dandj's Full Review: Kathleen Olmstead - Anne of Green Gables
I have a great appreciation for the classics, and I think every child should be introduced to them. They should be given the opportunity to know and possibly love great literature just as so many of the rest of us do. Unfortunately, the classics are a bit long-winded to hold the attention of the younger set. With that in mind, Sterling Publishing Company has incorporated all of the aspects that made those classics great into abridged retellings that will delight readers in the 8 to 12 year age range.
One of those is that of Anne of Green Gables. Originally written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this version has been condensed by Kathleen Olmstead.
Siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are getting on in years, and Matthew now requires some assistance running the homestead. A neighbor has sent for a child from the orphanage, and they decide that's the step for them to take also. Matthew is in for a shock, however, when he arrives at the train station to pick up a boy and discovers a girl instead. The shy, quiet man is not about to admit the mistake to the eleven-year-old Anne (with a "e" because it's much prettier that way) Shirley, so he leaves that to his tougher, more blunt sister.
Matthew takes to Anne right away. She's a cheerful and talkative child with a powerful imagination, a dramatic flair, and a penchant for getting into trouble. She's the complete opposite of both the Cuthberts. It takes some doing to convince Marilla to keep Anne on, but it's soon clear that's what they will do. Marilla is always trying to keep Anne in check, and Matthew is always defending her. While her antics lighten after her best friend, Diana Barry, is forbidden to spend time with her anymore, Anne is still unable to remain completely trouble free.
Whereas the original telling of Anne spanned several volumes, this version spends more time on her early years in Avonlea, but glosses over some of the later. This is, I'm sure, what is meant to be the draw to younger children . . . the similarity in ages. However, I was a little disappointed with the jumps in age and circumstance. Perhaps, rather than attempting to tell of Anne's college years and fast forward to just before she begins teaching, Olmstead should have found a suitable place with which to "end" Anne's story during her pre-teen to teen years. An afterword or epilogue could have included Anne's educational and career desires, as well as the development of her relationship with the once-despised Gilbert Blythe.
Some things are changed to be more suitable for the targeted readers. Anne does not inadvertently get her friend Diana drunk--thereby causing the forced rift--but instead causes a ruckus that upsets Diana's quick-to-anger Aunt. The death of a loved one is still present, but not covered to the same extent. It's a little easier to handle for the more sensitive age range.
Black-and-white illustrations by Lucy Corvino are sprinkled throughout. There are only ten, which could be viewed as a con. At 8-12 years, some readers may prefer more visualization than this. A detail I noticed, and was a bit disappointed with, was the continued lack of length to Anne's hair even a couple of years after the dreadful dye-job incident that caused the necessity of cutting it.
Following the final chapter are questions posed by Dr. Arthur Pober, Ed. D., which are meant to stimulate discussion and encourage comparison between life during Anne's time and life today. It is stated directly that this is not a quiz, and there are no right or wrong answers. In this manner, participants can freely say anything they wish without fear of being incorrect.
I love what the Sterling Publishing Company is doing with this Classic Starts series. It would be wonderful to think these introductions would spark a desire to one day read the original, unabridged tales.
Other books in the Classic Starts series: (Cover price $4.95)
Note: This review has been submitted as a part of the FightIlliteracy Write-Off hosted by two amazing epinions members - hadassahchana and dramastef. Please join the fight.
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