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Anne of Green Gables #7
Rainbow Valley
Anne and Gilbert have now been married for fifteen years and are busily raising their six rambunctious children in the village of Glen St. Mary. But when a new minister, John Meredith, comes to town with his own four youngsters in tow, things get very boisterous indeed. Together, the Blythe and Meredith children hatch schemes in their own private hideout--a hollow they call Rainbow Valley. There, they plot to rescue a young runaway named Mary Vance, and even form the Good-Conduct Club so the Meredith children can redeem themselves in the eyes of the disapproving townspeople.
But their grandest and most important scheme centers around poor widowed John Meredith himself, who has surprised everyone by falling in love once more. Will the Meredith children--with the help of their new friends, the Blythes--be able to bring happiness back into the life of their lonely father at last?
There's always an adventure brewing in the world of Rainbow Valley.
But their grandest and most important scheme centers around poor widowed John Meredith himself, who has surprised everyone by falling in love once more. Will the Meredith children--with the help of their new friends, the Blythes--be able to bring happiness back into the life of their lonely father at last?
There's always an adventure brewing in the world of Rainbow Valley.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1919
1009 people are currently reading
39244 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Montgomery
1,859 books13.3k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,855 reviews
June 14, 2021
Over ten Mary-Sues in one book? Got to be a record.
I thought Book 6 was rock bottom - turns out I was wrong. To catch you up - book 6 of ANNE of Green Gables demoted Anne to a secondary character and her six precocious (obnoxious) children shared the spotlight. Gag.
Well, if that wasn't bad enough, book 7 has Anne as a tertiary character. L. M. Montgomery doubled the amount of precocious children and shoves Anne's kids off to the side. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Anne's kids are secondary to the "Mary-Sue" Meredith clan - a wholesome, cherub-faced group of sorely neglected children who adore their minister father and God with all their heart. They are, in a word, loathsome. And I don't say it lightly. Every sin they commit or moment of disobedience can be traced back to an gosh-darn honest mistake - they could do no wrong and I hated them for it.
Their widowed minister father is the worst man I've read about in a long time. He neglects his children, his house and his life in order to be a better minister. None of his children ever had much to eat, they ran around in literal rags and at one point, one child watched as her pet rooster was slaughtered and served for dinner. The children even adopted an orphan girl for two weeks before he noticed. The orphan girl lived under the same roof as the father. TWO. WEEKS.
And what do the children think? That he's the best father in the world. And what does the town think? He's a fine minister, though he could use a wife to manage things. OH HELL NAW. He doesn't need a wife, he need a firm kick to the teeth. He's their father - their only parent alive - and he is supposedly too thick to understand that his children need socks? That they need guidance and affection? And all of that is excused because he is so holy and devoted to God?
I couldn't stomach the lot of them.
At one point, their weak-minded father has to whip one of the boys (for throwing a eel at an old lady) and the father discovers he cannot bring himself to do such a cruel act. The children meet in secret to punish themselves because if their father won't discipline them, then they will have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and raise themselves.
I honestly don't think L. M. Montgomery actually met any children.
And, then there is the shoe-horned religion at every page. I don't mind reading religious books and quite like how it was handled in the first couple of Anne of Green Gables. But, Book 7 uses a funnel to force it down our throats so often that it actually soured me to this book. Heaven forbid if anyone questions the minutest aspect of God's love or infinite kindness - every single precocious child would discuss the finer points of theology. Preferably in painstaking detail.
At one point, one of the clan marches up to a non-church goer to demand he attend church (so her father's salary could be paid). When he refuses, she feels a fury wash over herself and calls him names (including vampire) and says she doesn't care if he goes to hell. He (of course) finds this sweet and adorable - and immediately swears to start attending.
The best part of this series?
Finding out that I'm not done - there's another one. Whoopee.
Audiobook Comments
Decently read. We have had the same person reading this series and I always enjoy a consistent reader. Her voice for some of the children did grate on my ears, but that could just be because I hated them all so much.
The 2018 ABC title challenge - R
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
I thought Book 6 was rock bottom - turns out I was wrong. To catch you up - book 6 of ANNE of Green Gables demoted Anne to a secondary character and her six precocious (obnoxious) children shared the spotlight. Gag.
Well, if that wasn't bad enough, book 7 has Anne as a tertiary character. L. M. Montgomery doubled the amount of precocious children and shoves Anne's kids off to the side. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Anne's kids are secondary to the "Mary-Sue" Meredith clan - a wholesome, cherub-faced group of sorely neglected children who adore their minister father and God with all their heart. They are, in a word, loathsome. And I don't say it lightly. Every sin they commit or moment of disobedience can be traced back to an gosh-darn honest mistake - they could do no wrong and I hated them for it.
Their widowed minister father is the worst man I've read about in a long time. He neglects his children, his house and his life in order to be a better minister. None of his children ever had much to eat, they ran around in literal rags and at one point, one child watched as her pet rooster was slaughtered and served for dinner. The children even adopted an orphan girl for two weeks before he noticed. The orphan girl lived under the same roof as the father. TWO. WEEKS.
And what do the children think? That he's the best father in the world. And what does the town think? He's a fine minister, though he could use a wife to manage things. OH HELL NAW. He doesn't need a wife, he need a firm kick to the teeth. He's their father - their only parent alive - and he is supposedly too thick to understand that his children need socks? That they need guidance and affection? And all of that is excused because he is so holy and devoted to God?
I couldn't stomach the lot of them.
At one point, their weak-minded father has to whip one of the boys (for throwing a eel at an old lady) and the father discovers he cannot bring himself to do such a cruel act. The children meet in secret to punish themselves because if their father won't discipline them, then they will have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and raise themselves.
I honestly don't think L. M. Montgomery actually met any children.
And, then there is the shoe-horned religion at every page. I don't mind reading religious books and quite like how it was handled in the first couple of Anne of Green Gables. But, Book 7 uses a funnel to force it down our throats so often that it actually soured me to this book. Heaven forbid if anyone questions the minutest aspect of God's love or infinite kindness - every single precocious child would discuss the finer points of theology. Preferably in painstaking detail.
At one point, one of the clan marches up to a non-church goer to demand he attend church (so her father's salary could be paid). When he refuses, she feels a fury wash over herself and calls him names (including vampire) and says she doesn't care if he goes to hell. He (of course) finds this sweet and adorable - and immediately swears to start attending.
The best part of this series?
Finding out that I'm not done - there's another one. Whoopee.
Audiobook Comments
Decently read. We have had the same person reading this series and I always enjoy a consistent reader. Her voice for some of the children did grate on my ears, but that could just be because I hated them all so much.
The 2018 ABC title challenge - R
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
January 21, 2022
I thought things couldn't get worse...
Then this book doubled the number of children.
So basically, if you want my review of this, take my review of the last book and make it twice as mean.
That's all.
Bottom line: The love of this series is getting beaten out of me.
1.5 stars
------------
currently-reading updates
i am now giving this series the greatest insult i can manage:
i'm listening to it as an audiobook even though i have a physical copy.
clear ur sh*t book 57
quest 24: a book in a series
Then this book doubled the number of children.
So basically, if you want my review of this, take my review of the last book and make it twice as mean.
That's all.
Bottom line: The love of this series is getting beaten out of me.
1.5 stars
------------
currently-reading updates
i am now giving this series the greatest insult i can manage:
i'm listening to it as an audiobook even though i have a physical copy.
clear ur sh*t book 57
quest 24: a book in a series
November 28, 2024
If the last book wasn't really about Anne, this go-round isn't even about Anne's children. Instead, we meet the new minister's kids. Talk about a family that really NEEDS Nanny Mc Phee! Reverend Dad has been floundering since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise four young 'uns alone. He's a loving father, but constantly distracted, and preoccupied. He can frequently be found with his nose buried in a book. (I can relate.) Though an elderly, bumbling relative is attempting to care for them, the kids are mostly bringing up themselves.
And, they're only doing a so-so job of it.
Lucky Faith, the oldest girl, gets to be The Anne of this novel. Seeming an awful lot like a certain girl once called "Carrots," Faith gets into scrapes, takes dares, and makes bold, persuasive speeches to her elders. She even commits the unforgivable blunder of going bare-legged to church. (Horrors!)
As you can imagine, village tongues are a-waggin'.
While this is certainly not the best of the series, it's a decent enough outing with lots of love and laughs. It provided just the escape I needed from the anxieties of the modern world. Ahhhh . . .
*11/14/24 - One thing to add on my latest read of this book: I'd forgotten about runaway, Pippi Longstocking-like foundling, Mary Vance. Though she mostly got on my nerves with her bossiness and "words of wisdom," this bit where the minister's children attempt to explain the concept of Hell as the devil's domain to her made me laugh aloud:
" . . . I didn't know he lived anywhere. I thought he just roamed round. Mr. Wiley used to mention hell when he was alive. He was always telling folks to go there. I thought it was some place over in New Brunswick where he come from."
There you have it, folks. Stay away from New Brunswick.
Or else.
And, they're only doing a so-so job of it.
Lucky Faith, the oldest girl, gets to be The Anne of this novel. Seeming an awful lot like a certain girl once called "Carrots," Faith gets into scrapes, takes dares, and makes bold, persuasive speeches to her elders. She even commits the unforgivable blunder of going bare-legged to church. (Horrors!)
As you can imagine, village tongues are a-waggin'.
While this is certainly not the best of the series, it's a decent enough outing with lots of love and laughs. It provided just the escape I needed from the anxieties of the modern world. Ahhhh . . .
*11/14/24 - One thing to add on my latest read of this book: I'd forgotten about runaway, Pippi Longstocking-like foundling, Mary Vance. Though she mostly got on my nerves with her bossiness and "words of wisdom," this bit where the minister's children attempt to explain the concept of Hell as the devil's domain to her made me laugh aloud:
" . . . I didn't know he lived anywhere. I thought he just roamed round. Mr. Wiley used to mention hell when he was alive. He was always telling folks to go there. I thought it was some place over in New Brunswick where he come from."
There you have it, folks. Stay away from New Brunswick.
Or else.
September 8, 2021
خب ظاهرا همیشه جنگ همون چیزیه که میتونه پایان همهی روزهای خوب باشه و آخر داستان خواننده رو با یک دنیا دلشوره رها کنه...
May 26, 2025
May 2025 reread:
Nothing new to add on this rereading except that I most enjoyed the adult conversations and scenes, particularly Ingleside gossips with Susan and Cornelia. I was also more aware of the foreshadowing of war.
***
The front cover is simply maddening! There are four girls, and Anne only has three, so one must be a Meredith. So which one??
The boy in the water is, I'm thinking, Shirley, and the tall one is Walter. The girl sitting is Diana.
If the girl in the blue dress holding the flowers is Rilla and the one holding the basket is Nan, or vice versa, then who is the second redhead? Rilla's hair is a softer red, and neither of the Meredith sisters has red hair.
Till my dying day I will be puzzling over this...I like things to make sense, for heaven's sake.
Ah well, it's the wonderful book that counts: as always, LMM's powers of description shine out. I relish each word I read like a juicy piece of fruit whose sweet taste never quite leaves my mouth. Every character means something to me and moves me in some way.
There are characters I would like more of, especially Una. I'd love more of her troubles and adventures, particularly since I feel like her--sensitive and shy. But Faith gets more attention, more, in fact, than any of the other children. It's understandable given her spunky, active personality, and there's no doubt that she's a fun, lovable heroine. But just because Una is perhaps less active and outwardly reactive than Faith doesn't mean her episodes would be less engaging and meaningful.
This partiality for Faith in Rainbow Valley is similar to what happens in Anne of Avonlea: Dora, the quiet, perfect child, is ignored in favor of Davy, the more vivacious, troublesome one.
I would also like more of the Blythes and their specific activities with the Merediths in Rainbow Valley. In addition, a chapter or two from Anne's persepective, in which Faith or another Meredith comes to her for a talk, would be nice. I want a sampling of her adult self, who is sympathetic and helps them with their problems and feelings. Adults seek Anne too, but there are no examples of either.
Vagueness in Rainbow Valley also lies in the romance of Mr. Meredith (who is really too absent to be believable-forgetting to eat and sleep! But he is lovable) and Rosemary West. It's rather rushed. He meets her, 'wakes up' a little, visits her and Ellen frequently, then suddenly proposes. I feel like "Did I miss something, skip a chapter?" I don't get to see any of the dialogues Mr. Meredith has with Rosemary, or Ellen.
I have to give LMM a break because it's hard to actually show relationships develop, but they would have so much more meaning if I got an idea of what exactly Mr. Meredith and Rosemary are like together and what they talk about.
I always love LMM's romances, especially how they begin and culminate, but she does tend to gloss over their progression, summarizing with "They talked of books, politics, etc, and felt such kinship," which is easier than actually showing the conversations. The summaries and circumstances of her romances are so beautifully described I love them anyway, but still feel a little cheated.
For example, on page 148, 'Mr. Meredith touched deeps in her nature that Martin had never touched--that had not, perhaps, been in the girl of seventeen to touch.' Wonderful! But where does such a sentiment come from? In simply being with him, in the things he says...?
Another point on Mr. Meredith--I am opposed to the idea that, in order to be an attentive, caring father, Mr. Meredith needs a wife. It may be true that he cannot do it all alone and children's lives are not quite complete with only one parent, but I can't accept his lack of a wife as an excuse to be neglectful. Throughout the book he rues his neglect when his children get into scrapes, but he really does nothing about it. No wife is necessary for him to be more involved in their lives.
I greatly enjoy the intervals with Miss Cornelia and Susan giving their opinions on various matters, as well as the theological discussions of both the adults and children. All of them are enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Despite some vagueness, Rainbow Valley is utterly lovely and golden. How I wish for a Rainbow Valley of my own, and a group of such children as the Blythes and Merediths to tryst in it with! LMM is an author who instantly instills in me a desire to live in the worlds of her books.
How I wish, too, that there was another book between Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside that shows all of the Blythes and Merediths growing up! I come to care so deeply for them.
Nothing new to add on this rereading except that I most enjoyed the adult conversations and scenes, particularly Ingleside gossips with Susan and Cornelia. I was also more aware of the foreshadowing of war.
***
The front cover is simply maddening! There are four girls, and Anne only has three, so one must be a Meredith. So which one??
The boy in the water is, I'm thinking, Shirley, and the tall one is Walter. The girl sitting is Diana.
If the girl in the blue dress holding the flowers is Rilla and the one holding the basket is Nan, or vice versa, then who is the second redhead? Rilla's hair is a softer red, and neither of the Meredith sisters has red hair.
Till my dying day I will be puzzling over this...I like things to make sense, for heaven's sake.
Ah well, it's the wonderful book that counts: as always, LMM's powers of description shine out. I relish each word I read like a juicy piece of fruit whose sweet taste never quite leaves my mouth. Every character means something to me and moves me in some way.
There are characters I would like more of, especially Una. I'd love more of her troubles and adventures, particularly since I feel like her--sensitive and shy. But Faith gets more attention, more, in fact, than any of the other children. It's understandable given her spunky, active personality, and there's no doubt that she's a fun, lovable heroine. But just because Una is perhaps less active and outwardly reactive than Faith doesn't mean her episodes would be less engaging and meaningful.
This partiality for Faith in Rainbow Valley is similar to what happens in Anne of Avonlea: Dora, the quiet, perfect child, is ignored in favor of Davy, the more vivacious, troublesome one.
I would also like more of the Blythes and their specific activities with the Merediths in Rainbow Valley. In addition, a chapter or two from Anne's persepective, in which Faith or another Meredith comes to her for a talk, would be nice. I want a sampling of her adult self, who is sympathetic and helps them with their problems and feelings. Adults seek Anne too, but there are no examples of either.
Vagueness in Rainbow Valley also lies in the romance of Mr. Meredith (who is really too absent to be believable-forgetting to eat and sleep! But he is lovable) and Rosemary West. It's rather rushed. He meets her, 'wakes up' a little, visits her and Ellen frequently, then suddenly proposes. I feel like "Did I miss something, skip a chapter?" I don't get to see any of the dialogues Mr. Meredith has with Rosemary, or Ellen.
I have to give LMM a break because it's hard to actually show relationships develop, but they would have so much more meaning if I got an idea of what exactly Mr. Meredith and Rosemary are like together and what they talk about.
I always love LMM's romances, especially how they begin and culminate, but she does tend to gloss over their progression, summarizing with "They talked of books, politics, etc, and felt such kinship," which is easier than actually showing the conversations. The summaries and circumstances of her romances are so beautifully described I love them anyway, but still feel a little cheated.
For example, on page 148, 'Mr. Meredith touched deeps in her nature that Martin had never touched--that had not, perhaps, been in the girl of seventeen to touch.' Wonderful! But where does such a sentiment come from? In simply being with him, in the things he says...?
Another point on Mr. Meredith--I am opposed to the idea that, in order to be an attentive, caring father, Mr. Meredith needs a wife. It may be true that he cannot do it all alone and children's lives are not quite complete with only one parent, but I can't accept his lack of a wife as an excuse to be neglectful. Throughout the book he rues his neglect when his children get into scrapes, but he really does nothing about it. No wife is necessary for him to be more involved in their lives.
I greatly enjoy the intervals with Miss Cornelia and Susan giving their opinions on various matters, as well as the theological discussions of both the adults and children. All of them are enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Despite some vagueness, Rainbow Valley is utterly lovely and golden. How I wish for a Rainbow Valley of my own, and a group of such children as the Blythes and Merediths to tryst in it with! LMM is an author who instantly instills in me a desire to live in the worlds of her books.
How I wish, too, that there was another book between Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside that shows all of the Blythes and Merediths growing up! I come to care so deeply for them.
July 8, 2020
Though this book focused more on the Meredith family than Anne’s, I found it to be one of my favorites of the series! The whimsical world of the children’s minds were enthralling, and I was incredibly anxious for the happy ending to finally come about!
July 25, 2023
آن شرلی همیشه ��ذاب من!
این جلد بیشتر در مورد کشیش جدید و بچه هاش بود
آنی و بچه هاش وگیل خیلی خیلی کم رنگ بودن
اما داستان کشیش مردیت و بچه هاش هم دلنشین و زیبا بود.
این جلد بیشتر در مورد کشیش جدید و بچه هاش بود
آنی و بچه هاش وگیل خیلی خیلی کم رنگ بودن
اما داستان کشیش مردیت و بچه هاش هم دلنشین و زیبا بود.
September 10, 2021
I am determined to finish this series however it is becoming hard work. Overall I just feel like the author was purely page filling at this stage as this book is filled with nothing but air.
This mainly focuses on the children who live in the same village as Anne and it's really just a rehash of everything Anne did as a child. Its Anne of Green Gables all over again but with more kids and a different setting.
However the last few chapters paved the way for a good story line in book eight so fingers crossed good times are coming.
This mainly focuses on the children who live in the same village as Anne and it's really just a rehash of everything Anne did as a child. Its Anne of Green Gables all over again but with more kids and a different setting.
However the last few chapters paved the way for a good story line in book eight so fingers crossed good times are coming.
July 21, 2020
"Mr. Wiley used to mention hell when he was alive. He was always telling folks to go there. I thought it was some place over in New Brunswick where he come from."
The Anne of Ingleside brought a change, not subtle, in terms of Anne's part in the story, by shifting the focus to her children. Rainbow Valley consolidates that change by focusing even more on them and their acquaintances, while making Anne a back ground character.
I've read some reviews before stating that this is the point where the series takes a massive descent, making it less and less interesting. But personally, I did not find that to be the case. It was still very good. Some of the mischievous things might have some resemblance to original book, but as the original book is still my favorite, I liked those parts the most.
Only sad part for me was, there were very little mentioning of Avonlea or Green Gables.
The Anne of Ingleside brought a change, not subtle, in terms of Anne's part in the story, by shifting the focus to her children. Rainbow Valley consolidates that change by focusing even more on them and their acquaintances, while making Anne a back ground character.
I've read some reviews before stating that this is the point where the series takes a massive descent, making it less and less interesting. But personally, I did not find that to be the case. It was still very good. Some of the mischievous things might have some resemblance to original book, but as the original book is still my favorite, I liked those parts the most.
Only sad part for me was, there were very little mentioning of Avonlea or Green Gables.
August 23, 2023
این جلد بیشتر ماجرای کشیش جدید شهر و اتفاقات پیرامون بچههاش بود.
بعلاوه ارتباط میان بچههای کشیش و بچههای آنی !
حضور آنی و گیلبرت خیلی خیلی کمرنگ شده بود🥺
بعلاوه ارتباط میان بچههای کشیش و بچههای آنی !
حضور آنی و گیلبرت خیلی خیلی کمرنگ شده بود🥺
July 3, 2024
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Rainbow Valley, Four Winds, Glen St. Mary. Such a wonderful, beautiful place of love and growth and understanding and healing. I love Avonlea, but I want to live in Glen St. Mary.
L.M. Montgomery’s writing is so effortless, so clear, so vivid, so intellectual, so tender. The classical allusions mixed with common language; the deep discussions and gentle fancies; the living dialogue, real actions, and thoughtful reflections—I love it all; I could study it forever. I don’t know how to express how lovely and peaceful this book is! The town, with its churches, school, harbour, stores, and surrounding villages, is so alive, so full of real people—good, bad, and indifferent, with their own idiosyncrasies and backstories and choices. It's a place where one can live the deep, joyful, vibrant life one longs for.
And the characters! Steady Jem, happy-go-lucky Jerry, decided Nan, intense Faith, kind Di, tender Una, singleminded Carl, important Rilla, and colourful Mary Vance (it’s almost as hard to leave off the Vance as it was to leave off Dew for Rebecca… IYKYK)—they all make such a fun bunch frolicking in the Valley. And of course busy Miss Cornelia; sturdy Susan; loving Anne; and merry Gilbert make their appearances, some more than others, but each in their own way. Sweet Rosemary, wholesome Ellen, sensitive John Meredith, and pungent Norman Douglass made their own roles immovable. And as usual, a host of smaller yet no less living characters danced across the scenes in their own times, filling the rest of the cast.
The plot is a gentle recounting of the first two years of the Merediths’ arrival—season by season, escapade by escapade. I loved the little motherless things and I enjoyed reading of their ups and downs. Poor things, they did try and they honestly gave it their best efforts. The adults’ side plots of romance (Rosemary’s & Mr. Meredith’s was so sweet!!) and drama were woven excellently in with the children’s experiences. And I loved the themes of love, understanding, responsibility, and morality. Montgomery doesn’t have everything right, but she has so, so many good, solid, wholesome things to say.
In short, this is a delightful, sweet, colourful portrayal of small-town life in the late 1800s and it’s simply delicious. And those final paragraphs—!! Recommended reading age: 10+
A Favourite Quote: Susan never worried over poor humanity. She did what in her lay for its betterment and serenely left the rest to the Higher Powers. “Cornelia Elliott thinks she was born to run this world, Mrs. Dr. dear,” she had once said to Anne, “and so she is always in a stew over something. I have never thought I was, and so I go calmly along. Not but what it has sometimes occurred to me that things might be run a little better than they are. But it is not for us poor worms to nourish such thoughts. They only make us uncomfortable and do not get us anywhere.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: The house ... looked .... over the harbour, silvered in the moonlight, to the sand-dunes and the moaning ocean. They walked in through a garden that always seemed to smell of roses, even when no roses were in bloom. There was a sisterhood of lilies at the gate and a ribbon of asters on either side of the broad walk, and a lacery of fir trees on the hill's edge beyond the house.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...he went to the Jacob Drews’ silver-wedding supper and got into a nice scrape as a result[.] Mrs. Drew asked him to carve the roast goose—for Jacob Drew never did or could carve. Well, Mr. Meredith tackled it, and in the process he knocked it clean off the platter into Mrs. Reese’s lap, who was sitting next him. And he just said dreamily, ‘Mrs. Reese, will you kindly return me that goose?’ Mrs. Reese ‘returned’ it, as meek as Moses, but she must have been furious, for she had on her new silk dress.”
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5+ étoiles & 8/10 cœurs. Ceci est un si beau livre. Cela vous rend si heureux. Les personnages sont tous si réels et adorables (ou pas!), humoristiques et ... vivants. Les scènes sont si intéressantes, drôles, belles et tristes ... Oh, comment les derniers paragraphes me rendent triste! Il y a quelques euphémismes; des mentions de fantômes; et je ne suis pas d'accord avec tout. Mais c’est un livre merveilleux. Anne d'Ingleside commence à préfigurer; alors celle-ci rappelle de manière poignante ce qui va se passer ... et oh, vous redoutez mais voulez lire Rilla!
L.M. Montgomery’s writing is so effortless, so clear, so vivid, so intellectual, so tender. The classical allusions mixed with common language; the deep discussions and gentle fancies; the living dialogue, real actions, and thoughtful reflections—I love it all; I could study it forever. I don’t know how to express how lovely and peaceful this book is! The town, with its churches, school, harbour, stores, and surrounding villages, is so alive, so full of real people—good, bad, and indifferent, with their own idiosyncrasies and backstories and choices. It's a place where one can live the deep, joyful, vibrant life one longs for.
And the characters! Steady Jem, happy-go-lucky Jerry, decided Nan, intense Faith, kind Di, tender Una, singleminded Carl, important Rilla, and colourful Mary Vance (it’s almost as hard to leave off the Vance as it was to leave off Dew for Rebecca… IYKYK)—they all make such a fun bunch frolicking in the Valley. And of course busy Miss Cornelia; sturdy Susan; loving Anne; and merry Gilbert make their appearances, some more than others, but each in their own way. Sweet Rosemary, wholesome Ellen, sensitive John Meredith, and pungent Norman Douglass made their own roles immovable. And as usual, a host of smaller yet no less living characters danced across the scenes in their own times, filling the rest of the cast.
The plot is a gentle recounting of the first two years of the Merediths’ arrival—season by season, escapade by escapade. I loved the little motherless things and I enjoyed reading of their ups and downs. Poor things, they did try and they honestly gave it their best efforts. The adults’ side plots of romance (Rosemary’s & Mr. Meredith’s was so sweet!!) and drama were woven excellently in with the children’s experiences. And I loved the themes of love, understanding, responsibility, and morality. Montgomery doesn’t have everything right, but she has so, so many good, solid, wholesome things to say.
In short, this is a delightful, sweet, colourful portrayal of small-town life in the late 1800s and it’s simply delicious. And those final paragraphs—!! Recommended reading age: 10+
A Favourite Quote: Susan never worried over poor humanity. She did what in her lay for its betterment and serenely left the rest to the Higher Powers. “Cornelia Elliott thinks she was born to run this world, Mrs. Dr. dear,” she had once said to Anne, “and so she is always in a stew over something. I have never thought I was, and so I go calmly along. Not but what it has sometimes occurred to me that things might be run a little better than they are. But it is not for us poor worms to nourish such thoughts. They only make us uncomfortable and do not get us anywhere.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: The house ... looked .... over the harbour, silvered in the moonlight, to the sand-dunes and the moaning ocean. They walked in through a garden that always seemed to smell of roses, even when no roses were in bloom. There was a sisterhood of lilies at the gate and a ribbon of asters on either side of the broad walk, and a lacery of fir trees on the hill's edge beyond the house.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...he went to the Jacob Drews’ silver-wedding supper and got into a nice scrape as a result[.] Mrs. Drew asked him to carve the roast goose—for Jacob Drew never did or could carve. Well, Mr. Meredith tackled it, and in the process he knocked it clean off the platter into Mrs. Reese’s lap, who was sitting next him. And he just said dreamily, ‘Mrs. Reese, will you kindly return me that goose?’ Mrs. Reese ‘returned’ it, as meek as Moses, but she must have been furious, for she had on her new silk dress.”
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5+ étoiles & 8/10 cœurs. Ceci est un si beau livre. Cela vous rend si heureux. Les personnages sont tous si réels et adorables (ou pas!), humoristiques et ... vivants. Les scènes sont si intéressantes, drôles, belles et tristes ... Oh, comment les derniers paragraphes me rendent triste! Il y a quelques euphémismes; des mentions de fantômes; et je ne suis pas d'accord avec tout. Mais c’est un livre merveilleux. Anne d'Ingleside commence à préfigurer; alors celle-ci rappelle de manière poignante ce qui va se passer ... et oh, vous redoutez mais voulez lire Rilla!
February 25, 2023
"It is never quite safe to think we have done with life. When we imagine we have finished our story, fate has a trick of turning the page and showing us another chapter."
February 18, 2025
『هو النور』
"هیچ وقت نباید فکر کنیم کارمان با زندگی تمام است؛ چون درست زمانی که احساس میکنیم به خطوط آخر قصهمان رسیدهایم، دست سرنوشت، کتاب عمرمان را ورق میزند و فصلی تازه پیش رویمان میگشاید."
کاش نیزن از راه نمیرسید.(شما بخوانید جنگ)
کاش اجازه میداد بیشتر بچگی میکردن. کاش هیچ وقت از آن رویاها و امیدهای شیرین بیرون نمیآمدند. کاش بدانند که این فصل سخت هم بالاخره تمام میشود و اگر به ورق زدن کتاب زندگیشان ادامه دهند، میتوانند فصلهای جدیدتری را ببینند.
_ جمعه ۲۵ فروردین ۱۴۰۲
"هیچ وقت نباید فکر کنیم کارمان با زندگی تمام است؛ چون درست زمانی که احساس میکنیم به خطوط آخر قصهمان رسیدهایم، دست سرنوشت، کتاب عمرمان را ورق میزند و فصلی تازه پیش رویمان میگشاید."
کاش نیزن از راه نمیرسید.(شما بخوانید جنگ)
کاش اجازه میداد بیشتر بچگی میکردن. کاش هیچ وقت از آن رویاها و امیدهای شیرین بیرون نمیآمدند. کاش بدانند که این فصل سخت هم بالاخره تمام میشود و اگر به ورق زدن کتاب زندگیشان ادامه دهند، میتوانند فصلهای جدیدتری را ببینند.
