collection don't share a particular theme, except that they hadn't been published in book form before.
Some are short and sweet, others are a bit dark. Some of them have plot elements similar to parts of her novels, but all are lovely.
The editors include notes after each story about where and when it was published and what Montgomery was also working during that year. They also mention that she has a lot of stories that haven't been "found", so I am very hopeful there will be more to come!
Some are short and sweet, others are a bit dark. Some of them have plot elements similar to parts of her novels, but all are lovely.
The editors include notes after each story about where and when it was published and what Montgomery was also working during that year. They also mention that she has a lot of stories that haven't been "found", so I am very hopeful there will be more to come!
December 14, 2017
Interesting and frequently amusing. Some of the stories are somewhat stiff, simple, and moralistic, reflecting their target audience, but others are more complex and interesting in their own right as well as for their similarities to and differences from Montgomery's novels. Each story has an end note giving how it relates chronologically and thematically to Montgomery's life and work.
My favourite of the stories was probably Hill O' the Winds.
My favourite of the stories was probably Hill O' the Winds.
April 5, 2018
I have never read any of Montgomery’s short stories so I was really excited to read through this collection. All the stories were amazing — some were simple children’s stories, others were amazing, complex short stories. My favourites were “For the Good of Anthony” “Hill Of the Winds” and “The Mirror”
I would love to read more of her short stories — the Anne series is one of my all time favourites also and I am revisiting those as well!
I would love to read more of her short stories — the Anne series is one of my all time favourites also and I am revisiting those as well!
May 26, 2019
A fun collection of stories for Montgomery nerds. Some stories stuck with me, others were simple moralistic stories that appeared in children's Sunday school magazines. I hope Montgomery purchased serviceable clothes with her earnings and enjoyed wearing them. This will be an especially fun collection for the young reader (though at least one story may be a wee bit dark) who can't get enough of Montgomery's world.
July 1, 2021
A lovely collection of short stories by LM Montgomery that had been published in various journals and magazines that have been rediscovered. Some stories were familiar because they had appeared in a slightly modified version in some of her novels. The background notes on what Maud was working on or having published at the same time these stories originally appeared in print were interesting as well.
A collection I will return to.
A collection I will return to.
August 9, 2021
This correction of "lost" short stories was mostly lost for a reason, I suspect. The first few were very moralistic tales written for Sunday school papers and most of the later ones were either folded into a novel or republished after a rewrite. Very skippable unless you're a total L.M. Montgomery fangirl like me. If you want to check out her short fiction, hunt up a used copies of the collections published in the 90s or find them on Project Gutenberg.
June 28, 2017
4.5
Sarebbero state cinque stelle piene per la scrittura sempre brillante e i personaggi deliziosamente rappresentati (e l'abbondanza di gatti!) se non fosse per i primi quattro o cinque racconti, più goffi e a forte impronta morale.
Una raccolta godibilissima, che davvero porta una ventata di freschezza.
Sarebbero state cinque stelle piene per la scrittura sempre brillante e i personaggi deliziosamente rappresentati (e l'abbondanza di gatti!) se non fosse per i primi quattro o cinque racconti, più goffi e a forte impronta morale.
Una raccolta godibilissima, che davvero porta una ventata di freschezza.
January 25, 2018
This is a collection of stories dated between 1900 and 1939, which haven't been re-published their first run. A mixed bag, this: most of the early ones were for children, so they are very wholesome; a few of the later ones were re-jigged to be used in her novels; a couple of the later ones are unexpectedly (and enjoyably) dark.
July 19, 2018
Charming is an overused word but one that best describes Montgomery's work. These delightful tales romanticize a time and place of simple pleasures where love is paramount. The stories in this book are best dipped into rather than bingeing lest they become too cloying. Montgomery's distinctive style shines through.
February 6, 2022
Many of these tales could easily have been included in a third Chronicles of Avonlea. Some of the tales were enchanting, many included engaging characters and a number had obviously ended up in an Anne book in a slightly different form. All in all, whilst not quite at the high standard of her other works, After Many Years is a delightful read for L M Montgomery fans.
August 27, 2024
I always love reading short stories by L. M. Montgomery. This collection includes some cute little Sunday School type of stories-- short lessons for children-- as well as her more adult themes of true love and matrimony. Definitely a classic to read over and over. A good performance for the audiobook, too.
January 1, 2018
I love L.M. Montgomery's stories. Reading one of her creations is like breathing fresh, untainted air. I also loved that these were short stories, since I don't seem to have the attention span for any thing longer right now.
December 19, 2017
Once an L.M.Montgomery fan, always a fan. This is a wonderful collection of newly discovered stories, all with the same Montgomery magic. I had to ration these to one a night to make it last. Definitely worth reading for anyone who loves L.M.M.
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