A Complete Summary of the Anne of Green Gables Series by L. M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables is a series by L. M. Montgomery that is a beloved collection of eight novels tracing the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan, from her childhood in Avonlea to her adult years as a mother. I thought it would be fun to write a short summary of each book in the series, capturing the key plot points and themes that have made Anne’s story a timeless classic. What a lovely journey down memory lane!

1. Anne of Green Gables (1908)

The first book in the series introduces readers to Anne Shirley, an imaginative, talkative, and spirited 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the small farming community of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Marilla and Matthew, a brother and sister pair, had intended to adopt a boy to help with farm work but end up with Anne instead. Despite her initial difficulties fitting in and a series of mishaps fueled by her overactive imagination, Anne gradually wins over the Cuthberts and the Avonlea community. She forms a close friendship with Diana Barry and develops a rivalry-turned-friendship with Gilbert Blythe, who teases her about her red hair. The book traces Anne’s growth from a lonely orphan to a beloved member of the Green Gables household, culminating in her decision to stay in Avonlea to support Marilla after Matthew’s sudden death.

2. Anne of Avonlea (1909)

Now a young woman of 16, Anne takes on the role of schoolteacher at the Avonlea school. As she navigates her new responsibilities, Anne also helps Marilla care for her mischievous, orphaned twin cousins, Davy and Dora. Anne’s warmhearted, imaginative nature leads to further comical and heartwarming adventures as she attempts to reform the rambunctious Davy and guide the more sensible Dora. Meanwhile, she continues to build her friendship with Gilbert Blythe, though their relationship remains platonic despite his clear romantic interest. Anne also becomes involved in the Avonlea Village Improvement Society and forms bonds with new characters, such as the eccentric yet lovable Miss Lavendar Lewis. The book highlights Anne’s transition from adolescence to early adulthood as she begins to see herself in a more mature and reflective light.

3. Anne of the Island (1915)

In this third installment, Anne leaves Avonlea to attend Redmond College in Kingsport, where she pursues her Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at college, Anne lives with friends Priscilla Grant, Philippa Gordon, and Stella Maynard in a quaint little house they name "Patty’s Place." The novel explores Anne’s experiences of academic life, personal growth, and the complexities of young adulthood. Anne receives multiple marriage proposals, including one from her childhood friend, Gilbert Blythe. Despite her lingering reluctance to see Gilbert as more than a friend, she begins to recognize her true feelings for him. Anne also faces personal losses, including the death of a beloved schoolmate, Ruby Gillis. As Anne matures, she learns to balance her romantic ideals with the realities of life and love.

4. Anne of Windy Poplars (1936)

Set during Anne’s three-year engagement to Gilbert, this novel is composed largely of letters Anne writes to Gilbert while working as the principal of Summerside High School. While living in a house called Windy Poplars with two elderly widows and their sharp-tongued housekeeper, Rebecca Dew, Anne faces new challenges as she attempts to win over the influential and snobbish Pringle family. In addition to her work at the school, Anne forms connections with several memorable characters, such as the lonely and imaginative Elizabeth Grayson. The novel showcases Anne’s continued growth into a capable, diplomatic, and empathetic young woman while maintaining her signature whimsical outlook on life.

5. Anne’s House of Dreams (1917)

Anne marries Gilbert Blythe, and the newlyweds settle into their first home, a charming house near Four Winds Harbor, which they lovingly name their "House of Dreams." In this novel, Anne experiences the joys and challenges of married life, forging friendships with neighbors such as Captain Jim, a kind-hearted lighthouse keeper, and Leslie Moore, a tragic yet resilient young woman trapped in a difficult marriage. Anne’s journey into motherhood is marked by both happiness and profound sorrow when she loses her first child, a stillborn daughter. Despite the heartbreak, Anne remains resilient, drawing strength from her close-knit community and her enduring bond with Gilbert. This installment delves into deeper, more adult themes, reflecting Anne’s transition into womanhood.

6. Anne of Ingleside (1939)

Set several years after Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne and Gilbert are now parents to a lively brood of six children. While the focus shifts somewhat from Anne to her children, the novel still explores Anne’s life as a mother and wife at Ingleside, the Blythe family home. Anne grapples with feelings of insecurity, fearing that Gilbert no longer loves her as he once did. Meanwhile, each of the Blythe children embarks on their own adventures and misadventures, highlighting their individual personalities and the dynamics within the Blythe household. The novel reflects themes of family life, love, and the small but significant trials of domestic life.

7. Rainbow Valley (1919)

Although Anne and Gilbert continue to play a role in the story, Rainbow Valley primarily follows the adventures of the Blythe children and their new friends, the Meredith children. Reverend John Meredith, a widower, struggles to raise his four spirited children on his own, resulting in a series of humorous and touching incidents. The children form a “Good Conduct Club” in an attempt to improve their behavior, but their efforts often lead to unintended consequences. Rainbow Valley is notable for its focus on childhood innocence, friendship, and the sense of community in the small village of Glen St. Mary.

8. Rilla of Ingleside (1921)

The final book in the series shifts the focus to Anne’s youngest daughter, Bertha Marilla “Rilla” Blythe, as she comes of age during World War I. At fourteen, Rilla is initially portrayed as a carefree, somewhat shallow girl who dreams of parties and dances. However, as the war intensifies, she matures rapidly, taking on new responsibilities, including caring for a war baby named Jims. Rilla’s brothers, Jem and Walter, enlist in the army, and the novel poignantly addresses the impact of the war on the Blythe family and the entire community. Rilla of Ingleside is widely considered one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant books in the series, providing a moving conclusion to the saga of Anne and her family.

Summary Table

 

FAQ'S

1. What is the correct reading order for the Anne of Green Gables series?

   The recommended reading order for the series is: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside. This order follows Anne Shirley’s life chronologically from her childhood to her role as a mother during World War I.

2. Which book in the series focuses on Anne’s married life?

   Anne’s House of Dreams (1917) primarily focuses on Anne’s early married life with Gilbert Blythe as they settle into their first home and begin building a family. Anne of Ingleside (1939) continues to explore Anne’s family life, now centered around her children and her role as a mother.

3. Is Rilla of Ingleside a standalone novel or part of the series?

   Rilla of Ingleside is the eighth and final book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It is a direct continuation of the story, focusing on Anne’s youngest daughter, Rilla Blythe, as she comes of age during World War I. It is best read after the previous seven books to fully understand the family dynamics and character development.

4. Are there any additional works related to the Anne of Green Gables series?

   Yes, in addition to the eight main novels, L. M. Montgomery wrote Chronicles of Avonlea and Further Chronicles of Avonlea, which are collections of short stories set in the same world as the main series. Before Green Gables, a prequel authorized by Montgomery’s heirs, was written by Budge Wilson and explores Anne’s early life before she arrives at Green Gables.

5. How does Anne of Windy Poplars fit into the series timeline?

   Anne of Windy Poplars is set between Anne of the Island and Anne’s House of Dreams. It covers the years when Anne serves as the principal of Summerside High School and faces challenges in a new community. Despite being the fourth book in the series, it was actually published much later in 1936, after several other books were already released.