_ جمعه ۲۵ فروردین ۱۴۰۲
December 5, 2025
Reread for a reading vlog: https://youtu.be/Z-1p0hIp-Ng (watch for both a spoiler free and spoiler filled review of each of the eight books in the series - spoilers are all clearly marked and easily skipped!)
Written review to come ❤️
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PBB Book Club
Written review to come ❤️
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | TikTok
You can join our book club over on Patreon...
PBB Book Club
February 26, 2024
In the words of my mother : “Isn’t that the most wonderful name for a book”….that it is mumma. However, sadly I think the brilliant run of the Anne of Green Gables collection has come to an end and joy has turned to boredom in the second half of this book. I fear the last volume may be the same….
That being said I did enjoy the first part so let’s talk about that…
Whilst this book was one of the shortest of the collection it certainly packed a punch after finding the “Mary-creature”. The children come across her, alone, crying and starving to death. As only the Blythe children would, they take her home and feed her up. However, she is a force to be reckoned with. Miss Cornelia called her a “cat of another colour“ compared to the Blythe children. She continues to clarify “She’s also a human being with a soul to save”. Whilst Una is most concerned about her using bad language.
Although one of the major downsides of this book was the vast number of names and children - it got very confusing- I am ever so fond of Walter. Similar to Anne, Walter found food for the soul took first place. He liked hiding in the attic, writing poems. He also enjoyed lying on his stomach among the ferns in Rainbow valley, reading aloud to his sisters from a wonderful book of Myths.
Speaking of Rainbow valley. It was the place everyone ran to, child or adult. It was a special sanctuary that healed your soul in a way nowhere else did. It provided dreamlike loveliness for the poor, sore-hearted as well as a place of happiness and fun memories and dreamers alike. Everyone could do with a Rainbow valley to find peace and contentment in.
Unfortunately that’s when all my enjoyment of this little book comes to an end and sadly the MAJOR downside of this book was that Anne was scarcely seen or even talked of. I missed hearing how she and her family were living rather than the main focus being on the Meredith children. I just hope the last book in this magical series doesn’t fall short.
That being said I did enjoy the first part so let’s talk about that…
Whilst this book was one of the shortest of the collection it certainly packed a punch after finding the “Mary-creature”. The children come across her, alone, crying and starving to death. As only the Blythe children would, they take her home and feed her up. However, she is a force to be reckoned with. Miss Cornelia called her a “cat of another colour“ compared to the Blythe children. She continues to clarify “She’s also a human being with a soul to save”. Whilst Una is most concerned about her using bad language.
Although one of the major downsides of this book was the vast number of names and children - it got very confusing- I am ever so fond of Walter. Similar to Anne, Walter found food for the soul took first place. He liked hiding in the attic, writing poems. He also enjoyed lying on his stomach among the ferns in Rainbow valley, reading aloud to his sisters from a wonderful book of Myths.
Speaking of Rainbow valley. It was the place everyone ran to, child or adult. It was a special sanctuary that healed your soul in a way nowhere else did. It provided dreamlike loveliness for the poor, sore-hearted as well as a place of happiness and fun memories and dreamers alike. Everyone could do with a Rainbow valley to find peace and contentment in.
Unfortunately that’s when all my enjoyment of this little book comes to an end and sadly the MAJOR downside of this book was that Anne was scarcely seen or even talked of. I missed hearing how she and her family were living rather than the main focus being on the Meredith children. I just hope the last book in this magical series doesn’t fall short.
April 14, 2023
(هو النور)
من شنیده بودم این جلد و جلد قبل چون تمرکزشون بیشتر روی بچههای آنست به دلنشینی حلدهای قبل نیستند؛
اما من دوستشون داشتم💛🥰
توی این جلد دختر کوچیک آنی، ریلا، شش سالست، پسر بزرگش کم کم باید خودش رو برای آزمون کالج کویینز آماده کنه و آنی زنی میانساله.
ماجراهای کتاب بیشتر راجع این بچهها و تجربههاشونه اما ما همچنان با آنی همراهیم ولی خب کمتر از جلدهای قبل.
بچههای آنی به دلنشینی والدینشونن و توی این جلد دوستان تازهای هم پیدا میکنند که به دل شما خواهند نشست.
پ.ن: اگر بچهای اطرافتون هست که با صحبت توی جمع، بزرگترها، پشت تلفن و... مشکل داره (خجالت میکشه) یا از داستان���های ارواح ترسیده شاید این کتاب بتونه کمکش کنه؛ البته من کارشناس کتاب کودک نیستم.
پ.ن۲: دلم برای کودکی این بچهها تنگ میشه🫂🧡
۱۵ تا ۲۵ فروردین ۱۴۰۲🌻🌱
من شنیده بودم این جلد و جلد قبل چون تمرکزشون بیشتر روی بچههای آنست به دلنشینی حلدهای قبل نیستند؛
اما من دوستشون داشتم💛🥰
توی این جلد دختر کوچیک آنی، ریلا، شش سالست، پسر بزرگش کم کم باید خودش رو برای آزمون کالج کویینز آماده کنه و آنی زنی میانساله.
ماجراهای کتاب بیشتر راجع این بچهها و تجربههاشونه اما ما همچنان با آنی همراهیم ولی خب کمتر از جلدهای قبل.
بچههای آنی به دلنشینی والدینشونن و توی این جلد دوستان تازهای هم پیدا میکنند که به دل شما خواهند نشست.
پ.ن: اگر بچهای اطرافتون هست که با صحبت توی جمع، بزرگترها، پشت تلفن و... مشکل داره (خجالت میکشه) یا از داستان���های ارواح ترسیده شاید این کتاب بتونه کمکش کنه؛ البته من کارشناس کتاب کودک نیستم.
پ.ن۲: دلم برای کودکی این بچهها تنگ میشه🫂🧡
۱۵ تا ۲۵ فروردین ۱۴۰۲🌻🌱
February 20, 2018
The Blythes are living in Four Winds and life is going great. They've befriended the local pastor and his family-- The Merediths. The Meredith family is very endearing. They have lost their mother and their father always seems so distracted (which really got on my nerves). They do the best they can with a useless Aunt Martha who makes disgusting food the children call ditto and many hijinks ensue. These poor little kids just warmed my heart right up with their preconcievened notions and how badly they wanted to protect their dad from the town gossip that went on behind his back. My favorite part was when Faith went into Norman Douglas' house and made her demands, and also the rooster Adam.
I missed the Blythes in this book, particularly Anne. It seemed like the focus has shifted and while it was endearing, it was also slow moving and lacked the spark that Anne Shirley always managed to bring.
I missed the Blythes in this book, particularly Anne. It seemed like the focus has shifted and while it was endearing, it was also slow moving and lacked the spark that Anne Shirley always managed to bring.
October 18, 2024
با قلبی شکسته میگم: از لحاظ فنی فقط اسم کتاب آنی شرلی بود و آنه دیگه شخصیت اصلی نیست اما راستش از این ماجراها هم بدم نیومد و با اینکه بعد از خوندن جلد یک فکرشم نمیکردم دوباره بتونم به یکی از کتابای این مجموعه بخندم اشتباه میکردم برای مثال کافی بود این نورمن داگلاس دهن باز کنه تا من خندهام بگیره و نیشم باز شه.
به نظرم هر کدوم از بچهها یه شخصیت جالب و مجزا داشت اما انقدر زیاد بودن که نمیشد به همشون به یه اندازه پرداخت و خیلیاشون اون وسط کمرنگ شدن. اینم بگم که هر چقدر فکر کردم وقتی بچه بودم شبیه به کدومشون بودم نتیجهای نگرفتم شاید بیشتر از بچهها به آقای مردیت شباهت داشتم:)
چهار ستاره چون حتی نمیتونم ادعا کنم که موقع خوندن لذتی نبردم فقط ای کاش اینطوری به پایان نمیرسید، آخه تا کی جنگ؟
به نظرم هر کدوم از بچهها یه شخصیت جالب و مجزا داشت اما انقدر زیاد بودن که نمیشد به همشون به یه اندازه پرداخت و خیلیاشون اون وسط کمرنگ شدن. اینم بگم که هر چقدر فکر کردم وقتی بچه بودم شبیه به کدومشون بودم نتیجهای نگرفتم شاید بیشتر از بچهها به آقای مردیت شباهت داشتم:)
چهار ستاره چون حتی نمیتونم ادعا کنم که موقع خوندن لذتی نبردم فقط ای کاش اینطوری به پایان نمیرسید، آخه تا کی جنگ؟
February 4, 2020
Albeit that I have most definitely always enjoyed reading about both the Meredith children and Anne and Gilbert Blythe's offspring encountering both fun and sometimes even adventure in L.M. Montgomery's Rainbow Valley (and also do find Mary Vance not only entertaining but also very much a breath of reality, of the sorry fact that neglected and abused children existed even in L.M. Montgomery's for the most part oh so positive and delightful Anne of Green Gables universe), indeed Rainbow Valley has also never been amongst my personal favourites of the series.
For one, and I guess first and foremost, while reading about Anne's children (and the Meredith kids) has been entertaining and engaging to a point, there also is simply and utterly too little Anne Shirley/Blythe (at least in an active enough role) present in Rainbow Valley and once again too much of that for and to me just simply and utterly frustratingly annoying and full of herself Susan Baker. And yes indeed, even Cornelia Bryan seems as a married woman (as Mrs. Marshall Elliot) to in Rainbow Valley rather fade into the shadows and become less and less of an active and community oriented individual (for in my opinion, if the issues with the new pastor, if the problems of the Manse children, of Jerry, Faith, Carl and Una not being properly parented and often not even getting enough to eat had happened in say Anne's House of Dreams both Anne and Cornelia would have absolutely been much much more involved and actively so, and they also and certainly would not have cared all that much about possibly offending either the absent minded Mr. Meredith even if he is a minister or the rather annoying and full of herself aunt).
And for two, while in Rainbow Valley both Anne and Gilbert's six children and the four Meredith siblings generally play the active parts (and of course also Mary Vance), I cannot help but notice that just like with Dora Keith in especially Anne of Avonlea, similarly quiet and introverted Una Meredith is often (at least to and for me) more than a bit ignored whilst the lion's share of L.M. Montgomery's attention seems to focus on her more outgoing and tomboyish sister Faith (and really, with ALL of the children, both Blythe and Meredith, Una does often simply just appear as rather pale and lifeless and not nearly as nuanced and intricately depicted and described, not as much so as Dora Keith in Anne of Avonlea but still enough for me to have noticed this and been a bit annoyed at this, although I do appreciate that L.M. Montgomery has Una being the one to go to Rosemary West and ask for her to marry her father, as that takes a lot of courage, especially considering that she had been told by Mary Vance that stepmothers generally are neglectful if not abusive to their stepchildren).
A high three (actually three and a half) stars for Rainbow Valley and yes, while an enjoyable Anne of Green Gables series tale, too little Anne Blythe (Shirley) and Cornelia Bryan (Elliot), much too much Susan Baker and especially that little Una Meredith often does to and for my eyes and feelings seem to have been portrayed (and ignored) by L.M. Montgomery in a similarly lacking and one-sided fashion as Davy Keith's sister Dora, this all does rather make me not enjoy Rainbow Valley quite as much as I have always enjoyed and reread my favourite Anne of Green Gables novels.
For one, and I guess first and foremost, while reading about Anne's children (and the Meredith kids) has been entertaining and engaging to a point, there also is simply and utterly too little Anne Shirley/Blythe (at least in an active enough role) present in Rainbow Valley and once again too much of that for and to me just simply and utterly frustratingly annoying and full of herself Susan Baker. And yes indeed, even Cornelia Bryan seems as a married woman (as Mrs. Marshall Elliot) to in Rainbow Valley rather fade into the shadows and become less and less of an active and community oriented individual (for in my opinion, if the issues with the new pastor, if the problems of the Manse children, of Jerry, Faith, Carl and Una not being properly parented and often not even getting enough to eat had happened in say Anne's House of Dreams both Anne and Cornelia would have absolutely been much much more involved and actively so, and they also and certainly would not have cared all that much about possibly offending either the absent minded Mr. Meredith even if he is a minister or the rather annoying and full of herself aunt).
And for two, while in Rainbow Valley both Anne and Gilbert's six children and the four Meredith siblings generally play the active parts (and of course also Mary Vance), I cannot help but notice that just like with Dora Keith in especially Anne of Avonlea, similarly quiet and introverted Una Meredith is often (at least to and for me) more than a bit ignored whilst the lion's share of L.M. Montgomery's attention seems to focus on her more outgoing and tomboyish sister Faith (and really, with ALL of the children, both Blythe and Meredith, Una does often simply just appear as rather pale and lifeless and not nearly as nuanced and intricately depicted and described, not as much so as Dora Keith in Anne of Avonlea but still enough for me to have noticed this and been a bit annoyed at this, although I do appreciate that L.M. Montgomery has Una being the one to go to Rosemary West and ask for her to marry her father, as that takes a lot of courage, especially considering that she had been told by Mary Vance that stepmothers generally are neglectful if not abusive to their stepchildren).
A high three (actually three and a half) stars for Rainbow Valley and yes, while an enjoyable Anne of Green Gables series tale, too little Anne Blythe (Shirley) and Cornelia Bryan (Elliot), much too much Susan Baker and especially that little Una Meredith often does to and for my eyes and feelings seem to have been portrayed (and ignored) by L.M. Montgomery in a similarly lacking and one-sided fashion as Davy Keith's sister Dora, this all does rather make me not enjoy Rainbow Valley quite as much as I have always enjoyed and reread my favourite Anne of Green Gables novels.
September 3, 2023
داستان این جلد،بیشتر حول محور بچه های کشیش جدید گلن سنت مری هست💘🥺🤌
پ.ن:دلم میخواد سر به تن "مری ونس" و "الن وست" نباشه😒
پ.ن:دلم میخواد سر به تن "مری ونس" و "الن وست" نباشه😒
November 3, 2024
the fact that i cried FIVE times reading the last quarter of this book(it isn’t a sad book as such)- and i didn’t cry ONCE reading a little life confuses me a little 🙃
in my defense, i think sweet, life-centered stories with genuine human struggles stir my emotions more than stuff that’s straight up dark or designed to inflict pain on purpose
the part in rainbow valley that really got me was about the family living near anne and gilbert’s home—mr. meredith who’s a widowed man and loves his four children dearly, and they love him back just as much. they’re lovely people, but since the kids are at a mischievous age, they often get into little, innocent troubles, and the town blames their dad for not raising them properly because they have no mother figure
their story revolves around people telling mr. meredith to be strict with his children, but he can’t bring himself to do it because he sees his wife in their eyes ugh. and omg then, the kids form a club to “punish” themselves whenever they do something naughty so that people can’t say anything about their dad. it’s just so heart-wrenching, especially considering they’re such kind, sweet, gentle children and reading about their innermost thoughts and that childlike wonder was just so gut-wrenching. their struggles feel so real, almost inevitable but not hopeless
i don’t want to spoil anything, but the ending is the sweetest ever. i love l.m. montgomery for portraying life in a way that—despite all the struggles, challenges, and sad moments—there’s always, always, always hope💗
in my defense, i think sweet, life-centered stories with genuine human struggles stir my emotions more than stuff that’s straight up dark or designed to inflict pain on purpose
the part in rainbow valley that really got me was about the family living near anne and gilbert’s home—mr. meredith who’s a widowed man and loves his four children dearly, and they love him back just as much. they’re lovely people, but since the kids are at a mischievous age, they often get into little, innocent troubles, and the town blames their dad for not raising them properly because they have no mother figure
their story revolves around people telling mr. meredith to be strict with his children, but he can’t bring himself to do it because he sees his wife in their eyes ugh. and omg then, the kids form a club to “punish” themselves whenever they do something naughty so that people can’t say anything about their dad. it’s just so heart-wrenching, especially considering they’re such kind, sweet, gentle children and reading about their innermost thoughts and that childlike wonder was just so gut-wrenching. their struggles feel so real, almost inevitable but not hopeless
i don’t want to spoil anything, but the ending is the sweetest ever. i love l.m. montgomery for portraying life in a way that—despite all the struggles, challenges, and sad moments—there’s always, always, always hope💗
February 6, 2018
~4.5 stars~
Ok I'm going to be honest, this wasn't my favorite Anne of Green Gables book...it was cute with all of the kids and it was interesting to learn more about the Blythe children, but the majority of the time this was about their neighbors, the Merediths. I'm not saying it was terrible, because it wasn't...it just wasn't as good as some of the others in my opinion...please don't get mad at me for those who LOVED this one hehe xD
Ok I'm going to be honest, this wasn't my favorite Anne of Green Gables book...it was cute with all of the kids and it was interesting to learn more about the Blythe children, but the majority of the time this was about their neighbors, the Merediths. I'm not saying it was terrible, because it wasn't...it just wasn't as good as some of the others in my opinion...please don't get mad at me for those who LOVED this one hehe xD
June 11, 2021
اصلا دلم نمیخواد جلد بعدیو بخونم🥲هم جلد آخره هم میدونم قراره کلی گریه کنم باهاش🥲💔
May 21, 2018
Full (mini) review now posted!
If the previous book was more about Anne’s children than the woman herself, this installment was more about the children’s new neighbors than the children themselves. A new minister has come to town, and he’s an absentminded widower with four children. These are good kids, but they’re basically raising themselves and they more than a little wild. They get into all kinds of messes and scrapes, and were a pleasure to read about. As with all of the Anne books so far, everything ends up working out just fine. This installment actually felt more like a children's book than the three or so books before it. While I would’ve loved more Anne in this story, they new little cast of characters Montgomery created were delightful, especially paired with appearances from characters I’ve grown to love as the series progresses. I can see why some Anne purists wouldn’t love this one, but it still worked for me!
If the previous book was more about Anne’s children than the woman herself, this installment was more about the children’s new neighbors than the children themselves. A new minister has come to town, and he’s an absentminded widower with four children. These are good kids, but they’re basically raising themselves and they more than a little wild. They get into all kinds of messes and scrapes, and were a pleasure to read about. As with all of the Anne books so far, everything ends up working out just fine. This installment actually felt more like a children's book than the three or so books before it. While I would’ve loved more Anne in this story, they new little cast of characters Montgomery created were delightful, especially paired with appearances from characters I’ve grown to love as the series progresses. I can see why some Anne purists wouldn’t love this one, but it still worked for me!
August 3, 2020
I get the distinct impression the author didn't really want to write another Anne book but her publisher talked her into setting this one in the 'Anne' world so it would sell more copies. Anne and her family are really only secondary characters in this book (barely even that, to be honest) as the focus shifts to the Meredith family who have just moved into town.
Fortunately, I found the new cast engaging and entertaining. Once I'd got my head around the shift in focus, I really enjoyed this one. The shenanigans of the Meredith children were often funny and sometimes sweet... even a little disturbing at times, particularly towards the end of the book.
Speaking of the end of the book, the final chapter takes a turn for the dark, as the author addresses the approaching First World War and hints darkly at the possible fates of some of her cast. It was quite moving but very much tonally inconsistent with the rest of the novel.
Fortunately, I found the new cast engaging and entertaining. Once I'd got my head around the shift in focus, I really enjoyed this one. The shenanigans of the Meredith children were often funny and sometimes sweet... even a little disturbing at times, particularly towards the end of the book.
Speaking of the end of the book, the final chapter takes a turn for the dark, as the author addresses the approaching First World War and hints darkly at the possible fates of some of her cast. It was quite moving but very much tonally inconsistent with the rest of the novel.
August 28, 2022
این جلد بیشتر از آنی شرلی برام یادآور قصههای جزیره بود. جای یک شخصیت، با چند شخصیت پررنگ طرفیم. نقش آدم بزرگها زیاد نیست و ماجراها کوتاه و شیرینن.
بود و نبود آنه (و حتی خانوادهش) فرقی نمیکرد ولی از این جلد خوشم اومد.
فکر میکنم جوریه که نیازی نیست خوانندهٔ مجموعه دنبالش کنه. از اونطرف، کسی هم که جلدهای قبلی رو نخونده، میتونه بیاد سراغش.
بود و نبود آنه (و حتی خانوادهش) فرقی نمیکرد ولی از این جلد خوشم اومد.
فکر میکنم جوریه که نیازی نیست خوانندهٔ مجموعه دنبالش کنه. از اونطرف، کسی هم که جلدهای قبلی رو نخونده، میتونه بیاد سراغش.
May 18, 2017
I'm so happy I finally read Rainbow Valley! I read the previous books in the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series by L.M. Montgomery a few years ago now ... but just never got around to book seven. Now I have! *grins* And it was fun! I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy of Rilla of Ingleside!
It was wonderful to be back in this classic world, filled with wonderful characters. The bits we saw of Anne, I, of course, loved! I had missed her! She is as passionate, whimsical, sweet, and delightful as ever. And, I do admit, it thrilled my heart when someone said, "Anne Blythe!" Oh, brings back the memories of when she once despised the boy, Gilbert Blythe, while he did all he could to get her attention! <3333 I love their darling romance!
Gilbert and Anne's children were lovely! ^_^ Jem, Dianna, Nan, Walter, Rilla ... who am I forgetting? Don't they have six children? It was a little hard to keep track, as we were seeing a whole lot of the Pastor Meredith's children as well: Jerry, Faith, Carl, Una ... And of course, the boisterous orphan girl, Mary. I felt all the children were pretty unique with their personalities, and their adventures were fun and humorous. Endearing and even heart-wrenching.
Mr. Meredith and Rosemary's romance ... enchanting. One of my favorite parts of Rainbow Valley. I was very much angry with Ellen, but it all turned out so sweet. And when Ellen cried a little at the end ... "I hope we will all be happy." That was lovely.
Now Susan, I could hardly stand! And even Miss Cornelia. There was something so arrogant and pompous about them. Always talking about other people and acting as if they're so much better! -_- I didn't appreciate their judgmental attitude, or wishy-washy-ness. Hopefully they'll get better in the next book.
Rainbow Valley was a pretty slow-paced read, but that's generally how the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series is. And when I'm in the mood for a classic, I quite enjoy peeking into Anne's life! ^_^ Wish we could have seen more of her! And Gilbert!
