I probably should not confess that I have never read Anne of Green Gables or any in the series. I have read other books of L.M. Montgomery and even seen some cinema adaptations. But never read the original. Therefore, when the graphic novel came up for ownership, I grabbed it. Adapted by Mariah Marsden and illustrated by Brenna Thummler Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel is a delightful way to be introduced to Anne (with an E) Shirley.
If you have a reader who wishes to read the Anne series, but the novels are currently too dense for them; or you have a reluctant reader or even a fan of graphic novels this could be a book to add to their collection. There is nothing “bad” that happens. Orphan Anne comes to live at Green Gables with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. She has adventures. She has friendships and finally a little romance. Yes, (spoiler) Matthew dies, but it is handled tastefully. The colors are as vibrant the personality of Anne and fit the storyline. There are many details, but you are always focusing on Anne and her antics.
I would have liked to have seen her friendship with Gilbert Blythe be less forced. She goes from hating him, to being rescued by him, to a romance a little too quickly even for the shorten format of a graphic novel. I am sure many “details” of the books are missed and perhaps even a few storylines that would fill in other blanks, but I highly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect, sit on the front porch summer read.