illa of Ingleside, the last book in L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.
I love this series since it reveals so much about what life was like in Canada at the turn of the last century, and this book especially, as it's set during World War I. I know it sounds odd whenever I say that, but I really do love reading stories about ordinary people in World War I and World War II.
Would you believe I still haven't visited Prince Edward Island? I have been to Guelph, Ontario, though - the University there has a collection of Montgomery's writing, apparently, which I only just found out about (next time I go to the Fergus Scottish Festival, I'll definitely have to stop by) including her journals - I'd love to read those! - and exciting pages such as this, a handwritten page of Rilla of Ingleside:
Bernice Thurman Hunter, in her Middle Grade series about Booky, featured a scene where Booky meets L. M. Montgomery, based on Hunter's own meeting with Montgomery:
"She received the following advice from Montgomery on July 2, 1937: 'You ask if you are too young to be writing a book with the expectation of publishing. I would say emphatically much too young. I cannot think any girl of fourteen, no matter how earnest and gifted she might be, could possibly write a book which any publisher would accept. But if you mean writing a book for your own pleasure and for training in the art of expression and creation then age has nothing to do with it. It will be good practice for you...
'Do not ever consider your writing more important than your studies. Nobody needs a good education more than a would-be writer ... You have chosen a very interesting but exacting career... if you have talent and perseverence you will succeed in the end." (The L. M. Montgomery Album by Alexandra Heilbron)"
I took this quote from the Anne of Green Gables and L. M. Montgomery Lexicon. A fuller account is available in the book Remembering Lucy Maud Montgomery.
5 comments:
Living in the UK, we are familiar with some authors from other parts of the world and I recognised L. M. Montgomery's name and of course her wonderful Anne of Green Gables. I also loved the Little House on the Prairie books, Brer Rabbit, Little Women.. Sadly not all of my Atlanta friend's favourites came my way, but I'm catching up with the adult authors.
I have read the Anne series up through Anne's House of Dreams and loved every one of them. I've been curious about the rest though and fortunately my husband just brought home a boxed set of all the books for me. (Working in a library and getting to sift through the donations is a great perk!) I shall have to start finishing the series soon.
I've never been to PEI either... but I've been all around it - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Maybe it'll be my next adventure.
Have you ever been to the Leaskdale home of Mizz Lucy? It's north of Uxbridge... a private home but there is a historic site sign in the front yard.
Hi, just stopped by from A-Z challenge list. Love your "R" post. L.M.Montgomery has been a favorite of mine for many, many years. Started reading her when I was 8y.o.! Enjoy the rest of the Challenge.
Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
I loved Little Women too, Carole. Still haven't read Brer Rabbit!
How fun, Sarah! Hope you enjoy the rest.
Sounds lovely, Cathy! I haven't been there yet...
Thanks so much for coming by, Patricia!
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