"Marilla, isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
Created January 8, 2024.
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It might surprise you that L.M. Montgomery did not write the eight novels of the Anne of Green Gables series in the order we generally read them today.
L.M. Montgomery introduced Anne Shirley to the world when she published Anne of Green Gables in 1908. Its sequel Anne of Avonlea followed shortly thereafter in 1909. After completing these first two novels about Anne Shirley, Montgomery focused on publishing other novels and short story collections before revisiting Anne.
Between 1915 and 1921, L.M. Montgomery wrote another four books about Anne Shirley and Anne's children. Anne of the Island (1915) tells the story of Anne's college years, Anne’s House of Dreams (1917) begins with Anne's wedding and describes the early years of Anne's marriage to Gilbert Blythe, Rainbow Valley (1919) tells the stories of Anne Blythe's young children, and Rilla of Ingleside (1921) focuses on Anne Blythe's youngest daughter Rilla Blythe.
Following a long gap of 15 years, L.M. Montgomery revisited a younger version of Anne Shirley and wrote about her years as a high school principal in Anne of Windy Poplars (1936). Today, this novel is considered Book 4 of the Anne of Green Gables series if we read the novels in the chronological order of Anne’s life. The storyline of Anne of Windy Poplars falls between Anne of the Island (1915) and Anne’s House of Dreams (1917).
Thirty-one years after publishing Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery wrote Anne of Ingleside in 1939. According to the timeline of Anne’s life, Anne of Ingleside is considered Book 6. Its storyline falls between Anne’s House of Dreams (1917) and Rainbow Valley (1919), both of which were written 20 years earlier.
In summary, here is the publication sequence of the Anne of Green Gables novels. The order we generally read the books in today is listed to the right.
| Publication Sequence | Chronology of Anne's Life |
|---|---|
| 1) Anne of Green Gables (1908) | Book 1 |
| 2) Anne of Avonlea (1909) | Book 2 |
| 3) Anne of the Island (1915) | Book 3 |
| 4) Anne's House of Dreams (1917) | Book 5 |
| 5) Rainbow Valley (1919) | Book 7 |
| 6) Rilla of Ingleside (1921) | Book 8 |
| 7) Anne of Windy Poplars (1936) | Book 4 |
| 8) Anne of Ingleside (1939) | Book 6 |
Have you ever read the books in order by their publication dates, or have you always read the novels in the chronological order of Anne Shirley’s life? What are your thoughts on reading the novels of the Anne of Green Gables series in different orders?
Anne of Avonlea (1997) is a play by Joseph Robinette based on the novel Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery. Joseph Robinette also wrote an Anne of Green Gables play (published in 1989) as well as an Anne of Green Gables musical (with Evelyn Swensson).
The premise of the play is that Anne is applying to Redmond College and is struggling to write a one-page autobiography for her application. Marilla suggests that Anne "talk it out" before she decides what to write. The story unfolds from there. There is some retelling of Anne's story from Anne of Green Gables, but most of the play is set during Anne of Avonlea.
Anne of Avonlea is a full-length play that is approximately 120 minutes long. The script was published by Dramatic Publishing in 1997 and is available through the Dramatic Publishing website.
The play is described as follows:
"This delightful, enchanting sequel to Anne of Green Gables continues the exciting adventures of one of literature's most enduring characters, Anne Shirley. From her first days as a young teacher to her departure for Redmond College, we are reacquainted with such old friends as Marilla Cuthbert, Rachel Lynde, Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. We also meet many new ones: a cantankerous neighbor, Mr. Harrison (and his offstage parrot!); the mysterious Miss Lavendar; the beguiling Charlotta the Fourth; the irrepressible twins, Dora and Davy; and Anne's lively, but (usually) lovable, high-spirited students. Rejoin Anne and enjoy the embarrassment of mistakenly selling Mr. Harrison's cow, the anxiety of her first day teaching school, the humorous essay-writing assignment, the plum marmalade incident, the encounter with Miss Lavendar, the devastating storm and its aftermath, and the wedding at Echo Lodge. There are also flashbacks to Anne's young life and how she came to live at Green Gables. Anne of Avonlea is ideal for junior highs, high schools and community theatres and is a true ensemble piece. This heartwarming and humorously uplifting play will be fondly remembered by audiences and performer alike long after the final curtain."
Image Credit:
Adapted Anne of Avonlea (1997) book cover by Dramatic Publishing.
Created September 24, 2006. Last updated June 21, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com
Anne & Gilbert: The Musical (2005) is a musical based on stories from the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery. The musical premiered at the Victoria Playhouse in Victoria–By-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island on August 4, 2005. The first act of the musical is based on Anne of Avonlea, and the second act is based on Anne of the Island. The story was adapted for the stage by Jeff Hochhauser, Nancy White, and Bob Johnston.
I was fortunate to watch the musical in 2006 at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside. It's a wonderful production, and the songs are charming.
A CD featuring some of the songs and a book based on the Anne & Gilbert musical are available online. You can also listen to the album at Apple Music.
Official Site:
Anne and Gilbert: The Musical
Image Credit:
Promotional artwork from Anne & Gilbert: The Musical.
Purchase the Anne & Gilbert cast recording and check out the script and lyrics book:
