Welcome to all you guys visiting after hearing the NPR story about Anne of Green Gables. Recent posts of at least semi-substance include one about Shirley Jackson’s domestic writing in honor of another hundredth anniversary and some thoughts related to class in YA and middle grade fiction. And, of course, there’s the post about one of the dogs investigating a turtle, because this is a blog and thus cute animal pictures are a requirement. 
You’ll also find some book recommendations over in the sidebar to the right, but I thought I’d make one specifically related to Anne. Laura Amy Schlitz is a children’s literature superstar now, after winning the Newbery, but I still don’t hear enough people talking about her first bookchildren’s novel, which came out in 2006. A Drowned Maiden’s Hair: A Melodrama
is a mash-up of many things, and Anne is among them.
The story finds Maud*, a resident at the Barbary Asylum for Female Orphans, having the misfortune of being adopted by spiritualists who want to use her in their cons. Maud is a character very much in conversation with Anne Shirley, and I think the opening paragraph will be enough to convince you:
On the morning of the best day of her life, Maud Flynn was locked in the outhouse, singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
*L.M. Montgomery reference, maybe? I prefer to think so, even if it isn’t.
Really enjoyed the NPR piece on Anne of Green Gables. Gwenda’s love for the book and its author came through clearly, and the recitation of Montomery’s prose made me a bit teary-eyed. I’ve seen the landscape on Prince Edward Island and it’s as beautiful as one can imagine.
Thank you for bringing attention to the wonderful Anne of Green Gables series. I heard your NPR interview on my way to work this morning. And where do I work? I am a children’s librarian in a public library. Guess what book my first patron checked out? Anne of Green Gables of course! She too was listening to the program. My dream is someday visit Prince Edward Island.
I too greatly enjoyed the NPR piece and did a post about it to draw people’s attention to it. Made me want to revisit the books! But on another note, I believe Laura’s first children’s book (as she actually did do an adult one years ago under a pen name — I have it:) is THE HERO SCHLIEMANN.
Thanks, Alan.
Wow, Michelle — that makes my day.
And, Monica, thanks for the tip. I’ve corrected accordingly. A bit of googling turns up the pseudonym Chloe Cheshire and the title Gypsy at Almack’s. I’ll hunt it down!
Gwenda, very cool! I can’t wait to listen to the interview.
Very nice piece on NPR! I haven’t read Anne of Green Gables since I was a kid and tried to convince my parents that Prince Edward’s Island would make a fine place to vacation.
You’re a natural for radio, dear Gwenda – so great to hear this segment on one of my all time favorites.
Hey,
have you seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbx3qnKKC0Q
Great segment on NPR. Personally I don’t think the “Anne” books or L.M. Montgomery’s other books get enough attention. I’m a fan…can you tell 🙂
I loved hearing about the Anne of Green Gables series–it’s an old favorite. My only regret is my mother didn’t name me “Anne with an E”!