My biggest complaint? While I feel there are some poignant (though subtle) faith themes running through Rainbow Valley, the characters do have a rather careless attitude when it comes to loving your enemies/turning the other cheek/forgiving wrongs/treating others as better than yourself. I just felt there was more than one time where the adults could have spoke of patience, forgiveness, and kindness to the upset children, instead of applauding their anger and even slight disrespect.
Anyway, overall Rainbow Valley was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to returning to these characters.
It was wonderful to be back in this classic world, filled with wonderful characters. The bits we saw of Anne, I, of course, loved! I had missed her! She is as passionate, whimsical, sweet, and delightful as ever. And, I do admit, it thrilled my heart when someone said, "Anne Blythe!" Oh, brings back the memories of when she once despised the boy, Gilbert Blythe, while he did all he could to get her attention! <3333 I love their darling romance!
Gilbert and Anne's children were lovely! ^_^ Jem, Dianna, Nan, Walter, Rilla ... who am I forgetting? Don't they have six children? It was a little hard to keep track, as we were seeing a whole lot of the Pastor Meredith's children as well: Jerry, Faith, Carl, Una ... And of course, the boisterous orphan girl, Mary. I felt all the children were pretty unique with their personalities, and their adventures were fun and humorous. Endearing and even heart-wrenching.
Mr. Meredith and Rosemary's romance ... enchanting. One of my favorite parts of Rainbow Valley. I was very much angry with Ellen, but it all turned out so sweet. And when Ellen cried a little at the end ... "I hope we will all be happy." That was lovely.
Now Susan, I could hardly stand! And even Miss Cornelia. There was something so arrogant and pompous about them. Always talking about other people and acting as if they're so much better! -_- I didn't appreciate their judgmental attitude, or wishy-washy-ness. Hopefully they'll get better in the next book.
Rainbow Valley was a pretty slow-paced read, but that's generally how the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series is. And when I'm in the mood for a classic, I quite enjoy peeking into Anne's life! ^_^ Wish we could have seen more of her! And Gilbert!
My biggest complaint? While I feel there are some poignant (though subtle) faith themes running through Rainbow Valley, the characters do have a rather careless attitude when it comes to loving your enemies/turning the other cheek/forgiving wrongs/treating others as better than yourself. I just felt there was more than one time where the adults could have spoke of patience, forgiveness, and kindness to the upset children, instead of applauding their anger and even slight disrespect.
Anyway, overall Rainbow Valley was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to returning to these characters.
September 21, 2023
فصل آخر و کلا نشونههایی که نویسنده برای خواننده این جلد گذاشته… قلبم درد گرفته… از اتفاقاتی که جلد بعدی میوفته نگرانم، احساسم درد میکنه! میدونم چی میشه ولی صدبارم بخونم هیچی از دوز دردش کم نمیشه :)))))
September 16, 2024
In the last book the focus shifted from Anne to her children and in this one there is a further departure as the story moves from the Blythe household to the Meredith household. The narrative centers around the Meredith children who meet the Blythe children at Rainbow Valley becoming fast friends.
“We miss so much out of life if we do not love. The more we love the richer life is.”
Rainbow 🌈 Valley is the picturesque place that Anne’s children play. It is an area where they can be independent of adults and perfect for a day of fishing, games, and stories.
“Walter’s eyes were very wonderful. All the joy and sorrow and laughter and loyalty and aspirations of many generations lying under the sod looked out of their dark grey depths.”
The Meredith family is new to town the father is a widowed minister. He is portrayed as being absentminded and preoccupied with reading and researching to the point that he’s neglectful towards his children. It is clear that he loves them with a tremendous heart, but he is struggling to find his way. Of course, the townspeople believe a wife is the answer. I know that most people would see this as a set up for romance and it is, but something else caught me while reading. LMM was showing what depression can look like in a book written over 100 years ago. The more I considered this the more I realized what a grasp she had on human nature. And that people do not choose their mental struggles. Her portrayal of this minister struck me because when her lovely writing turns toward something troubling it becomes as poignant as it is vibrant in the lighter moments.
“It is never quite safe to think we have done with life. When we imagine we have finished our story fate has a trick of turning the page and showing us yet another chapter.”
The Meredith children get into some scrapes. They have some discussions about how to best raise themselves so they don’t mar their father’s reputation because they are aware that no one is providing parental guidance or discipline. These scenes make for curious dialogues and caught my attention as LMM writes children spot on. Their situation is unfortunate, but children are resilient and these are looking for solutions with all their hearts. It’s endearing, sad and the cheeky moments help to balance the heavy with humor.
“Being frightened of things is worse than the things themselves.”
There is eerie foreshadowing in both this book and the former producing a feeling of unease about reading the last. LMM’s poignant prose casting these shadows rang true and provided the story with more somber undertones. I listened to the audiobook, but I looked up multiple passages to reread because I wanted to mull them over. There’s quite a bit to mine through in the depths of this one.
“The Piper is coming nearer, he said, “he is nearer than he was that evening I saw him before. His long, shadowy cloak is blowing around him. He pipes - he pipes - and we must follow Jem and Carl and Jerry and I round and round the world. Listen - listen can’t you hear his wild music?”
Although not a stand out in the series, I enjoyed this one and found it thought provoking. Upon completing a Montgomery novel I often declare that I should read her entire backlog, her writing just that stunning. 😍
“We miss so much out of life if we do not love. The more we love the richer life is.”
Rainbow 🌈 Valley is the picturesque place that Anne’s children play. It is an area where they can be independent of adults and perfect for a day of fishing, games, and stories.
“Walter’s eyes were very wonderful. All the joy and sorrow and laughter and loyalty and aspirations of many generations lying under the sod looked out of their dark grey depths.”
The Meredith family is new to town the father is a widowed minister. He is portrayed as being absentminded and preoccupied with reading and researching to the point that he’s neglectful towards his children. It is clear that he loves them with a tremendous heart, but he is struggling to find his way. Of course, the townspeople believe a wife is the answer. I know that most people would see this as a set up for romance and it is, but something else caught me while reading. LMM was showing what depression can look like in a book written over 100 years ago. The more I considered this the more I realized what a grasp she had on human nature. And that people do not choose their mental struggles. Her portrayal of this minister struck me because when her lovely writing turns toward something troubling it becomes as poignant as it is vibrant in the lighter moments.
“It is never quite safe to think we have done with life. When we imagine we have finished our story fate has a trick of turning the page and showing us yet another chapter.”
The Meredith children get into some scrapes. They have some discussions about how to best raise themselves so they don’t mar their father’s reputation because they are aware that no one is providing parental guidance or discipline. These scenes make for curious dialogues and caught my attention as LMM writes children spot on. Their situation is unfortunate, but children are resilient and these are looking for solutions with all their hearts. It’s endearing, sad and the cheeky moments help to balance the heavy with humor.
“Being frightened of things is worse than the things themselves.”
There is eerie foreshadowing in both this book and the former producing a feeling of unease about reading the last. LMM’s poignant prose casting these shadows rang true and provided the story with more somber undertones. I listened to the audiobook, but I looked up multiple passages to reread because I wanted to mull them over. There’s quite a bit to mine through in the depths of this one.
“The Piper is coming nearer, he said, “he is nearer than he was that evening I saw him before. His long, shadowy cloak is blowing around him. He pipes - he pipes - and we must follow Jem and Carl and Jerry and I round and round the world. Listen - listen can’t you hear his wild music?”
Although not a stand out in the series, I enjoyed this one and found it thought provoking. Upon completing a Montgomery novel I often declare that I should read her entire backlog, her writing just that stunning. 😍
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