As a kid I remember walking the one block down to our local library. My sister and I would spend hours every week browsing the shelves and picking up more 
items. One of my favorite items was Anne of Green Gables starring Megan Follows. Anne was so imaginative and fun. I wanted to be her or at least be her best friend. I watched the VHS all the time. I was so happy when I started working here that we have a copy on DVD, which I have checked out multiple times.
When I saw that there was going to be a “prequel” to the Anne novels, delving into the girlhood of Marilla Cuthbert, I was immediately interested. I needed to read this! I hope that if you love Anne as much as I do that you will enjoy this look into life at Green Gables.
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
First line: It’d been a rain-chilled May that felt more winter than spring.
Summary: Before Anne there was Marilla of Green Gables. Marilla is an intelligent and strong willed young woman. She is just starting to venture into adulthood and a budding relationship with the handsome, John Blythe. When her mother dies in childbirth Marilla is left as the matriarch of the Cuthbert home. Even with her new responsibilities, Marilla ventures forth into the world and sees that there is more than just Avonlea.
Highlights: I recently read the books for the first time and enjoyed following Anne through her imaginative life. McCoy’s book is a perfect companion to the original story. We get to know Marilla in a completely new way. She was young and was in love. I remember hearing Marilla talk about how John Blythe was her beau, which always made me wonder what happened. I am so happy that I was able to take a look into her past.
The writing was very well done. The author stayed true to the times and added little details to flesh out the Cuthbert’s lives on Prince Edward Island. I never realized how much Canada was involved in the Underground Railroad and the path to freedom for so many escaped slaves. As a narrative and a historical fiction book, this is a fantastic read!
Lowlights: It was so short! I could have read so much more in this world. Maybe it is time to revisit Anne and Gilbert?
FYI: Perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables!