This morning I woke up and opened my internet browser expecting a rush of Cyber Monday propaganda, however to my pleasant surprise, the first thing I saw was today’s Google Doodle, which was in honor of Anne of Green Gables author, Lucy Maude Montgomery (more internationally known as L.M. Montgomery). Who is L.M. Montgomery? She is Canada’s literary sweet heart and the author of one of my childhood favorites, the Anne of Green Gables series. Today would be her 141st birthday and a tribute to the author who touched the lives and hearts of young readers all over the world for over 100 years is ever so appropriate. Kudos to Google for giving this much deserved recognition.
I grew up reading the Anne of Green Gables series, which was written in 1905. However, L.M. Montgomery couldn’t initially get the story about the adventures of a red-headed girl in Prince Edward Island published. Imagine if she had not tried again a couple of years later when it immediately became a smash hit and an international best seller. Anne of Green Gables starts off with little orphan Anne Shirley and her ever so beautiful imagination. We read about her growing up and eventually getting married through all the trials and tribulations a girl could possibly have growing up in Nova Scotia in the early 1900’s. Montgomery drew upon her own childhood experiences in rural Prince Edward Island. Her descriptive writing style made me fantasize about turn of the century Muslin dresses, willow trees and homemade cordials. Absolute charming memories to start off the Christmas season!
There is a memorable scene where Anne makes a beautiful Raspberry Layer Cake for the new Minister’s wife only to realize that she accidentally used liniment oil instead of vanilla. With all of Anne’s mishaps when it comes to serving guests treats from Marilla’s pantry and her infatuation with having ice cream for the very first time, Anne of Green Gables could inevitably be a foodie book and that is just one of the reasons why I love it.
The series of books went on to become a film, made-for-television movies, and animated and live-action television series. Anne Shirley was played by Megan Follows in the 1985 Canadian produced movie. Plays and musicals have also been created, with productions annually in Canada since 1964 of the first musical production, which has toured in Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan. Lucy Maude Montgomery now takes place with Mark Twain on Google’s Doodles Archive for this day, with whom she shares a birthday today.