Before Green Gables is the title of a prequel to Anne of Green Gables.[1] The book was published in 2008 by Puffin, a division of Penguin Books, as part of Puffin's celebration of Anne of Green Gables centennial anniversary.[1]
The author of the prequel is Canadian children's author Budge Wilson.[1] In the official press release, Budge Wilson wrote: "I will, of course, try to be true to the astonishing character that Lucy Maud Montgomery created… But I would not – in fact, could not – presume to tell my part of Anne's history in Montgomery's voice. I will do this in my own voice, hoping that she would approve of the project if she were alive today."[1]
Synopsis
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This book describes Anne's difficult pre-Green-Gables childhood. That time includes the deaths of her parents, her subsequent life with the Thomas and later the Hammond families, and her time in an orphanage.[1]
Along the way, she meets some kind people who give her hope. Anne's imagination helps her get through these hard times, preparing her for her future at Green Gables.[2]
Publisher
Three editions are available from different publishers:
Before Green Gables was translated into Japanese as Kon'nichiwa Anne (meaning "Hello, Anne") and sold by Shinchosha[6] and Polish as Droga do Zielonego Wzgórza (meaning "Road/Way to Green Gables"), published by Wydawnictwo Literackie.[7] The book was also translated in French with the title Anne...: Avant la maison aux pignons verts (meaning "Anne: Before Green Gables..."), published by Trécarré.[8] An Italian translation was published by Kappa Edizioni with the title Sorridi, piccola Anna dai capelli rossi (meaning "Smile, Little Red-Haired Anna").[9]
Reception
Benjamin Lefebvre, co-chairman of the L.M. Montgomery Research Group wrote, "while the links to Montgomery’s series are not always seamless, Before Green Gables is nevertheless a captivating story in its own right."[10]
Budge Wilson of the Putnam Publishing Group reviewed the book for Publishers Weekly and wrote "the book is a quick read that will keep the reader invested in its compelling characters from start to finish." However Kirkus delivered an opposing review predicting "[t]his drab, unappealing story probably won’t please Anne’s many admirers, nor will it inspire a new audience for Anne of Green Gables."[11][12]
L.M. Montgomery Online This scholarly site includes a blog, an extensive bibliography of reference materials, and a complete filmography of all adaptations of Montgomery texts. See, in particular, the page devoted to Before Green Gables.
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