The Story

Brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, living on their farm called Green Gables, decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with the chores. Through a mix-up, the orphanage sends them Anne Shirley instead—a talkative, imaginative eleven-year-old girl with bright red hair. Marilla is ready to send her back, but shy, kind-hearted Matthew is already charmed. They decide to keep her.

The story follows Anne as she grows up in the small town of Avonlea. She turns her new world upside down with her dramatic flair and endless chatter. She makes a best friend, Diana Barry, and a rival, the handsome and clever Gilbert Blythe, who makes the fatal mistake of calling her 'Carrots.' She gets into all kinds of trouble: accidentally getting her friend drunk on currant wine, smashing a slate over Gilbert's head, and dyeing her hated red hair green in a disastrous beauty experiment. But through every mistake and triumph, Anne's big heart and vivid imagination slowly win over the entire community, especially her strict-but-loving guardian Marilla.

Why You Should Read It

I first read this book as a kid, and revisiting it as an adult was a revelation. Anne isn't just a cute character; she's a force of nature. Her imagination isn't an escape—it's how she survives and transforms her world. She names trees and flowers, turns simple tasks into grand dramas, and feels everything so deeply.

The real magic is how she changes the people around her. Matthew and Marilla, set in their quiet ways, learn to laugh and love again because of her. The book celebrates found family, the power of kindness, and the idea that being different is your greatest strength. It’s also incredibly funny. Anne's melodramatic speeches about her 'tragic' life (like having freckles or puffy sleeves) are pure comedy gold.

Most of all, it’s about belonging. Anne starts as an unwanted outsider and, by being unapologetically herself, creates a home and a life she loves. That journey never gets old.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for anyone who needs a dose of warmth and hope. It's for the dreamers, the people who felt like the 'weird' kid, and anyone who believes in the power of kindness and imagination. It's a fantastic comfort read—the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of tea. Parents should read it with their kids, friends should pass it to each other, and anyone who thinks classic books are stuffy should start right here. Anne of Green Gables isn't just a children's story; it's a guide to living a more joyful, colorful life.