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![]() Cover of Viking Canada 2008 Hardcover | |
Author | Budge Wilson |
---|---|
Language | English |
Series | Anne of Green Gables |
Genre | Children's novel |
Publication date | 2008 |
Publication place | Canada |
Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
Pages | 400 |
ISBN | 0-425-22576-3 |
OCLC | 312933557 |
Preceded by | Anne of Ingleside |
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]
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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]
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 [3] and Polish as Droga do Zielonego Wzgórza (meaning "Road/Way to Green Gables"), published by Wydawnictwo Literackie. [4] 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. [5]
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." [6]
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." [7] [8]
The series was adapted into an anime, Kon'nichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables , the latest entry in Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater series. It aired in Japan from April 5, 2009 to December 27, 2009.