Favorite Fictional Character is a meme run by the fabulous Ryan of Wordsmithonia.
Everybody knows about the much-beloved Anne of Green Gables, but not as many are acquainted with one of L.M. Montgomery's other heroines, Emily Starr. (Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, Emily's Quest)Emily has some things in common with Anne - they're both orphans with vivid imaginations and writerly aspirations. The setting and time period of the Emily books are the same - turn of the century Prince Edward Island, just an enchanting literary place to visit.
Emily, however, is the quieter and more serious of the two. Where Anne is lively and vivacious, Emily is otherworldly and intensely dedicated to following her creative visions, which she calls "the flash." Montgomery portrays Emily as an ethereal soul, wise beyond her years.
Newly orphaned Emily comes to New Moon as a ward of her spinster relatives, stern Aunt Elizabeth and kind Aunt Laura. If you're thinking that the dynamics of this household mirror that of Marilla Cuthbert and Matthew Cuthbert - then you would be right. Good cop/bad cop. But hey, it's a formula that works! Only Aunt Elizabeth is really quite the bear, more so than Marilla ever was. Emily gets into trouble, not as much as Anne ever did (no one ever got into the scrapes Anne got into but Anne) - for having too much imagination, for her writing, for being stubborn and outspoken.
Along the way, Emily befriends the handsome Teddy, wild-child Ilse, and irascible Perry. They all have strong, colorful personalities, especially Ilse and Perry; watching them grow up and develop throughout three installments is as delightful as any of the Anne books.
Anne of Green Gables is a favorite, but there's a special place in my heart for the winsome Emily of New Moon.
I used to love the Anne of Green Gables books but for some reason I never read Montgomery's other books. That was probably before I realized that if I liked a particular author's books I should try others by them as well. Anyhow, I definitely intend to correct this lapse now that you've reminded me about this book. I'll have to see if my local bookstore carries it.
ReplyDeleteYou know I never read these books... I thought about getting them now and trying them out!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read these books either. Of course I love Anne, but I really need to read these. Love the sound of Emily!
ReplyDeleteI truly loved Anne when I was a girl, and it sounds like I would've liked Emily even more. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is a formula that works!!! I loved Marilla and Matthew. Both were instrumental in Anne's development.
ReplyDeleteSad to say, but I didn't know about quiet Emily, so thanks for this character feature. I'm glad that she got her day in the spotlight.
Simcha - She's also written some short story anthologies which I enjoyed. Check those out too!
ReplyDeleteAshley - Maybe your girls will like them when they're older.
Melissa (Books and Things) - If you love Anne, you'll adore Emily as well.
Steph - Emily's quieter and more mysterious than Anne.
Missie - I know! I love the different characters in Anne's world, even the gossipy Rachel Lynde! And Matthew is the dearest character. I have a soft spot for him.
I haven't read any of the books, ashamedly because I just assumed they were girl books (I was a kid at the time). I may have to take a look now though. It's great to see a new character that I'm not familiar with.
ReplyDeleteI never read Anne as a kid but I finally fell in love with her over the past few years. I will definitely have to check out Emily.
ReplyDeleteI loved Anne so I am sure I would have loved Emily as a child. I may have to read all about her as an adult. It might be a refreshing break from my usual genres.
ReplyDeleteRyan - You can be forgiven for overlooking "girl" books :)
ReplyDeleteJess - It's never too late to fall in love with timeless characters.
Beth - I'm enchanted with children's books even now and delve into the genre to mix up my reading once in awhile.
I love Anne, why don't I know about Emily?!
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