What do you think?
Rate this book
Marilla of Green Gables: A Novel
A bold, heartfelt tale of life at Green Gables . . . before A marvelously entertaining and moving historical novel, set in rural Prince Edward Island in the nineteenth century, that imagines the young life of spinster Marilla Cuthbert, and the choices that will open her life to the possibility of heartbreak--and unimaginable greatness.
Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth, and Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh.
In Avonlea--a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island--life holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world is Aunt Elizabeth "Izzy" Johnson, her mother's sister, who managed to escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy's talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world.
Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities. Joining the Ladies Aid Society, she raises funds for an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity in nearby Nova Scotia that secretly serves as a way station for runaway slaves from America. Her budding romance with John Blythe, the charming son of a neighbor, offers her a possibility of future happiness--Marilla is in no rush to trade one farm life for another. She soon finds herself caught up in the dangerous work of politics, and abolition--jeopardizing all she cherishes, including her bond with her dearest John Blythe. Now Marilla must face a reckoning between her dreams of making a difference in the wider world and the small-town reality of life at Green Gables.
Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth, and Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh.
In Avonlea--a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island--life holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world is Aunt Elizabeth "Izzy" Johnson, her mother's sister, who managed to escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy's talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world.
Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities. Joining the Ladies Aid Society, she raises funds for an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity in nearby Nova Scotia that secretly serves as a way station for runaway slaves from America. Her budding romance with John Blythe, the charming son of a neighbor, offers her a possibility of future happiness--Marilla is in no rush to trade one farm life for another. She soon finds herself caught up in the dangerous work of politics, and abolition--jeopardizing all she cherishes, including her bond with her dearest John Blythe. Now Marilla must face a reckoning between her dreams of making a difference in the wider world and the small-town reality of life at Green Gables.
461 pages, Library Binding
First published October 23, 2018
985 people are currently reading
22286 people want to read
About the author
Sarah McCoy
16 books1,283 followersSARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of eight books. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, Lit Hub, Huffington Post, Read It Forward, and other publications. She hosted the NPR WSNC Radio program “Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy” and is the founder of The McCoy Grant. Sarah taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso. She lives with her husband Doc B, dog Gilly, and cat Tutu in North Carolina.
Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.
Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,595 reviews
November 4, 2018
With my sincere apologies to those readers who obviously have very much enjoyed Sarah McCoy's Marilla of Green Gables (and I do realise that I seem to be rather the minority at this point), but I have in many ways really and actively despised this novel. For even though Marilla of Green Gables appears to be well enough researched and I do appreciate that Sarah McCoy does not seem to use all too many anachronisms with regard to the physical manifestations of time and place (and the clothes that people tended to wear), from a personal reading pleasure point of view, as well as a devoted fan of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, to and for me it sure does seem as though the author might get all the personal names right but that she does not in any manner tell a plausible and believable enough story, or rather and for me very much importantly, essentially, that Sarah McCoy does not relate a convincing and persuasive Marilla Cuthbert focussed account that in my opinion holds sufficiently true to the character of Marilla Cuthbert as she is portrayed by L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables (and actually, not just Marilla Cuthbert is unconvincing and a bit strangely conceptualised and shown). I mean, it is I guess easy enough to recognise and even appreciate how in Marilla of Green Gables Sarah McCoy has realistically rendered and depicted shy and often retiring Matthew Cuthbert, but both Marilla Cuthbert with her political activism and Rachel White (the future Rachel Lynde) with her almost Anne Shirley like active imagination and giggling girlishness bear in my own humble opinion not much if any strong resemblances to how either character is in any manner shown and depicted by L.M. Montgomery in both Anne of Green Gables and indeed also its sequels.
However, it was when Sarah McCoy describes and presents Marilla Cuthbert as becoming an abolitionist that I chose to stop reading Marilla of Green Gables (as for one, that entire Underground Railroad scenario appears incredibly artificial and rather tacked on for political correctness and avant-gardishness and for two, since L.M. Montgomery herself always had a pretty standard and also at times rather patronising and indeed sometimes even quite negative attitude towards individuals of different ethnicities, while I might well and gladly as a 20th and 21st century reader morally and philosophically agree with Marilla Cuthbert being shown as an abolitionist, looking at her realistically and especially from how she herself appears within the pages of Anne of Green Gables and as a literary creation of L.M. Montgomery, Sarah McCoy's Marilla Cuthbert fighting against slavery and being a staunch abolitionist just does not from a literary and from a L.M. Montgomery point of departure make all that much if any sense, it simply does not mesh at all). And therefore, while I of course do respect those of you who have loved Marilla of Green Gables for me, this novel most definitely has been a massive and yes also a very bitter and sad personal disappointment (not the worst piece of historical fiction I have read by any stretch of the imagination but still most certainly only a one star ranking to and for me, as Sarah McCoy's Marillla Cuthbert is just so totally not L.M. Montgomery's Marilla Cuthbert).
However, it was when Sarah McCoy describes and presents Marilla Cuthbert as becoming an abolitionist that I chose to stop reading Marilla of Green Gables (as for one, that entire Underground Railroad scenario appears incredibly artificial and rather tacked on for political correctness and avant-gardishness and for two, since L.M. Montgomery herself always had a pretty standard and also at times rather patronising and indeed sometimes even quite negative attitude towards individuals of different ethnicities, while I might well and gladly as a 20th and 21st century reader morally and philosophically agree with Marilla Cuthbert being shown as an abolitionist, looking at her realistically and especially from how she herself appears within the pages of Anne of Green Gables and as a literary creation of L.M. Montgomery, Sarah McCoy's Marilla Cuthbert fighting against slavery and being a staunch abolitionist just does not from a literary and from a L.M. Montgomery point of departure make all that much if any sense, it simply does not mesh at all). And therefore, while I of course do respect those of you who have loved Marilla of Green Gables for me, this novel most definitely has been a massive and yes also a very bitter and sad personal disappointment (not the worst piece of historical fiction I have read by any stretch of the imagination but still most certainly only a one star ranking to and for me, as Sarah McCoy's Marillla Cuthbert is just so totally not L.M. Montgomery's Marilla Cuthbert).
October 23, 2018
4.5 nostalgic stars for transporting me back to Green Gables and Avonlea! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
Marilla of Green Gables is a beauty Anne of Green Gables fans will not want to miss!
Marilla Cuthbert’s life prior to Anne begins when she is thirteen years old. Her mother has passed away, and she is now responsible for all the “wife’s” duties on the farm, growing up overnight. Also helping her is her beloved brother, Matthew, and her father, Hugh.
Set in charming Prince Edward Island during the 19th century, Marilla of Green Gables is an imagined version of what her life may have been like.
The town we all know and love, Avonlea, sparkles just as much as it did with Anne. While there are limits for the life of a farm girl, Marilla has a connection outside of Avonlea to her Aunt Izzy who is a “spinster” and seamstress living in a city. It is through her aunt that Marilla learns about life outside of Green Gables, and she makes friends.
Of course there is a little romance with another farmer, and Marilla is busy delving into a world of politics and even abolition. Just where will Marilla land in her adult life? The safe, expected life at Green Gables, or in a much more wordlier life outside?
McCoy’s writing is lyrical, and it made me long for the nostalgia of reading Anne of Green Gables as a child. There is quality backstory here that adds to our understanding of Anne’s stories. It is like all the dots were connected in a beautiful way!
If you are a fan of Anne, you will be charmed by Marilla’s imagined life! I wonder if McCoy will take on another Green Gables character!
Thank you to William Morrow for the physical copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Marilla of Green Gables is a beauty Anne of Green Gables fans will not want to miss!
Marilla Cuthbert’s life prior to Anne begins when she is thirteen years old. Her mother has passed away, and she is now responsible for all the “wife’s” duties on the farm, growing up overnight. Also helping her is her beloved brother, Matthew, and her father, Hugh.
Set in charming Prince Edward Island during the 19th century, Marilla of Green Gables is an imagined version of what her life may have been like.
The town we all know and love, Avonlea, sparkles just as much as it did with Anne. While there are limits for the life of a farm girl, Marilla has a connection outside of Avonlea to her Aunt Izzy who is a “spinster” and seamstress living in a city. It is through her aunt that Marilla learns about life outside of Green Gables, and she makes friends.
Of course there is a little romance with another farmer, and Marilla is busy delving into a world of politics and even abolition. Just where will Marilla land in her adult life? The safe, expected life at Green Gables, or in a much more wordlier life outside?
McCoy’s writing is lyrical, and it made me long for the nostalgia of reading Anne of Green Gables as a child. There is quality backstory here that adds to our understanding of Anne’s stories. It is like all the dots were connected in a beautiful way!
If you are a fan of Anne, you will be charmed by Marilla’s imagined life! I wonder if McCoy will take on another Green Gables character!
Thank you to William Morrow for the physical copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
April 13, 2019
How glad I am that someone decided that Marilla Cuthbert had a story that we Anne fans needed to read.
Darling Marilla, it appears that another kindred spirit has been made in author Sarah McCoy and I am truly glad. It was nice to travel back to early 19th century Prince Edward Island and a newly built Green Gables that housed the Cuthbert clan. A 13 year old Marilla and 21 year old Mathew live with their parents, Hugh and Clara, hardworking Scottish Presbyterian people near the small village of Avonlea. We meet Marilla's Aunt Izzy from Upper Canada, a new best friend for Marilla in Rachel White(the future Rachel Lynde) and a beau in John Blythe( Gilbert's father). All of that was great and I loved how Sarah McCoy brings it all together. I felt there were glimmers of the stoic and reserved nature that Marilla does show upon Anne Shirley's arrival in Anne of Green Gables.
Yes, I had quibbles. First, Matthew Cuthbert was not shy enough for me and I couldn't buy into the whole courting subplot with a great -aunt of Jane Andrews. Secondly, as interesting as it was to delve into the rebellions of 1837 and 1838 not to mention the Underground Railroad. Marilla Cuthbert: Political Activist was a hard pill to chew given how Montgomery wrote her in the original book series. Albeit that twist made it interesting.
All in all, I think that this prequel is tastefully executed and well researched and I would still recommend it to my fellow kindred spirits.
Darling Marilla, it appears that another kindred spirit has been made in author Sarah McCoy and I am truly glad. It was nice to travel back to early 19th century Prince Edward Island and a newly built Green Gables that housed the Cuthbert clan. A 13 year old Marilla and 21 year old Mathew live with their parents, Hugh and Clara, hardworking Scottish Presbyterian people near the small village of Avonlea. We meet Marilla's Aunt Izzy from Upper Canada, a new best friend for Marilla in Rachel White(the future Rachel Lynde) and a beau in John Blythe( Gilbert's father). All of that was great and I loved how Sarah McCoy brings it all together. I felt there were glimmers of the stoic and reserved nature that Marilla does show upon Anne Shirley's arrival in Anne of Green Gables.
Yes, I had quibbles. First, Matthew Cuthbert was not shy enough for me and I couldn't buy into the whole courting subplot with a great -aunt of Jane Andrews. Secondly, as interesting as it was to delve into the rebellions of 1837 and 1838 not to mention the Underground Railroad. Marilla Cuthbert: Political Activist was a hard pill to chew given how Montgomery wrote her in the original book series. Albeit that twist made it interesting.
All in all, I think that this prequel is tastefully executed and well researched and I would still recommend it to my fellow kindred spirits.
February 16, 2023
I am such an Anne of Green Gables fan and was thrilled to hear there was going to be a book about Marilla! This takes us back to Marilla and Matthew as teenagers, as Marilla is growing up, the same age Anne was when she came to live with them. Heartwarming and sad at times, we see all the familiar characters, the Blythes, Rachel, as well as the fond Avonlea familiars like raspberry cordial and currant wine. This had realistic portrayals of the time period and political history (and thank you, Sarah McCoy, for a lifelike portrayal of migraine and headache disease!) The relationship between Marilla and Matthew, her shy but devoted brother, and the briefly mentioned “beau” from the Anne of Green Gables series, John Blythe are center stage. And even though we know what will ultimately happen in the end, this is a treat to add to all Anne enthusiast’s collections.
June 12, 2021
Being an “Anne of Green Gables” fan since I was a child I loved reading “Marilla of Green Gables”. A very lighthearted enjoyable read that uplifted my heart and gave me a smile...💕📚
November 5, 2018
As a lifelong fan who inherited my love of Anne from my mother and her mother, I wanted to like this book, but the author took it in a direction that was just too far-fetched for me. I don’t believe that the Marilla who went through the experiences in this novel would be the same Marilla who needed Anne to change her life and open her heart. (And I don’t think “shy and silent” Matthew would ever have talked so much.)
But I did love that Matthew and Marilla’s father and mother shared the names of L. M. Montgomery’s parents. And I enjoyed the glimpses of the young Marilla and how her tart tongue (as well as what must have been migraines) shaped the course of her life. I think that would have made enough of a story, without the melodramatic turn of events.
But I did love that Matthew and Marilla’s father and mother shared the names of L. M. Montgomery’s parents. And I enjoyed the glimpses of the young Marilla and how her tart tongue (as well as what must have been migraines) shaped the course of her life. I think that would have made enough of a story, without the melodramatic turn of events.
December 21, 2018
Fans of the Anne of Green Gables series of books fondly remember Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, guardians of the spirited Anne Shirley. If you've ever wondered about life at Green Gables when the Cuthbert siblings were young, you'll want to check out Sarah McCoy's Marilla of Green Gables.
The story is told from Marilla's point of view, and stays true to the character we came to know and love in L.M. Montgomery's books. Through her eyes, we meet her parents and Aunt Izzy for the first time, as well as younger versions of Matthew, John Blythe, and her lifelong friend, Rachel.
There's always a tiny part of me that worries when an author revisits a character/family from a beloved classic. Sometimes it works very well. Sometimes it's a complete disaster. And when you're really lucky, it feels like you just reconnected with an old friend—which is how I felt as I read Marilla of Green Gables.
Wonderfully written, with characters that felt the same as Montgomery envisioned them so long ago, this is a fitting prequel to the series. McCoy swept me back to Avonlea, and it felt as if I'd never left. It was delightful to see how her friendship began with Rachel, and it tugged at my heartstrings to see painfully shy Matthew working up the courage to court a girl, knowing all the while that something would happen, and it wouldn't last. The same applies to Marilla's bittersweet romance with John Blythe; I knew it didn't work out between them, and yet... part of me wished it would.
If you loved the Anne of Green Gables books, I highly recommend you read Marilla of Green Gables. It's a beautiful story that has earned its place within this series.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of William Morrow via Edelweiss.
The story is told from Marilla's point of view, and stays true to the character we came to know and love in L.M. Montgomery's books. Through her eyes, we meet her parents and Aunt Izzy for the first time, as well as younger versions of Matthew, John Blythe, and her lifelong friend, Rachel.
There's always a tiny part of me that worries when an author revisits a character/family from a beloved classic. Sometimes it works very well. Sometimes it's a complete disaster. And when you're really lucky, it feels like you just reconnected with an old friend—which is how I felt as I read Marilla of Green Gables.
Wonderfully written, with characters that felt the same as Montgomery envisioned them so long ago, this is a fitting prequel to the series. McCoy swept me back to Avonlea, and it felt as if I'd never left. It was delightful to see how her friendship began with Rachel, and it tugged at my heartstrings to see painfully shy Matthew working up the courage to court a girl, knowing all the while that something would happen, and it wouldn't last. The same applies to Marilla's bittersweet romance with John Blythe; I knew it didn't work out between them, and yet... part of me wished it would.
If you loved the Anne of Green Gables books, I highly recommend you read Marilla of Green Gables. It's a beautiful story that has earned its place within this series.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of William Morrow via Edelweiss.
June 3, 2020
As a lover of all things Anne of Green Gables and Canadian Maritimes, I was quite eager to read this book, and very prepared to be charmed. It's been a while since I "visited" Avonlea, and I was excited to go back for a bit.
Sadly, Marilla of Green Gables was a very underwhelming read. I wasn't expecting LM Montgomery, because no one writes like LM Montgomery, but I was at least hoping for the soothing Avonlea-feels and the elusive romance between Marilla and John Blythe.
The book is divided into three parts, and I will admit that the first part was quite good. Marilla is thirteen, and she is a serious, no-nonsense child, much like you would expect a young Marilla to be. In these first chapters, we learn that her mother is pregnant, her aunt arrives to stay with the family to help, and Marilla also meets Rachel White (later Rachel Lynde) and John Blythe. The tone of the book is sweet and simple, the adventure not venturing beyond Green Gables or the White's home.
That is what I wanted. That is why I like Avonlea stories.
It's supposed to be a charming little village where people's simple lives are made interesting through the little mundane details of everyday life. Peeling potatoes, making red currant wine, gathering wildflowers, attending the Ladies' Sewing Circle and knitting shawls, dancing in the fields during the May Picnic...those are the sweet things that make stories set in this time and place so lovely.
Marilla of Green Gables had the potential to be like that, and there were many of those little details, but unfortunately, it was also very political and just...unengaging. I don't know if it's because we are currently going through rough socio-political times and I just needed a break from it and this book didn't provide the required escapism, or because the issues alluded to just didn't have their place in this book or weren't well-developed, or a combination of all this, but in the end I just wasn't interested.
I really wasn't there for the politics, and I found that events and characters kinda just swept in and out of the story a little abruptly and with very poor development. Each section of the novel isn't very well-developed before the next one is introduced, and because the story pretty much focuses on Marilla's grief at her mother's death and her politics don't really change, each section felt like a repetition of the previous, but with a slightly older Marilla.
And I'm sorry to say that Marilla wasn't exactly an engaging character. It seemed that, in an effort to stay true to the original Marilla - who is very down-to-earth, practical, and a little severe - the author made her a little uninteresting and a bit bland. I appreciate that Marilla was intelligent and occasionally spoke her mind, but there wasn't really much to her besides that. Although she's never been a favourite of mine in the original Anne series, I always did like her and found her interesting, wondering what her past had been like and how tragic it was that her romance with John Blythe had to end.
That was mostly why I wanted to read this book - I was ready for the cute romance between John and Marilla, and to be hit right in the feelz when it would inevitably end...but sadly it was the most boring, emotionless romance I'd ever read, doused with cold water for petty reasons when Marilla is not even sixteen years old yet, and in short, was just plain disappointing.
Matthew's heartbreaking romance had much more impact, and along with Rachel - who was portrayed as a fun, slightly spoilt, but great friend - he was my favourite character and I wish there had been more about him. I thought his character was incredibly well-portrayed, and I enjoyed reading about him more than I did Marilla.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this novel were the many sewing and needlework references. Those amaryllis sleeves sound absolutely divine, and I have a sudden urge to embroider some myself, just like I have a sudden urge to crochet lace cuffs. And start a Ladies' Sewing Circle.
Thus, an extra star is earned for needlework inspiration, bringing the rating up to three mediocre-doesn't-elicit-very-strong-feelings-as-evidenced-by-my-lack-of-yelling-in-all-caps stars.
Sadly, Marilla of Green Gables was a very underwhelming read. I wasn't expecting LM Montgomery, because no one writes like LM Montgomery, but I was at least hoping for the soothing Avonlea-feels and the elusive romance between Marilla and John Blythe.
The book is divided into three parts, and I will admit that the first part was quite good. Marilla is thirteen, and she is a serious, no-nonsense child, much like you would expect a young Marilla to be. In these first chapters, we learn that her mother is pregnant, her aunt arrives to stay with the family to help, and Marilla also meets Rachel White (later Rachel Lynde) and John Blythe. The tone of the book is sweet and simple, the adventure not venturing beyond Green Gables or the White's home.
That is what I wanted. That is why I like Avonlea stories.
It's supposed to be a charming little village where people's simple lives are made interesting through the little mundane details of everyday life. Peeling potatoes, making red currant wine, gathering wildflowers, attending the Ladies' Sewing Circle and knitting shawls, dancing in the fields during the May Picnic...those are the sweet things that make stories set in this time and place so lovely.
Marilla of Green Gables had the potential to be like that, and there were many of those little details, but unfortunately, it was also very political and just...unengaging. I don't know if it's because we are currently going through rough socio-political times and I just needed a break from it and this book didn't provide the required escapism, or because the issues alluded to just didn't have their place in this book or weren't well-developed, or a combination of all this, but in the end I just wasn't interested.
I really wasn't there for the politics, and I found that events and characters kinda just swept in and out of the story a little abruptly and with very poor development. Each section of the novel isn't very well-developed before the next one is introduced, and because the story pretty much focuses on Marilla's grief at her mother's death and her politics don't really change, each section felt like a repetition of the previous, but with a slightly older Marilla.
And I'm sorry to say that Marilla wasn't exactly an engaging character. It seemed that, in an effort to stay true to the original Marilla - who is very down-to-earth, practical, and a little severe - the author made her a little uninteresting and a bit bland. I appreciate that Marilla was intelligent and occasionally spoke her mind, but there wasn't really much to her besides that. Although she's never been a favourite of mine in the original Anne series, I always did like her and found her interesting, wondering what her past had been like and how tragic it was that her romance with John Blythe had to end.
That was mostly why I wanted to read this book - I was ready for the cute romance between John and Marilla, and to be hit right in the feelz when it would inevitably end...but sadly it was the most boring, emotionless romance I'd ever read, doused with cold water for petty reasons when Marilla is not even sixteen years old yet, and in short, was just plain disappointing.
Matthew's heartbreaking romance had much more impact, and along with Rachel - who was portrayed as a fun, slightly spoilt, but great friend - he was my favourite character and I wish there had been more about him. I thought his character was incredibly well-portrayed, and I enjoyed reading about him more than I did Marilla.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this novel were the many sewing and needlework references. Those amaryllis sleeves sound absolutely divine, and I have a sudden urge to embroider some myself, just like I have a sudden urge to crochet lace cuffs. And start a Ladies' Sewing Circle.
Thus, an extra star is earned for needlework inspiration, bringing the rating up to three mediocre-doesn't-elicit-very-strong-feelings-as-evidenced-by-my-lack-of-yelling-in-all-caps stars.
August 9, 2019
This is the prequel to the Anne of Green Gables series...and ooh how I wanted to devour it in one sitting.. but.. life interrupted!
I wondered if I should have re-read Anna Green Gable‘s before I started this book. After all it had been a very very very long time since I had read the Anne series. However as this was a library book with a waiting list I did not have the luxury of time to re-read the Anne of Green Gable‘s stories, many parts of which by the way we’re still fairly fresh in my memory despite the passage of time. How can one forget a most favoured childhood story.
I wasn’t sure that reading the backstory of a young adult series so very many years later would measure up to the magical whimsy that the story held for me as a young girl. How quickly I returned to that time in my mind when curiosity propelled discovery of what antics would next followed Anne and her friends like a shadow at twilight, only this time it was young Marilla who, much like young Anne, was forging her way in Avonlea. Independent and headstrong, Marilla takes charge. Along the way, friendships are forged, and challenged, love is found and lost, but family is always strong.... just like raspberry cordial.....After all, even the raspberry cordial gets a backstory here!
So, this story takes Marilla from a young girl to the time in her life immediately prior to Anne’s arrival. It splendidly sets the stage by introducing the families of Avonlea, many who continue through the entire Anne series. McCoy also presents the background tying in the customs, and traditions that are created by L. M. Montgomery. While McCoy seems to add more political segues, these unexpected jaunts seem to spark the character development leading into the Montgomery characters, thereby providing greater depth to later cast of characters.
A huge part of the joy of this book is how two separate authors writing over 100 years apart could write with much the same tone. Now while there are subtle differences, Sarah McCoy still successfully manages to weave the two stories together, brilliantly capturing the characters, the history, the era, and the magic of Prince Edward Island in much the same way as Montgomery had. Truly these two writers must be kindred spirits!
Perhaps I’ll think differently upon a re-read of the Montgomery series, but for now this was truly a charming read.
I wondered if I should have re-read Anna Green Gable‘s before I started this book. After all it had been a very very very long time since I had read the Anne series. However as this was a library book with a waiting list I did not have the luxury of time to re-read the Anne of Green Gable‘s stories, many parts of which by the way we’re still fairly fresh in my memory despite the passage of time. How can one forget a most favoured childhood story.
I wasn’t sure that reading the backstory of a young adult series so very many years later would measure up to the magical whimsy that the story held for me as a young girl. How quickly I returned to that time in my mind when curiosity propelled discovery of what antics would next followed Anne and her friends like a shadow at twilight, only this time it was young Marilla who, much like young Anne, was forging her way in Avonlea. Independent and headstrong, Marilla takes charge. Along the way, friendships are forged, and challenged, love is found and lost, but family is always strong.... just like raspberry cordial.....After all, even the raspberry cordial gets a backstory here!
So, this story takes Marilla from a young girl to the time in her life immediately prior to Anne’s arrival. It splendidly sets the stage by introducing the families of Avonlea, many who continue through the entire Anne series. McCoy also presents the background tying in the customs, and traditions that are created by L. M. Montgomery. While McCoy seems to add more political segues, these unexpected jaunts seem to spark the character development leading into the Montgomery characters, thereby providing greater depth to later cast of characters.
A huge part of the joy of this book is how two separate authors writing over 100 years apart could write with much the same tone. Now while there are subtle differences, Sarah McCoy still successfully manages to weave the two stories together, brilliantly capturing the characters, the history, the era, and the magic of Prince Edward Island in much the same way as Montgomery had. Truly these two writers must be kindred spirits!
Perhaps I’ll think differently upon a re-read of the Montgomery series, but for now this was truly a charming read.
October 15, 2019
I received this book for free from TLC Book Tours as part of a review tour.
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables. I read the book and used to watch the animated TV show on PBS. I wanted to live in Avonlea with Anne. So naturally I was excited to read this book.
I was not disappointed. The book felt in the spirit very much like Anne of Green Gables. I can tell that the author did her research (in her author’s note she goes over in detail how much research she did). It had the same quaint feel as the original. Even the stylistic choices mimicked the original. The book is divided into three parts: Marilla of Green Gables, Marilla of Avonlea, and Marilla’s House of Dreams. The chapter titles even paid tribute too.
The author has a fantastic writing style. The whole book just flowed so nicely and transported you into Marilla’s world.
I thought the inclusion of the Underground Railroad in Canada was a bold choice. I was happy the author incorporated it because it was an area of history that I did not know much about. I enjoyed learning more about Canada and its history.
Overall, this was a worthy prequel to an iconic classic series. I think a reread of Anne of Green Gables is in my future.
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables. I read the book and used to watch the animated TV show on PBS. I wanted to live in Avonlea with Anne. So naturally I was excited to read this book.
I was not disappointed. The book felt in the spirit very much like Anne of Green Gables. I can tell that the author did her research (in her author’s note she goes over in detail how much research she did). It had the same quaint feel as the original. Even the stylistic choices mimicked the original. The book is divided into three parts: Marilla of Green Gables, Marilla of Avonlea, and Marilla’s House of Dreams. The chapter titles even paid tribute too.
The author has a fantastic writing style. The whole book just flowed so nicely and transported you into Marilla’s world.
I thought the inclusion of the Underground Railroad in Canada was a bold choice. I was happy the author incorporated it because it was an area of history that I did not know much about. I enjoyed learning more about Canada and its history.
Overall, this was a worthy prequel to an iconic classic series. I think a reread of Anne of Green Gables is in my future.
February 16, 2023
(#ContainsSpoilers from the Anne of Green Gables series)
Anyone who has read Anne of Green Gables would undoubtedly have a special place in their heart for Anne and Gilbert. But other than them, two characters who really make a mark in the first book are Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. I was very upset that Matthew's character dies in the first book itself and Marilla's character gets relegated to the sidelines in the subsequent Anne books, even disappearing altogether in the later books of the series.
If you felt a connection, a oneness, a "kindred spirit" with Matthew and Marilla, then here is a book you must go for. I have always avoided spin-off series, whether for books or TV shows, if I liked the original. Somehow, my instinct told me that I need to read this book as an exception to my rule, and I am so glad I did.
Marilla of Green Gables attempts to reveal the pre-Anne lives of the siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. There are so many questions unanswered or partly answered in Anne of Green Gables. This book strives to answer all of those. What were Matthew's and Marilla's younger years like? Why were Matthew and Marilla unmarried till their deaths? What exactly happened between Marilla and John Blythe? Was Marilla always as stern and pragmatic as she was when she met Anne, or did her circumstances make her so? How did the beloved Green Gables get its name? All these queries are answered in this book. In a way, it's weird reading this book because you already know the ending. You just want to know what led to that ending.
Sarah McCoy's eye for detail is amazing. Every little aspect of characters from the Anne series has been taken care of in this book in a mostly satisfying manner. She has also faithfully reproduced LM Montgomery's style of chapter numbers and chapter names. In fact, this book is divided in three sections: Marilla of Green Gables, Marilla of Avonlea and Marilla's House of Dreams. Notice something? Those are variations of the three best Anne series titles.
If there is one gripe I have with the novel, it is this. In the quest to flesh out a full story, Sarah McCoy ends up with a major character mistake. All of us Anne readers would remember how Marilla was not at all happy at having received a girl from the orphanage instead of a boy. But in this book, Marilla has been shown as an abolitionist, indirectly helping out the slave runaways on the extended underground railroad from America to Canada. While I'm not sure of the historical accuracy of this part of the story (I'm not aware of the role Canada played during the abolitionist struggles and the American Civil war), the fact is that Marilla doesn't appear to be an abolitionist at all based on her portrayal by LM Montgomery. She was very conservative in her views. I'd have rated this book much higher if Marilla hasn't been portrayed as something so contradictory to her inherent nature in the Anne series.
That said, even LMM introduced random characters, and unexpected character changes in the Anne series to take the story ahead. So I'm willing to forgive the abolitionist angle because it is the only flaw in an otherwise enjoyable book.
Dare I say, I loved this book even more than a few titles from the Anne series. Then again, practical no-nonsense Marilla is much more a kindred spirit to me than the idealistic Anne always lost in her dream world. So I loved getting to know Marilla better.
Definitely recommended for all Anne of Green Gables fans. If you haven't read the Anne series, don't go for this because you won't enjoy it as much.
Rating: 4.25
********************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, " Readers Forever! ", for more reviews and other book-related discussions and fun.
Anyone who has read Anne of Green Gables would undoubtedly have a special place in their heart for Anne and Gilbert. But other than them, two characters who really make a mark in the first book are Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. I was very upset that Matthew's character dies in the first book itself and Marilla's character gets relegated to the sidelines in the subsequent Anne books, even disappearing altogether in the later books of the series.
If you felt a connection, a oneness, a "kindred spirit" with Matthew and Marilla, then here is a book you must go for. I have always avoided spin-off series, whether for books or TV shows, if I liked the original. Somehow, my instinct told me that I need to read this book as an exception to my rule, and I am so glad I did.
Marilla of Green Gables attempts to reveal the pre-Anne lives of the siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. There are so many questions unanswered or partly answered in Anne of Green Gables. This book strives to answer all of those. What were Matthew's and Marilla's younger years like? Why were Matthew and Marilla unmarried till their deaths? What exactly happened between Marilla and John Blythe? Was Marilla always as stern and pragmatic as she was when she met Anne, or did her circumstances make her so? How did the beloved Green Gables get its name? All these queries are answered in this book. In a way, it's weird reading this book because you already know the ending. You just want to know what led to that ending.
Sarah McCoy's eye for detail is amazing. Every little aspect of characters from the Anne series has been taken care of in this book in a mostly satisfying manner. She has also faithfully reproduced LM Montgomery's style of chapter numbers and chapter names. In fact, this book is divided in three sections: Marilla of Green Gables, Marilla of Avonlea and Marilla's House of Dreams. Notice something? Those are variations of the three best Anne series titles.
If there is one gripe I have with the novel, it is this. In the quest to flesh out a full story, Sarah McCoy ends up with a major character mistake. All of us Anne readers would remember how Marilla was not at all happy at having received a girl from the orphanage instead of a boy. But in this book, Marilla has been shown as an abolitionist, indirectly helping out the slave runaways on the extended underground railroad from America to Canada. While I'm not sure of the historical accuracy of this part of the story (I'm not aware of the role Canada played during the abolitionist struggles and the American Civil war), the fact is that Marilla doesn't appear to be an abolitionist at all based on her portrayal by LM Montgomery. She was very conservative in her views. I'd have rated this book much higher if Marilla hasn't been portrayed as something so contradictory to her inherent nature in the Anne series.
That said, even LMM introduced random characters, and unexpected character changes in the Anne series to take the story ahead. So I'm willing to forgive the abolitionist angle because it is the only flaw in an otherwise enjoyable book.
Dare I say, I loved this book even more than a few titles from the Anne series. Then again, practical no-nonsense Marilla is much more a kindred spirit to me than the idealistic Anne always lost in her dream world. So I loved getting to know Marilla better.
Definitely recommended for all Anne of Green Gables fans. If you haven't read the Anne series, don't go for this because you won't enjoy it as much.
Rating: 4.25
********************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, " Readers Forever! ", for more reviews and other book-related discussions and fun.
November 12, 2018
Premise/plot: Ever wondered what Marilla Cuthbert's was like as a young girl? Sarah McCoy shares her version--her imagining--in her newest book.
The book is divided into three sections: "Marilla of Green Gables" is set in 1837, "Marilla of Avonlea" is set in 1838-1839; "Marilla's House of Dreams" is set in 1860.
When the novel opens Marilla is thirteen and Matthew, her older brother, is twenty-one.
My thoughts: I do have PLENTY of thoughts about Marilla of Green Gables. In some ways it meets expectations. Readers know to expect that at some point Marilla and John Blythe will start courting and also that at some point their romance will sour because of a big fight. Readers expect Marilla to share a close bond with her brother, Matthew. Readers will likely guess that Rachel--Marilla's best friend in her adult life--will appear. All these things do happen. Expectations met. But in other ways it doesn't meet MY expectations at all.
If McCoy's Marilla is the real Marilla...it turns Montgomery's Marilla into one of the world's biggest hypocrites.
The book is divided into three sections: "Marilla of Green Gables" is set in 1837, "Marilla of Avonlea" is set in 1838-1839; "Marilla's House of Dreams" is set in 1860.
When the novel opens Marilla is thirteen and Matthew, her older brother, is twenty-one.
My thoughts: I do have PLENTY of thoughts about Marilla of Green Gables. In some ways it meets expectations. Readers know to expect that at some point Marilla and John Blythe will start courting and also that at some point their romance will sour because of a big fight. Readers expect Marilla to share a close bond with her brother, Matthew. Readers will likely guess that Rachel--Marilla's best friend in her adult life--will appear. All these things do happen. Expectations met. But in other ways it doesn't meet MY expectations at all.
If McCoy's Marilla is the real Marilla...it turns Montgomery's Marilla into one of the world's biggest hypocrites.
