What do you think?
Rate this book
After Many Days: Tales of Time Passed
L.M. Montgomery is beloved by millions of readers around the wrold as the creator of the irresistible Anne Of Green Gables books.Now, in this collection of eighteen rediscovered short stories, L.M. Montgomery explores the theme of postponement and the poignancy of "time passed." Many characters in these fine stories at last have a chance "after many days," to reconcile with an estranged relative, repay a kindness, or even wreak long-plotted revenge. Others discover how true love can survive great distances and long separation.
Devoted fans as well as new readers are sure to find thst these sympathetic and humorous tales come vividly to life.
Devoted fans as well as new readers are sure to find thst these sympathetic and humorous tales come vividly to life.
290 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1991
10 people are currently reading
1563 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Montgomery
1,862 books13.2k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 21, 2024
Although the majority of these tenderly sweet (but also often sad and thought provoking) L.M. Montgomery short stories of "time passed" (of waiting, of yearning, of life and romance denied or thwarted) I consider very much personal favourites (and will therefore also continue to label and to shelve After Many Days as thus), I certainly do not like all of the featured stories of After Many Days equally, and actually have a select few tales that I in fact actively DO NOT much enjoy at all (but with collections of short stories, this is usually the nature of the proverbial beast, or at least, this has almost always been the case for me).
And truly, and especially with this here collection, with After Many Days, far too many of editor Rea Wilmshurst chosen L.M. Montgomery stories tend to feature especially women who are (at least in my humble opinion) just a bit too patiently and placidly, with a lack of activity and action, waiting and yearning for their lost lover, their fairy tale prince (or like in The Prodigal Brother, for the wayward sibling who went away from home to find his fortune). For example, in Between the Hill and the Valley, if Sara Stuart really loves Jeff Miller who has obviously been far too timid to admit his own love due to her perceived higher social standing, why in tarnation does she not speak up sooner? And why in An Unpremeditated Ceremony does Esme Graham not at least try to write to Selwyn Grant after his hasty departure, why does she not write to him professing her love? I know that Selwyn himself should also have spoken to Esme, and not simply have believed little Jenny Graham that Esme and Tom are engaged, but since Esme obviously has feelings for Selwyn, she should have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and written to him (their mutual silence fortunately does not end up destroying their love, but it certainly does delay it for years and years). And yes, I am absolutely and entirely annoyed and majorly out of patience with Vere Maybee (For A Dream's Sake), forever pining away for a lost and presumed dead lover when Gilroy Gray not only loves her, but is (at least in my opinion) quite a catch so to speak (a college professor, academic, intelligent, and obviously totally in love with Vere, if he is even willing to keep her dream of the supposedly deceased Maurice Tisdale alive for her, even though it means only having her affections at best second rate).
And finally, last but definitely not least, I have recently also come to the somewhat uncomfortable conclusion that there are far far too many instances in L.M. Montgomery's fiction as a whole where a woman, where a girl falling in love with a man (marrying a man) of whom her family disapproves, living to bitterly regret this. Now I do realise that such cases, that such sad and tragic episodes can and often do exist in life and thus should also be portrayed in fiction. But why is it so very very often the case in Montgomery's novels and short stories that when a woman marries against the will of her family (when she even falls in love against the will of her family), the latter's concern is then rather too often proven to be correct, that there are not many more cases, more examples of the family being wrong in and with their negative attitudes and assessments? For while the latter type of tales and examples certainly do exist (as especially in Wilmshurst's collections of tales of correspondence and matrimonial tales, stories critical of family interference do present themselves), they are in some ways still rather a rarity, and even in this here very collection, considering that one of its main presented themes is romance postponed and/or denied, The Romance of Jedediah seems to be the only story where a family who had actively broken up a romantic relationship due to the perceived unsuitability of the suitor is later thwarted and roundly so, is proven incorrect in their assessment of unsuitability (and even with that, Jedediah Crane is still depicted as having remained poor, although Mattie Adams seemingly does not care about these material issues and gladly takes Jedediah back as her lover). And yes, sadly, the vast majority of offerings in After Many Days which relate an actual elopement, a romance against the specific and vehement disapproval of the family, tend to clearly demonstrate that the latter's objections are in the end very much justified (Elizabeth's Child, Missy's Room, even the aforementioned For a Dream's Sake just to name a few select and frustrating examples).
