Before Green Gables

A Novel

By: Budge Wilson

Narrated by: Renée Raudman

A must-read for generations of book lovers, this remarkable prequel to the classic Anne of Green Gables was specially authorized by L. M. Montgomery's heirs to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of the original novel.

Before Green Gables is the story of Anne Shirley's life before her arrival at Green Gables - a heartwarming tale of a precocious child. Her lively imagination and relentless spirit help her to overcome difficult circumstances and exemplify a young girl's ability to love, learn, and above all, dream.

Published in 1908, L. M. Montgomery's coming-of-age classic Anne of Green Gables has enchanted generations of readers, both children and adults. The story of the spunky red-haired orphan from Prince Edward Island is known to millions, and copies of the eight titles in the series have never gone out of print. But when readers first meet Anne, she is only 11 and has just been sent from an orphanage to meet her new family. No one ever knew the events of Anne's life before she arrived at Green Gables. Until now.

For the millions of readers who devoured the Green Gables series, Before Green Gables is an irresistible treat: the account of how one of literature's most beloved heroines became the girl who captivated the world.

©2008 Budge Wilson and The Estate of L. M. Montgomery (P)2008 Tantor

Good edition to the series!

Budge Wilson did an excellent job on this prequel. The story was pretty accurate when compared to the information we got about Anne in the original Anne of Green Gables series. The narrator was also an excellent narrator and has a very pleasant voice.

Consistent explanation of The Anne Girl’s beginning

As a child with flaming orange hair, I turned to Anne for solace and encouragement. She and Pippi Longstocking mentored me, as I knew only one child in my neighborhood cursed with a carrot top. And that child was a boy.

Thus, it mattered to me a great deal how Anne was portrayed in her formative years. I believe Budge Wilson captured her essence, with a few exceptions.

As I read, I was disturbed to witness Anne responding with hate and anger at two grim moments. I agree She might have fallen into the depths of despair (I love how she came to this phrase) but she wouldn’t have felt destroyed. I know she isn’t a perfect child, but she has always been a sort of Pollyanna, in my mind. She looks for the good in all things.

Sure, she became angry with Gilbert Blythe, and was able to snub him. But this implies control. I don’t see her collapsing into hopelessness. She helped me always look for the good, to fill fate with golden light.

Beyond this, I am sad to come to the end of this fresh Telling. Anne will always be dear to me and Budge Wilson painted her with a loving hand.

I was hesitant because Anne is a big part of my life...

But I LOVED this book. I was very nervous to “soil” my image of LM Montgomery’s Anne, but this only added to my adoration of the Anne girl. I highly highly recommend this for true Anne fans.

Awesome Book

This was a great book. I've read all of the Anne of Green Gables books and I loved learning about Anne's early life. Highly recommend.

Great Story

This story tells us everything we want to know about beloved Anne with an E

picture of the past

I like everything about it and amazed with the characters specially Anne with an E

Exceptional story & performance

This really felt like it went with the original series and gave insight on why Anne was the way she was when arriving at Green Gables. The performer was so impressive, I want to search for others she's narrated and listen to just for her. The various voices don't feel forced or fake and exude the emotions of the characters

if you love Anne

Definitely worth the listen. This prequel ties in and fills in the blanks of Anne's life before Green Gables. At the end of the story I wanted to spend more time with Anne. might have to reread the Anne of Green Gables series.

Heartbreaking but worth listening to.

The estate of L.M. Montgomery backed this story. It is well written, beautiful in its tragedy and very fitting to explain how Anne is once she arrives at Green Gables. It will break your heart, your heart will stay broken but you will know her, "before Green Gables ".

Enjoyable short novel

This novel was a great mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking, fleshing out Anne Shirley's backstory in a believable yet astounding narrative of grit combined with the power of love and imagination. If you were an avid reader of the Anne of Green Gables series as I was, this book will be a welcome addition.