Emily of New Moon is the first in a series of novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery about a Canadian orphan girl growing up on Prince Edward Island. Montgomery is also the author of Anne of Green Gables series. It was first published in 1923. Similar to her earlier and more well-known Anne of Green Gables series, the Emily novels depicted life through the eyes of a young orphan girl, Emily Byrd Starr, who is raised by her relatives after her father dies of tuberculosis. Montgomery considered Emily to be a character much ...
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Emily of New Moon is the first in a series of novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery about a Canadian orphan girl growing up on Prince Edward Island. Montgomery is also the author of Anne of Green Gables series. It was first published in 1923. Similar to her earlier and more well-known Anne of Green Gables series, the Emily novels depicted life through the eyes of a young orphan girl, Emily Byrd Starr, who is raised by her relatives after her father dies of tuberculosis. Montgomery considered Emily to be a character much closer to her own personality than Anne, and some of the events which occur in the Emily series happened to Montgomery herself. Emily is described as having black hair, purply violet eyes, elfin ears, pale skin, and a unique and enchanting "slow" smile. Emily Starr is sent to live at New Moon Farm on Prince Edward Island with her aunts Elizabeth and Laura Murray and her Cousin Jimmy. She makes friends with Ilse Burnley, Teddy Kent, and Perry Miller, the hired boy, whom Aunt Elizabeth looks down upon because he was born in 'Stovepipe Town', a poorer district. Each of the children has a special gift. Emily was born to be a writer, Teddy is a gifted artist, Ilse is a talented elocutionist, and Perry has the makings of a great politician. They also each have a few problems with their families. Emily has a hard time getting along with Aunt Elizabeth, who does not understand her need to write. Ilse's father, Dr. Burnley, ignores Ilse most of the time because of a dreadful secret concerning Ilse's mother. Teddy's mother is jealous of her son's talents and friends, fearing that his love for them will eclipse his love for her; as a result, she hates Emily, Teddy's drawings, and even his pets. Perry is not as well off as the other three, so his Aunt Tom once tries to make Emily promise to marry Perry when they grow up, threatening that unless Emily does so, she will not pay for Perry's schooling. Other characters include Dean "Jarback" Priest, a quiet, mysterious cynic who wants something he fears is ever unattainable; fiery Mr Carpenter, the crusty old schoolteacher who is Emily's mentor and honest critic when it comes to evaluating her stories and poems; "simple" Cousin Jimmy, who recites his poetry when the spirit moves him; Aunt Laura, who is the kind aunt; and strict, suspicious Aunt Elizabeth who yet proves to be an unexpected ally in times of trouble. (wikipedia.org)
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This is one of a set of three books written by Lucy Maud Montgomery before she wrote the Anne of Green Gables set. It is not as well-written as the later novels but undoubtedly comes from the same author with a moderate similarity in plots. However this volume published by Nimbus Publishing has a number of pages in the wrong order which is very annoying when reading it, as you then have to try to find out what is happening . It could be corrected but only by cutting out about 4 or 5 pages and gluing them back in the correct order -- a tedious task which would spoil the look of the book drastically. This is why it got only three stars as the quality control in the publishing firm should have rejected the book as an item for sale to the public.
Tarissa
Apr 28, 2010
One of Montgomery's BEST!
"I think I shall be a great poetess or a distinguished novelist."
That is Emily Starr talking, the young blossoming writer, that will touch your heart, with her creative and interesting, ways and ideas.
Within just the first chapter of the book, you'll already be intrigued by Emily's charm, and her topsy-turvy imagination. All through the story, Emily meets new people and friends. Some will help her on her way to becoming a writer, "a painter that uses words". Others will shoot her dreams down, as if they were nothing but mere dust. Just watch her take on all the distressing incidents that she overcomes with an intellect beyond her years.
She's always on a new enchanting romp, that'll keep you guessing. From giving up her beloved cat, to clashing with Miss Brownell (her unjust schoolteacher), to unraveling an age-old puzzle with her whimsical mind, you'll stay right by Emily's side the whole time.
Here's a small excerpt that I especially enjoyed:
"But there is a destiny which shapes the ends of young misses who are born with the itch for writing tingling in their baby fingertips, and in the fullness of time this destiny gave to Emily the desire of her heart---gave it to her, too, on the very day when she most needed it."
Personally, I have to state that this book is very inspirational for anyone endeavoring a priceless dream. I have read the entire set of the "Anne of Green Gables" books (that are written by the same author), but in my opinion, "Emily of New Moon" is much more enthralling! It is at the top of my list of my favorite books.
elfoxx
Apr 19, 2009
Emily of New Moon
I thought I had read all of LM.M.'s books until ran accross this one while looking for another book. Of course I had to order it right away. I was not dissapointed either. This book is a little different from some of her other books, but thoroughly enjoyable, as aways.
PeachTea
Mar 14, 2009
As Anne
Not since Anne have I met a heroine I so thoroughly enjoyed. L.M. Montgomery's style is used beautifully here, and Emily is delightfully portrayed. She is certainly flawed, but her flaws are portrayed honestly, which makes all the difference. Lovely read.
BugEyeMidnight
Dec 3, 2007
great
I like the Emily books. I read them when I was younger and I?ve just recently re-read them. I still find this first installment enjoyable.
I think every little girl should read about Emily of New Moon, who is charming despite her flaws (possibly because she is learning and growing). L. M. Montgomery has a talent for remembering and recreating the emotions of youth honestly - almost to an uncomfortable degree, but also very delightfully.
