Marilla of Green Gables

As a longtime fan of all the Anne books, I really enjoyed this. Brought Marilla to life. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm now going to investigate more of Sarah McCoy's books.

Thank you so much love the story of Marilla

As soon as I knew that this was going to be released, I pre-ordered it. I grew up reading my mum's copies of Anne of Green Gables and Little House On The Prairie, and these stories have stayed with me throughout the years. I have never gone past reading the later Anne books, as I watched the TV show after that, and it changed significantly from the books. One day, I will read them.There are quite a few prequels to the Little House On The Prairie books, from looking at Caroline's early life, and a later book about Caroline, taking you up to the point of the early books in the series. This reminded me of that, as I've always been fascinated by Marilla in the books, when she was so stern, and unforgiving in a sense., towards Anne. And of course, there was that intriguing hint about her and John Blythe, who was Gilbert's father.This book is quite good, because the first chapter is Marilla and Matthew agreeing that they need a boy to help out around the farm - the next book is then Marilla and Matthew as teenagers, and experiencing all the heartbreak that was hinted at in later books. I won't ruin any of it for anyone who doesn't know, or has not yet read this book, but there are some incredibly sad moments, and gives you an insight into why Marilla and Matthew grew up the way they were and why they stayed living together throughout the years.There are quite a few parallels with the Anne books, little things were obviously lifted from the Anne books, potentially unintentionally, as the author does state in the notes, that she studied the books. It was little things, that made me think of Anne in the same positions as Marilla was in her early years, and little things that she said. It was also good seeing a young Rachel, and how she could talk the hind leg off a donkey, even at such a young age.I really felt for Marilla throughout the book, and Matthew as well, and I felt that I understood them both, so much more, by reading this book. The author has breathed life into their younger selves, and they were really well written, while staying true to the characters that LM Montgomery gave life to.If you have read Little House On The Prairie, or Anne of Green Gables, and are looking to find out more about the particular characters, then i would highly recommend the LHOTP prequels, and this, for lovers of Marilla. You will fall in love with her that little bit more and your heart will break in two when hers does.

Beautiful, poignant, perfect

It’s a good book!

Wonderful book that gives a different perspective on Murilla. I enjoyed it very much.

Book arrived on time , in perfect condition, very well written and true to the Anne series. Loved it.

The first chapter occurs just before Matthew and Marilla receive a girl instead of a boy to help them. The rest of it is about Marilla’s formative years beginning when she is 13 and her mother Clara is pregnant. Clara’s twin sister comes to Green Gables to help. Unfortunately, Marilla’s mother dies during childbirth and young Marilla begins to hold her grief inside unable to cope by expressing it, slowly developing some of the characteristics seen later when Anne arrives. Because Marilla is needed at home, her education is delayed. John Blythe assists Marilla in keeping up with her subjects and although she likes being with him she feels conflicted. Rachel White (later Rachel Lynde) is an important friend to Marilla. Ultimately Marilla’s promise to her mother to help Matthew and her father conflicts with marrying John.The book reads as if written by LM Montgomery, with very similar style and language. Here is one example I liked: She’d (Marilla) not carried even one child and yet the years had been like a vinegar in her bones, pickling her day by day. This book was published 110 years after Anne of Green Gables and it is a very satisfying, lush story. I plan to read it multiple times to re-enjoy it!

I enjoyed Marilla of Green Gables. The author did a nice job of introducing characters that show up in LMMs books and creating a back story for them. With Matthew and Marilla she gave a believable tale of their early years continuing up until shortly before Anne joined them.