And thus, while I do and always will adore L.M. Montgomery as a writer, her rather overt tendency to so often put a woman's family and its dictates, its desires first in cases of elopement and dissent regarding the suitability of potential suitors (and that she certainly makes many if not the majority of the young men with whom her female characters elope, whom her female characters choose to marry against family advice turn out to be at best poor, often scoundrels, and even sometimes much worse), this does put a bit of a damper on my enthusiasm at times (and that a more balanced approach would certainly have been much appreciated). Three stars, and again a caveat to seriously consider reading Rea Wilmshurst excellent and informative introduction as an afterword, so as to avoid spoilers (and yes, I still absolutely think of After Many Days as a favourite, although a book I do consider problematic in and with regard to some of its main thematics and definitely its featured morals and messages).
And truly, and especially with this here collection, with After Many Days, far too many of editor Rea Wilmshurst chosen L.M. Montgomery stories tend to feature especially women who are (at least in my humble opinion) just a bit too patiently and placidly, with a lack of activity and action, waiting and yearning for their lost lover, their fairy tale prince (or like in The Prodigal Brother, for the wayward sibling who went away from home to find his fortune). For example, in Between the Hill and the Valley, if Sara Stuart really loves Jeff Miller who has obviously been far too timid to admit his own love due to her perceived higher social standing, why in tarnation does she not speak up sooner? And why in An Unpremeditated Ceremony does Esme Graham not at least try to write to Selwyn Grant after his hasty departure, why does she not write to him professing her love? I know that Selwyn himself should also have spoken to Esme, and not simply have believed little Jenny Graham that Esme and Tom are engaged, but since Esme obviously has feelings for Selwyn, she should have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and written to him (their mutual silence fortunately does not end up destroying their love, but it certainly does delay it for years and years). And yes, I am absolutely and entirely annoyed and majorly out of patience with Vere Maybee (For A Dream's Sake), forever pining away for a lost and presumed dead lover when Gilroy Gray not only loves her, but is (at least in my opinion) quite a catch so to speak (a college professor, academic, intelligent, and obviously totally in love with Vere, if he is even willing to keep her dream of the supposedly deceased Maurice Tisdale alive for her, even though it means only having her affections at best second rate).
And finally, last but definitely not least, I have recently also come to the somewhat uncomfortable conclusion that there are far far too many instances in L.M. Montgomery's fiction as a whole where a woman, where a girl falling in love with a man (marrying a man) of whom her family disapproves, living to bitterly regret this. Now I do realise that such cases, that such sad and tragic episodes can and often do exist in life and thus should also be portrayed in fiction. But why is it so very very often the case in Montgomery's novels and short stories that when a woman marries against the will of her family (when she even falls in love against the will of her family), the latter's concern is then rather too often proven to be correct, that there are not many more cases, more examples of the family being wrong in and with their negative attitudes and assessments? For while the latter type of tales and examples certainly do exist (as especially in Wilmshurst's collections of tales of correspondence and matrimonial tales, stories critical of family interference do present themselves), they are in some ways still rather a rarity, and even in this here very collection, considering that one of its main presented themes is romance postponed and/or denied, The Romance of Jedediah seems to be the only story where a family who had actively broken up a romantic relationship due to the perceived unsuitability of the suitor is later thwarted and roundly so, is proven incorrect in their assessment of unsuitability (and even with that, Jedediah Crane is still depicted as having remained poor, although Mattie Adams seemingly does not care about these material issues and gladly takes Jedediah back as her lover). And yes, sadly, the vast majority of offerings in After Many Days which relate an actual elopement, a romance against the specific and vehement disapproval of the family, tend to clearly demonstrate that the latter's objections are in the end very much justified (Elizabeth's Child, Missy's Room, even the aforementioned For a Dream's Sake just to name a few select and frustrating examples).
And thus, while I do and always will adore L.M. Montgomery as a writer, her rather overt tendency to so often put a woman's family and its dictates, its desires first in cases of elopement and dissent regarding the suitability of potential suitors (and that she certainly makes many if not the majority of the young men with whom her female characters elope, whom her female characters choose to marry against family advice turn out to be at best poor, often scoundrels, and even sometimes much worse), this does put a bit of a damper on my enthusiasm at times (and that a more balanced approach would certainly have been much appreciated). Three stars, and again a caveat to seriously consider reading Rea Wilmshurst excellent and informative introduction as an afterword, so as to avoid spoilers (and yes, I still absolutely think of After Many Days as a favourite, although a book I do consider problematic in and with regard to some of its main thematics and definitely its featured morals and messages).
June 3, 2018
Lucy Maud Montgomery is amazing. That's all you need to know.
This collection of short stories contains many adorable stories I wish I had read long ago. My favourites were The Bride Roses, The Romance of Jedediah, For a Dream's Sake, The Price, An Unpremeditated Ceremony and Between the Hill and the Valley. I loved the descriptions in some of them, especially in The Man Who Forgot, and I wished I knew several of the characters, which are both some of Montgomery's best abilities. My only problem with this collection is that since it's centered around one particular theme, it's a bit redundant, so I wish I had only read a short story once in a while instead of all at once.
If you've read and loved any of Montgomery's works, you have to read at least some of her short stories, because they're incredible.
This collection of short stories contains many adorable stories I wish I had read long ago. My favourites were The Bride Roses, The Romance of Jedediah, For a Dream's Sake, The Price, An Unpremeditated Ceremony and Between the Hill and the Valley. I loved the descriptions in some of them, especially in The Man Who Forgot, and I wished I knew several of the characters, which are both some of Montgomery's best abilities. My only problem with this collection is that since it's centered around one particular theme, it's a bit redundant, so I wish I had only read a short story once in a while instead of all at once.
If you've read and loved any of Montgomery's works, you have to read at least some of her short stories, because they're incredible.
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed rereading this short story collection from one of my favorite authors. These stories all have to do with someone who was lost for many years, or moved away and then comes back years later, or some old letter that never arrived and then they find the letter years later. These stories center around reconciliation, long-lost relatives, family belonging, and love that is rekindled.
There is something so wholesome and sweet about Montgomery's stories, and I just love it!
There is something so wholesome and sweet about Montgomery's stories, and I just love it!
February 12, 2020
We know Montgomery for her stories about Anne and Emily, but she also wrote many, many stories for the magazines of her day. Rea Wilmshurst has collected these into themed paperbacks for us fans, and this one is stories about long-awaited reunions and love returning and waiting patiently. Some will sound redundant but there are gems -- like the "Romance of Jedidiah" and other standouts.
January 15, 2009
Sweet tales I loved as a kid- I tried to read some of them as an adult, but now they seem a bit saccharine and contrived. Doesn't matter, because LM Montgomery never gets less than 4 stars from me for making me love books.
April 4, 2023
Okay, I’m convinced Montgomery & i just missed each other by different eras- just lover her! This was such a good bed time story book with lots of short stories that were easily read & had happy endings (which matter a lot before falling asleep)! Would definitely recommend ❤️
June 24, 2023
This was good. I was a little tired of all the short stories, but it wasn’t the short stories themselves, it was the fact that they’re short. They all have potential to be turned into books. ☺️
also there was a lady named Corona
also there was a lady named Corona
February 17, 2013
Yikes! Those late 19th-early 20th century PE Islanders can teach the world about holding grudges! Montgomery sprinkled that idea here and there in the Anne series, but it was practically on every page of this story collection. That makes me wonder if these stories were originally intended to be published together. At any rate, it made for some disheartening reading. Also, there is quite a repetition of plot events and phrasing from the Anne books. I think the next time I reread LMM’s work, I’ll stick to Anne.
March 30, 2021
3.5 stars
oh oh oh oh! Let me just start off by saying I'm a LMM fangirl. After Many Days a collection of short stories complied by the editor who searched for these far and wide and compiled them together based on their similar themes. LMM's prose and writing style always comes through in each of her stories; its whimsical and enduring. Some of the stories in After Many Days are redundant but since LMM did not put this book together, but had these stories written and sold separately, I'll let it slide. I enjoy the old-time grudges, prejudices, and rules that are in all of the PEI stories. LMM's books are great to pick up when you're looking for a read to make you feel alright so if you're looking for a saccharine read, look no further.
oh oh oh oh! Let me just start off by saying I'm a LMM fangirl. After Many Days a collection of short stories complied by the editor who searched for these far and wide and compiled them together based on their similar themes. LMM's prose and writing style always comes through in each of her stories; its whimsical and enduring. Some of the stories in After Many Days are redundant but since LMM did not put this book together, but had these stories written and sold separately, I'll let it slide. I enjoy the old-time grudges, prejudices, and rules that are in all of the PEI stories. LMM's books are great to pick up when you're looking for a read to make you feel alright so if you're looking for a saccharine read, look no further.
March 6, 2022
I don’t like short stories, but I sure love hers.
May 1, 2022
Love them all. Apparently I’m a sucker for a happy ending or two—or twenty.
July 31, 2021
Sadly, this was not among my favourite Montgomery collections. It felt too sentimental, its characters almost too good and its plot devices too repetitive. Perhaps I wasn't in the mood and the timing was wrong – or perhaps this was just a bit too much of a good thing.
February 22, 2025
Feb 2025 reread:
I still enjoyed every story. Missy's Room in particular was more touching than I had remembered, and I didn't find Hill and Valley silly this time.
