Anne of Green Gables (version 4)

Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908, is the best-known work of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who lived from 1874 to 1942. The classic children’s novel tells the story of a red-headed orphan girl with a personality that is hard to resist. Despite her “tragical” past, Anne’s optimism and imagination lead her to see the best in everything. Her life changes considerably when she is accidentally adopted by the Cuthberts, a brother and sister who had asked for a boy to help on their farm.

The novel follows Anne through her first years at Green Gables. She makes friends, rivals and a few enemies, wins prizes and loses her temper, and slowly becomes part of the family and the village. Montgomery combines humour with real feeling, and her descriptions of the island landscape, from blossoming orchards to winter roads, have drawn readers for over a century.

The book was a great success on publication and has remained in print ever since. It inspired several sequels, among them Anne of Avonlea, and has been adapted many times for stage and screen. It is often seen as a story for young people, but its warmth and humour are enjoyed by adults just as much.

This recording is one of several LibriVox versions of the novel, the one labelled version 4. It is divided into 38 chapters and lasts roughly eleven hours, and it is read by one volunteer from beginning to end, giving the story a consistent voice. It is an excellent choice for family listening, for long journeys and for anyone in need of comfort.