February 5, 2019
If you love the Anne of Green Gables series you will probably love this although it’s not our lovable Anne Shirley it little young prickly Marilla Cuthbert and it’s the story of how she came to be who she is although this wasn’t written by L.M. Montgomery it definitely fits well into the world I really enjoyed this story , And if it’s your thing you might enjoy it to.
July 1, 2018
I received this via Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
----
Confession: I haven't read Anne of Green Gables yet (Hoping to this summer/fall). I entered the giveaway because: it sounded interesting.. and Sarah McCoy had written it. Her novel Mapmaker's Children was my first of hers and I fell in love with her writing.
---
I can only speak to my enjoyment of this particular book.. while I can't say if Marilla is true to character, I can say I fell in love with Avonlea and everyone in this story.
Marilla was a strong and interesting woman. I admired her for being herself and how she dealt with the things that happened in her life (though a few of the customs back then had me scoffing and rolling my eyes). She's someone I could see myself being friends with.
The story moves at its own pace, content on telling you things the way it wants to. It felt like I could step into the pages and walk among everything and everyone.
Matthew and John were sweethearts as well.. Rachel abd Izzy were firecrackers:)
Would recommend, as well as her other works. *waves*
(My advanced copy is 300 pages.. book page here says 240.. fyi for anyone who wants to know)
----
Confession: I haven't read Anne of Green Gables yet (Hoping to this summer/fall). I entered the giveaway because: it sounded interesting.. and Sarah McCoy had written it. Her novel Mapmaker's Children was my first of hers and I fell in love with her writing.
---
I can only speak to my enjoyment of this particular book.. while I can't say if Marilla is true to character, I can say I fell in love with Avonlea and everyone in this story.
Marilla was a strong and interesting woman. I admired her for being herself and how she dealt with the things that happened in her life (though a few of the customs back then had me scoffing and rolling my eyes). She's someone I could see myself being friends with.
The story moves at its own pace, content on telling you things the way it wants to. It felt like I could step into the pages and walk among everything and everyone.
Matthew and John were sweethearts as well.. Rachel abd Izzy were firecrackers:)
Would recommend, as well as her other works. *waves*
(My advanced copy is 300 pages.. book page here says 240.. fyi for anyone who wants to know)
October 16, 2018
Haven't we all been wondering just how friendly Marilla and John Blythe were back in their teenage years? In this new novel we get to see Marilla as a teenager living through the same years that Anne lives in the legendary series. All the research and interviews Sarah McCoy conducted to prepare for writing this book shine through. She tells the story beautifully and seamlessly while adding historical depth and a connection to the Civil War and Underground Railroad. Highly recommended.
Thank you, thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss for making this digital ARC available in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss for making this digital ARC available in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2018
Fans of Anne of Green Gables should run, not walk, to seize this beautifully written story. I was lucky enough to have an early read and I adored it. The plucky heroine in 19th century Prince Edward Island caught between life in her small town and wanting to make a difference in the larger world is truly a woman for all ages.
April 19, 2025
4.5 stars
It’s a tall order to take a character from a beloved series and write an origin story that will satisfy readers. Sarah McCoy rose to the occasion though and I loved what she came up with for Marilla Cuthbert. An added bonus of learning about her childhood is Matthew, Marilla’s brother, is featured as well. So you get to see what happened in their lives and why they continued to reside in the family home, neither one of them ever marrying.
Going into this book I was especially curious about the relationship between Marilla and John Blythe, Gilbert’s dad. Some people thought he was her beau, you know! The author did a good job developing that storyline and I can accept the explanation as to why they did not make it down the altar.
If we are talking about minor issues, I did side eye a scene between John and Marilla when they were teenagers. I also thought a storyline arc that gave Marilla depth was perhaps too much of an idealistic view and therefore not entirely believable for the character. I did appreciate the historical content though as I wasn’t aware that runaway slaves coming from America was a divided issue in Canada.
Overall, a fantastic read. MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES can be read as a standalone novel if you are unfamiliar with the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series. Anne Shirley is such an iconic character though I highly recommend checking out L.M. Montgomery’s books. Or at least watch the 1980s tv movie adaptations.
It’s a tall order to take a character from a beloved series and write an origin story that will satisfy readers. Sarah McCoy rose to the occasion though and I loved what she came up with for Marilla Cuthbert. An added bonus of learning about her childhood is Matthew, Marilla’s brother, is featured as well. So you get to see what happened in their lives and why they continued to reside in the family home, neither one of them ever marrying.
Going into this book I was especially curious about the relationship between Marilla and John Blythe, Gilbert’s dad. Some people thought he was her beau, you know! The author did a good job developing that storyline and I can accept the explanation as to why they did not make it down the altar.
If we are talking about minor issues, I did side eye a scene between John and Marilla when they were teenagers. I also thought a storyline arc that gave Marilla depth was perhaps too much of an idealistic view and therefore not entirely believable for the character. I did appreciate the historical content though as I wasn’t aware that runaway slaves coming from America was a divided issue in Canada.
Overall, a fantastic read. MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES can be read as a standalone novel if you are unfamiliar with the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series. Anne Shirley is such an iconic character though I highly recommend checking out L.M. Montgomery’s books. Or at least watch the 1980s tv movie adaptations.
November 16, 2018
Hideous. Absolutely hideous. I don't know how or why I made myself finish it. Marilla and Rachel best buds, laughing and skipping and holding hands on the way to sewing circle? Or buying fancy hats to give to the orphans? Matthew courting and giving advice and speeches and being political? It's all so forced and contrived and it's like the author had to make sure she got all the names and faces right and covered enough bases to tie her version with the originals. It's was just all so horrible. Won't ever read again.
October 30, 2018
I may bump this star rating up after I've let it simmer for awhile. What a DELIGHTFUL book - both an homage to Anne of Green Gables and also a story that can stand completely on its own. I am always apprehensive when there are spin-offs to books (or movies, or any media); it's just so unlikely that it will live up to the beloved original. And of course, this book cannot replace Anne of Green Gables in my mind and my heart. BUT, this book did perfect justice to the characters that I know and love. It gave us insight into Marilla and Matthew - their growing up and entering into their middle years. I absolutely loved the little glimpses and nods we get to all sorts of people that we meet in the Anne series. And the people populating Avonlea (and Avonlea itself) felt true to the original. It was just so lovely. Having said that, I do feel like Marilla was so much softer and less no-nonsense in this book than we see at the beginning of Anne - however, perhaps I should offer some more grace in that respect because the book ends about 15 or 16 years before we meet our favorite redhead, and thus Marilla has some time to grow more prickly (and we all know she's soft-hearted underneath those prickles, it just takes Anne to slough them off).
The premise of the book was inspired by a little unsolved mystery we are introduced to in Anne of Green Gables, when Marilla reveals to Anne that she used to be good friends with Gilbert Blythe's father - John. Even more that people used to call him her 'beau.' So, going into Marilla of Green Gables, we already know how that story will end. And it's not happily ever after. But how that happens is what makes this story. And knowing that it doesn't end in marital bliss only makes it more poignant and bittersweet. And even though I knew how it would end I kept hoping that they would make choices that would turn the inevitable around. But of course, then we wouldn't meet Anne 16 years later, and that truly would be tragic. What a heart conundrum!
Anyway, I loved it. For fans of Anne or fans of absorbing historical fiction - although I think you'll like it even better if you're acquainted with L M Montgomery's lovely Anne books.
The premise of the book was inspired by a little unsolved mystery we are introduced to in Anne of Green Gables, when Marilla reveals to Anne that she used to be good friends with Gilbert Blythe's father - John. Even more that people used to call him her 'beau.' So, going into Marilla of Green Gables, we already know how that story will end. And it's not happily ever after. But how that happens is what makes this story. And knowing that it doesn't end in marital bliss only makes it more poignant and bittersweet. And even though I knew how it would end I kept hoping that they would make choices that would turn the inevitable around. But of course, then we wouldn't meet Anne 16 years later, and that truly would be tragic. What a heart conundrum!
Anyway, I loved it. For fans of Anne or fans of absorbing historical fiction - although I think you'll like it even better if you're acquainted with L M Montgomery's lovely Anne books.
November 3, 2018
I've seen tv-versions of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, but I have never actually read the books. However, that didn't stop me from wanting to read this book about Marilla Cuthbert, before Anne came into her and Matthew's lives
.
Marilla Cuthbert is only thirteen-years-old when her whole life is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth and she's suddenly the one responsible for all of the tasks of a farm wife: cooking, sewing, and overseeing Green Gables. Of course, she has her brother Matthew and her father Hugh, but the loss of her mother will stay with her for the rest of her life. As she grows up, Green Gables is her main focus, but friends and family will draw her out into the world. And, she will even find that there may be someone out there who could be more than and a friend...
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
Marilla Cuthbert is only thirteen-years-old when her whole life is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth and she's suddenly the one responsible for all of the tasks of a farm wife: cooking, sewing, and overseeing Green Gables. Of course, she has her brother Matthew and her father Hugh, but the loss of her mother will stay with her for the rest of her life. As she grows up, Green Gables is her main focus, but friends and family will draw her out into the world. And, she will even find that there may be someone out there who could be more than and a friend...
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
January 12, 2019
Anne Shirley is a book lover's household name. Marilla Cuthbert is Anne's adoptive maternal figure and one I can't imagine without. This is the story about Marilla as a thirteen year old growing up in Green Gables decades before we meet Anne. We learn more about Marilla's parents and her relationship with kind hearted Matthew. We also get a perspective into the early relationship between Marilla and John Blythe (my personal favorite) and her friendship with Rachel Lind.
Sarah McCoy had pretty big shoes to fill with taking on this project, but I applaud her execution. The voice in this novel fit seamlessly into the Green Gables landscape. I loved going back in time and getting another perspective to this series. If you enjoyed L M Montgomery's books, then you shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up. It was wonderful to take a visit back to Avonlea and imagine having some baked goods and cordial at the table in the Cuthbert household.
Sarah McCoy had pretty big shoes to fill with taking on this project, but I applaud her execution. The voice in this novel fit seamlessly into the Green Gables landscape. I loved going back in time and getting another perspective to this series. If you enjoyed L M Montgomery's books, then you shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up. It was wonderful to take a visit back to Avonlea and imagine having some baked goods and cordial at the table in the Cuthbert household.
October 31, 2018
Thanks to TLC Book Tours and William Morrow for this free review copy!
I was so nervous going into this book, but it 100% amazed me at how perfectly McCoy took us back to Avonlea and fit us back into that fictional world. I consider this an absolute must-read for fans of the Anne of Green Gables series. An unofficial prequel, if you will.
I was so nervous going into this book, but it 100% amazed me at how perfectly McCoy took us back to Avonlea and fit us back into that fictional world. I consider this an absolute must-read for fans of the Anne of Green Gables series. An unofficial prequel, if you will.
October 25, 2018
In Marilla of Green Gables, readers are transported to Avonlea in this warm and wonderful book, filled with love and heartache and sacrifice. Marilla’s spirit shines through, a young woman shaped by regret and happenstance. I felt so close to Marilla, as if I’d been given a window to her soul. She is a heroine to remember and to behold...devoted and determined to do what’s right, not just for herself, but for all of those she loved. I was entranced at this peek into the world of Green Gables before the arrival of Anne. Sarah McCoy’s lyrical writing breathes new life into these wonderful characters and this spectacular setting.
December 1, 2022
First time I read it, I finished on Nov 22, 2020. Read second time at nearly the same time of year, to the day! Finished Nov 20, 2022. Loved it just as much.
August 14, 2018
Oh, Green Gables, how I love thee! I first encountered Anne (with an "E" thank you very much!) when I was 10 or 11. It instantly became a favorite book series so much so that I chose Prince Edward Island as the topic of a seventh-grade geography research paper. Anne Shirley endeared herself to me. I longed to be a red head full of spunk as loyal and noble as she. I gave little thought to the character Marilla. In part, I believe this is because I was a kid so I found characters my age of much greater interest (save, of course, for dear sweet Matthew.) However, author Sarah McCoy's "prequel" opened my eyes to the extraordinary woman who was Marilla Cuthbert.
Marilla of Green Gables tells Marilla's story before Anne enteered her life. Tracing her life from the tender age of 13, readers learn how Marilla became the strong seemingly stoic, but ultimately loving woman at the helm of Green Gables. We also see the bond between sister and brother, Marilla and Matthew, two siblings united by both tragedy and familial blood.
I finished this novel with a peaceful contended sigh and a deep longing to revisit the Anne series (and travel to PEI!) Anne lovers rejoice, Sarah McCoy has done Lucy Maud Montgomery proud!
Marilla of Green Gables tells Marilla's story before Anne enteered her life. Tracing her life from the tender age of 13, readers learn how Marilla became the strong seemingly stoic, but ultimately loving woman at the helm of Green Gables. We also see the bond between sister and brother, Marilla and Matthew, two siblings united by both tragedy and familial blood.
I finished this novel with a peaceful contended sigh and a deep longing to revisit the Anne series (and travel to PEI!) Anne lovers rejoice, Sarah McCoy has done Lucy Maud Montgomery proud!
April 29, 2019
Love love loved this! Obviously a rather sad story since we already know how Marilla's romance ends, but it was intriguing to read in detail. One thing I especially loved is how when John Blythe married I felt bad for Marilla, but still didn't hate Mrs. Blythe. The bits about the Underground Railroad were exciting! Sarah McCoy is a talented writer and she did a wonderful job with this book! Negative one star because of a very descriptive kiss.
March 6, 2024
2.5 stars but I dont think it deserves to be rounded up. It felt like reading a fictionalized account of a real persons life, because the Anne series feels so real. But reading this felt almost traitorous, knowing that Montgomery did not write these details of Marilla's life. Some "backstory" was neat and made sense but it's not actually true.
But the most annoying part was the romance. The reason everyone likes Anne of Green Gables is becuase of the clean, innocent, nostalgic, heart-warming romance between Anne and Gilbert. But this was dramatic, and kissy, and physical-focused. Not nostalgic at all.
Because of that, would not recommend.
But the most annoying part was the romance. The reason everyone likes Anne of Green Gables is becuase of the clean, innocent, nostalgic, heart-warming romance between Anne and Gilbert. But this was dramatic, and kissy, and physical-focused. Not nostalgic at all.
Because of that, would not recommend.
July 5, 2018
Sarah McCoy tells us in the author's note that she felt there was a mystery within chapter 37 of Anne of Green Gables, where Marilla mentions she used to be good friends with John Blythe, some people calling him her beau, and Anne asks what happened. Marilla of Green Gables is McCoy's answer to that question.
The story of Marilla Cuthbert captured my heart! It follows her life from her teens until the time she and her brother decide to adopt a child to help on their farm. We know the end of their story so we get to go back in time to find out everything that happened before Anne's arrival at Green Gables.
When Marilla is a teen, a sweet love story is unfolding with John Blythe and a friendship is being built with Rachel White. During this time, her mother dies in childbirth and Marilla promises her she'll take care of the family.
Grieving the loss of her mother and baby brother, she pushes John away and clings to her love for her father, brother, and Green Gables.
Woven into Marilla's tale is also both Canadian and American history.
Canadians are divided by those loyal to the crown and those seeking independence and soon the residents of Avonlea are feeling the tension. At a town meeting, the usually quiet and reserved Marilla stands up to advise her community that they should choose compromise for the sake of the town and follow the Gospel of loving thy neighbor.
America is divided on the issue of slavery, pitting North and South against one another. Runaway slaves can be found across Nova Scotia and we see the reactions to news of the Civil War. In a surprising turn of events, Marilla helps two boys hide from South Carolina slave catchers.
I loved learning about the history of Marilla's friendship with Rachel and her love for John Blythe that she never acted on out of grief and a sense of duty to her family after her mother's death.
This coming of age story is full of love, heartache of many kinds, political unrest, and community. What could be a sad ending to a bittersweet tale is actually just the beginning of another charming and whimsical story as Anne of Green Gables readers know well!
Sarah McCoy does an exceptional job of creating Marilla's story for fans of the L.M. Montgomery series. Readers will be thrilled to learn an untold piece of the story and find that it does justice to these beloved characters!
Many thanks to William Morrow Books and Edelweiss for providing a DRC in exchange for my honest review. Marilla of Green Gables is scheduled for release on October 23, 2018.
For more full reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
The story of Marilla Cuthbert captured my heart! It follows her life from her teens until the time she and her brother decide to adopt a child to help on their farm. We know the end of their story so we get to go back in time to find out everything that happened before Anne's arrival at Green Gables.
When Marilla is a teen, a sweet love story is unfolding with John Blythe and a friendship is being built with Rachel White. During this time, her mother dies in childbirth and Marilla promises her she'll take care of the family.
Grieving the loss of her mother and baby brother, she pushes John away and clings to her love for her father, brother, and Green Gables.
Woven into Marilla's tale is also both Canadian and American history.
Canadians are divided by those loyal to the crown and those seeking independence and soon the residents of Avonlea are feeling the tension. At a town meeting, the usually quiet and reserved Marilla stands up to advise her community that they should choose compromise for the sake of the town and follow the Gospel of loving thy neighbor.
America is divided on the issue of slavery, pitting North and South against one another. Runaway slaves can be found across Nova Scotia and we see the reactions to news of the Civil War. In a surprising turn of events, Marilla helps two boys hide from South Carolina slave catchers.
I loved learning about the history of Marilla's friendship with Rachel and her love for John Blythe that she never acted on out of grief and a sense of duty to her family after her mother's death.
This coming of age story is full of love, heartache of many kinds, political unrest, and community. What could be a sad ending to a bittersweet tale is actually just the beginning of another charming and whimsical story as Anne of Green Gables readers know well!
Sarah McCoy does an exceptional job of creating Marilla's story for fans of the L.M. Montgomery series. Readers will be thrilled to learn an untold piece of the story and find that it does justice to these beloved characters!
Many thanks to William Morrow Books and Edelweiss for providing a DRC in exchange for my honest review. Marilla of Green Gables is scheduled for release on October 23, 2018.
For more full reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
February 26, 2019
I always go into a prequel or sequel by a different author cautiously. I wanted to like this one. I enjoyed the initial pages. I could even see glimpses of LM Montgomery’s language and an attempt to create the characters of Green Gables well.
But then the book quickly lost the authentic voice. It lost the Canadian voice. One of the things I’ve always loved about LM Montgomery’s books is that the dialog reminds me of listening to my grandfather’s generation and their stories. Their generation would have been Anne’s grandchildren’s generation. And Montgomery nailed their dialog, their storytelling, their community engagement, and their hospitality perfectly. Sarah McCoy wrote a nice book but it doesn’t capture rural Canada of the 1800s. It could have been set anywhere and the plot is terribly and glaring contrived. She writes as if she’s trying to dredge up current political situations and drop them into a story in the 1800s. There is frequent discussion of the political mess of the USA and the superiority of Canada. When she has Marilla mention how grass fed beef is superior meat, I almost laughed and shut the book but I was too close to the end to do that.
Marilla’s character floats in and out of believability. She might have actually fought with John Blythe over politics, but it would have been a one and done fight, not on and off and seeing him again and making up and fighting again.
Rachel and Marilla have too much of a hint of Anne and Diana, which also feels contrived and shallow.
Overall, the book as a stand alone was not a terrible read, but trying to make it stand next to the giants of Avonlea is a sad mistake. I don’t recommend that anyone who loves Anne and her beloved cast of characters bother with this book.
But then the book quickly lost the authentic voice. It lost the Canadian voice. One of the things I’ve always loved about LM Montgomery’s books is that the dialog reminds me of listening to my grandfather’s generation and their stories. Their generation would have been Anne’s grandchildren’s generation. And Montgomery nailed their dialog, their storytelling, their community engagement, and their hospitality perfectly. Sarah McCoy wrote a nice book but it doesn’t capture rural Canada of the 1800s. It could have been set anywhere and the plot is terribly and glaring contrived. She writes as if she’s trying to dredge up current political situations and drop them into a story in the 1800s. There is frequent discussion of the political mess of the USA and the superiority of Canada. When she has Marilla mention how grass fed beef is superior meat, I almost laughed and shut the book but I was too close to the end to do that.
Marilla’s character floats in and out of believability. She might have actually fought with John Blythe over politics, but it would have been a one and done fight, not on and off and seeing him again and making up and fighting again.
Rachel and Marilla have too much of a hint of Anne and Diana, which also feels contrived and shallow.
Overall, the book as a stand alone was not a terrible read, but trying to make it stand next to the giants of Avonlea is a sad mistake. I don’t recommend that anyone who loves Anne and her beloved cast of characters bother with this book.
November 19, 2018
I'll admit, I was extremely hesitant to read Marilla of Green Gables. I loved the Anne of Green Gables series so much as a kid and sequels, prequels, retellings of beloved classics always seem to fall short for me. This was not the case with Sarah McCoy's book. It was beautifully written with a charming, engaging story. It was so nice to "revisit" old friends Marilla, Matthew, Rachel Lynde, John Blythe and all the other familiar names and faces. I would highly recommend this for lovers of Anne of Green Gables or anyone who loves a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,595 reviews