***
2016
What a great book! There isn't a story in it that I don't like, although I'm a little ambivalent about 'Between the Hill and the Valley'. Something about it seemed mawkish and even silly.
My favorite stories in this collection are The Bride Roses, The Romance of Jedediah, Elizabeth's Child, and The Price.
The Price is so terribly romantic-not as in marriage and romance, but as in the image of Christine shutting herself up alone in the big house for years, doing penance for something she believed she had done.
A very nice read. By the way, the cover picture represents Elizabeth's Child, and very well so, in my opinion. That's definitely Worth.
I still enjoyed every story. Missy's Room in particular was more touching than I had remembered, and I didn't find Hill and Valley silly this time.
***
2016
What a great book! There isn't a story in it that I don't like, although I'm a little ambivalent about 'Between the Hill and the Valley'. Something about it seemed mawkish and even silly.
My favorite stories in this collection are The Bride Roses, The Romance of Jedediah, Elizabeth's Child, and The Price.
The Price is so terribly romantic-not as in marriage and romance, but as in the image of Christine shutting herself up alone in the big house for years, doing penance for something she believed she had done.
A very nice read. By the way, the cover picture represents Elizabeth's Child, and very well so, in my opinion. That's definitely Worth.
June 20, 2019
In this collection of short stories I really like 'An Unpremeditated Ceremony', and 'Elizabeth's Child'.
I really like L.M.Montgomery's Short Story Collections, but there are a few too many sad ones in this Collection to get 5 stars. Too many tales of stubborn people and years of lost love and dreams because of one argument and foolish pride. If you can learn from a story book, don't let years pass before you resolve issues.....let bygones be and make friends again.
I really like L.M.Montgomery's Short Story Collections, but there are a few too many sad ones in this Collection to get 5 stars. Too many tales of stubborn people and years of lost love and dreams because of one argument and foolish pride. If you can learn from a story book, don't let years pass before you resolve issues.....let bygones be and make friends again.
October 23, 2022
Beautiful short stories, with incredible descriptions and amazing characterization, as always
October 16, 2018
Finished another wonderful collection of L.M Montgomery's works. What is it about this time period that I love to come back to? I think it was the innocence of that time, being it was before WWI and such heavy losses through that time. Community was important then, still is, but in a different fashion and by different rules of the day. But the stories are still universal, reunions of lovers, lost family, old friends. The human drama never really changes, just maybe different clothes, but the same trials of connectivity to one another still remains.
January 27, 2021
I received this book for my birthday in 2020. I finally have gotten back in the routine of reading when I first get up every morning and this book was an absolutely lovely read! I greatly enjoyed this particular compilation of stories the most. The stories were filled with great love, kindness, and gracious acts of selflessness that touched my heart! Thank you to my sister in law for giving me this book, it is a wonderful addition to my bookshelf that I will enjoy again and again for many years to come!
February 14, 2020
L.M. Montgomery is a long time and all time favorite author of mine. She writes the perfect girls story with just the right mix of adventure, drama and happiness. I find her books a comfort to read and have re-read most of her works many times over the years. They are classics for a reason and that reason is they are great. These are true comfort books for me and books I enjoy re-reading again and again.
November 30, 2025
Reread another set of LM Montgomery short stories. The stories I found the hardest to believe were the lovers separated by time and distance. They really stayed in love with each other for 15-20 years??But, I did still enjoy rereading and the two I liked the most--"The Man Who Forgot" and "The Price."
November 23, 2017
I loved this collection of short stories and flew through the book. It was interesting reading how L.M. Montgomery had to wait in her life. I liked the parallel between the stories and her own experiences.
June 5, 2018
I did not like this one as much. The writting was as good as her other works, but I did not enjoy the theme of this collection. But, I have never found wasting time and relationships based on lack of communication a romantic notion.
September 30, 2022
None of these short stories really captivated me. I mean, maybe there was one, but that's it. It really was just a book full of stories about people who are re-united after many days (but more like years or decades).
January 13, 2018
Not as sickly-sweetly moralistic as a couple of the other of her story collections, which was a relief. Always funny to read about 40- and 50-year-olds with snow-white hair and withered frames.
March 31, 2018
I love short stories and these are some of the best.
August 24, 2018
Honestly, these short stories are not the best of Montgomery's writing. But I love them anyway and reread them often.
July 14, 2021
te opowiadania nie były złe, ale zabrakło mi "czegoś", co zazwyczaj zachwycało mnie w powieściach Montgomery. może to nie był mój czas na te opowieści, kto wie
December 6, 2021
Some sweet stories but the amount of waiting by some of the characters was somewhat painful to a modern reader.
February 5, 2022
You can definitely tell it's her *earlier* work
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews