For Older Children and Adults Who Are Old Enough

Lucy Maude Montgomery's books are usually found in the children's section and children can and do gain immense pleasure from reading and re-reading them. As I have grown older, I found that I have outgrown categories such as children's or women's books. I think such categories can and do hide a books true merit.

Rilla of Ingleside is the conclusion of the stories begun in Rainbow Valley. As I wrote the previous sentence, I realized that it wasn'true. LM Montgomery wrote only one book during her life. It is a book of stories of and about the people of the Maritime Provinces of Canada and in particular, Prince Edward Island. At its core, Rilla is a romance, a very powerful and moving romance set against the background of World War I and oddly enough includes only two kisses. One kiss was bestowed by Rilla a silly empty headed girl and the second by Rilla the woman. I add, a woman worth having and loving. In between, the politics, privations, sacrifices and motivations of individuals and nations become understandable. One can gain an insight into the lives of ordinary people and their extraordinary accomplishments; most important of all, their quiet resolute courage both on the battlefield and in the kitchens, parlors and churches. Rilla is a story about how World War I changed the world forever and affects us and our attitudes today. It is a book older children will love as well as adults who have gown up enough.

The narrator, Anna Fields has a gift and leads us on through these stories with her clear pleasant voice as she assumes the identity of widely varying characters.

7 people found this helpful

Anne's Most Charming Child

Rilla, Anne's most charming child, is on the brink of becoming a woman, full of romantic hopes and dreams, when a far-off war intervenes and changes her life forever. Suddenly, everything familiar is upended, and she is faced with a world unlike any she has ever imagined, even in dear Glen St. Mary, where she has lived all her life. Growing up will require unexpected skills, but Rilla finds her path, laying aside her idle ways as she develops her strengths and selflessly throws herself into tasks far beyond her years. Her joyful nature is tested but not overcome, as she weaves her life with strands familiar as well as unexpected.

I have purchased all three of the audiobooks of this title, and was extremely disappointed with the other two. Although this book is a favorite, the other narrators just ruined it for me. Anna Fields' narration makes this version the only one worth the listen.

4 people found this helpful

Good book, but glad I stuck with the movies as a child

This was a good story. Obviously, there’s sexist stuff in it, because that was the reality of the times. It always will disappoint me though that the author never really followed the life of Anne once she grew up and she’s barely mentioned in any of the stories and seems to have lost all sense of her personality that we loved so dearly! Gilbert has no real personality or anything remarkable about himself either. It seems as if once people have children, they no longer are individuals and become just like everyone else. So I have found that to be rather depressing, and I’m glad that the Megan Follows movies did not follow the lead of the books. This one is better than some of the other later books in the series, although it is definitely a sad one due to it circling around the war with Germany.

Loved it!

Excellent book! Grab a tissue or 10! Lots of WWI history, too. I’m sad that this is the last in the series.

So Srirring!

I cried and laughed! The narrator is wonderful. She made Rilla and, especially Susan, come alive as none of the others have. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Just like I remember

I read this book years ago. But listening to it is even better. Love it

Rilla of Ingleside

One of my favourites of the Anne series! Set in WWI in P.E.I. A great reader!

Much sadder than the other Anne books

This book takes place over the years of WWI. It is much sadder than the other books in the Anne series. I'm going to miss these characters. I would gladly have read another series about how Anne and Gilbert's children built new lives after the war. I am going to believe they all lived happily ever after.

Abridged

This was not advertised as an abridged book but I have seen it skip over text multiple times when reading along in whispersync.

Great book!

I really enjoyed this book. It should be enjoyed by all ages. Good story. Funny and poignant. Well worth the time.