Anne of Green Gables
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Anne of Green Gables, a children's book by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, was first published in 1908. Montgomery found her inspiration for the book in a newspaper article about a couple who were mistakenly sent an orphan girl instead of a boy yet decided to keep her. Montgomery also drew upon her own childhood experiences in rural Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Anne Shirley is a red-haired, freckled orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly bachelor, Matthew Cuthbert and his prim, spinster sister, Marilla, in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Her wild imagination, incessant talking and fiery temper ensure that she is the centre of a series of entertaining adventures. As she matures, nurtured by the love and discipline of Marilla and Matthew, she develops into an intelligent and independent young woman who harnesses her imagination constructively. Other important characters include her best friend, Diana Barry, classmate rival and eventually love interest, Gilbert Blythe, and town gossip, Rachael Lynde.
Many tourist attractions on Prince Edward Island have been developed based on Anne. Anne's house, Green Gables, was created in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, from detailed descriptions in the book.
The popularity of Anne has extended into many countries and Anne of Green Gables has been translated into seventeen languages. Tourism from Anne fans is an extremely important part of the Island economy. |
