The Emily of New Moon Series - L.M. Montgomery

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

10 Nov 2006 03:59 PM

Allow me to diverge from the Anne of Green Gables series for a brief moment to tell you about L.M. Montgomery's other famous heroine - Emily Starr. An orphan, like Anne, an aspiring author, like Anne, determined to marry the wrong man, like Anne, but Emily is definitely in a class by herself.

In "Emily of New Moon," we become acquainted with Emily, a spirited girl, full of life and imagination. When her father passes away, she is left an orphan, and feels that life can hold no more joy for her. She is taken in by family at New Moon Farm, there to start life all over again, but her temper doesn't sit well with her aunt Elizabeth and they have a few heated exchanges before her aunt learns to leave the girl alone when she's in that mood. You don't meddle with an artistic temperament, after all.

Emily grows close to her mentally challenged cousin Jimmy, and finds in him a true friend. As the book progresses, Emily explores her writing talents and learns how to make a home for herself in this new environment.

"Emily Climbs" is the second volume in the series, and covers Emily's school years, blossoming friendships, and her writing aspirations. She continues to spend time with good friends Ilse, Teddy, and Perry. This book basically provides a bridge from the young colt with knobbly knees to the beautiful young woman she will become by volume three, which is "Emily's Quest," my favorite book out of the three.

Emily has known Dean for years, nearly as long as she's known Teddy, who became a dear friend soon after she met him. Dean is somewhat older, much wiser, a poet at heart, and unfortunately has a twisted back which keeps him from doing many of the things he would like, but hasn't impacted the kindness of his nature. He appeals to Emily's artistic side and encourages her to reach for the highest that is within her, at times playing the critic. They become engaged and Emily throws herself into wedding plans. I love the sentence that describes her feelings for Dean, "She loved him for the world he presented to her view." Those words also describe the way I felt about my husband when we were first dating.

Despite Emily's tender feelings for Dean, she can't forget about Teddy. He has gone from a childhood friend to a suitor, their relationship tampered with by his jealous mother. She feels that marriage to Dean will be perfect for her, but she can't help but wonder if she's making a mistake.

In a very well-written battle with herself, Emily makes her choice and knows it is the right one for her. I'm not so sure I would have made the same choice she did, but for her, it was the only path to real happiness. Anne fans, be sure to investigate all the writings of L.M. Montgomery.

Related Blogs:

Kilmeny of the Orchard

Anne of Green Gables

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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Miriam Caldwell (8030) 10 Nov 2006 08:42 PM

This is my favorite series by L.M. Montgomery. She is in my top ten of authors, and I don't place one above the others in that list. I have entire shelf devoted to her books. These are great!

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 11 Nov 2006 10:47 PM

She is fabulous, isn't she? I fell in love with her first through Anne, but the love affair carries on through all her books.