Review: Emily of New Moon by LM Montgomery

“If it’s in you to climb you must – there are those who must lift their eyes to the hills – they can’t breathe properly in the valleys.”

Emily of New Moon by LM Montgomery,

I feel like this is the book of my soul, guys. The prose is breathtaking and the narrative is magical. 100% one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Orphan Emily is charismatic, introspective, empathetic, and determined. Her beauty of spirit has put her in the ranks of my favorite literary heroines of all time, following Sara Crewe of A Little Princess.

I liked this story better than Anne of Green Gables. I know, gasp! I want to live at New Moon. I want to be best friends with Emily! Oh my. And Isle – what an absolute character! Her insults had me in stitches.

I think my favorite part of the story was at the end when Emily and her Aunt Elizabeth reconcile after their horrible argument over the letters to her father. Emily, justified in her indignation and anger over this violation of her privacy, realizes the depth of her aunt’s hurt and seeks out forgiveness. What a child! We can all learn something from dear Emily, from her deep well of empathy to her grit and determination concerning her passions.

I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series goes!

If you’ve read Emily before, do you prefer it over Anne or vice versa? Also, what should I paint from Emily?? Any quotes you really love??

PS when I saw what the first edition Emily of New Moon looked like I knew I had to have it. Is it not the most beautiful old book you’ve ever seen??? Can you spot the Wind Woman? Now seeking out the first editions of the other two books as well.

Other than the first edition copy, I adore the Virago Press edition of this book. It can be purchased here!

Follow me on Goodreads for more book reviews! I’ve read a lot this year that I haven’t made posts about because I only want to review four and five star reads 😉