This book has been reviewed by Thriving Family, a marriage and parenting magazine published by Focus on the Family. It is the sixth book in the “Anne of Green Gables” series.
This book has been reviewed by Thriving Family, a marriage and parenting magazine published by Focus on the Family. It is the sixth book in the “Anne of Green Gables” series.
Anne is married to Dr. Gilbert Blythe and lives in Ingleside. The book consists of a series of adventures that Anne and her children have, rather than an actual plot. Walter is dropped off at a neighbor’s home when Anne is ready to give birth. He thinks his mother is ill and might die, so he runs home during the night to be reunited with her and find his new sister, Rilla. Gilbert’s elderly Aunt Mary Maria overstays her visit and dampens the happy home with her sour attitude and criticisms. She leaves in a huff after Anne gives her a surprise birthday party because Anne announced her age.
Nan and Di make friends with girls who fabricate lies and disillusion them about other friends. Jem’s puppy dies, and he adopts a dog that misses his original owner and is finally returned to the owner. Anne attempts to be a matchmaker, but she looks foolish when she discovers the young couple that she is trying to get together has already been secretly engaged. Anne gives up her writing, except when she writes an obituary for an acquaintance. Anne worries that Gilbert has forgotten their anniversary and no longer loves her. She envies his former girlfriend when they meet at a party. Anne later discovers Gilbert still loves her and has been waiting to celebrate their anniversary until his gift for her arrives.
Little Nan decides that she can bargain with God and seems to be good at it until she believes she has caused her mother to be ill. She can’t keep her part of the bargain and walk through a cemetery so God will heal her mother. Anne comforts Nan and explains that God gives without asking, is so much kinder than people and knows how to give good things. Susan, the Blythe’s housekeeper, declares that Providence ordained that she should remain an old maid.
Two of Anne’s friends briefly argue about evolution with Miss Elliot. One declares that science proves evolution, and the other states that evolution is nonsense.
Anne, Gilbert and Susan are in authority over the children. They listen to them and are devoted to training them up. The children learn to listen to their elders and to apologize when they have been naughty.
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Di disobeys her mother and stays overnight with her friend Jenny Penny. At Jenny’s home, Di trembles with fear when one of Jenny’s brothers tries to kiss her. She backs away, hits her head and falls. The children think she has died. Di pretends to be dead so they will carry her home. They deposit her body on her porch and run away.
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