Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Tundra Books (2018), Edition: Reprint, 336 pages
Description
Sara Stanley is only fourteen, but she can weave tales that are impossible to resist. In the charming town of Carlisle, children and grown-ups alike flock from miles around to hear her spellbinding tales. And when Bev King and his younger brother Felix arrive for the summer, they, too, are captivated by the Story Girl. Whether she is leading them on exciting misadventures or narrating timeless stories-from the scary Tale of the Family Ghost to the fanciful How Kissing Was Discovered to the bittersweet The Blue Chest of Rachel Ward-the Story Girl has her audience hanging on every word.
User reviews
LibraryThing member xicanti
A group of friends experience a magical summer on Prince Edward Island.
This was one of my very favourite books when I was a youngster - and, what's more, it inspired one of my very favourite childhood TV series. (Road to Avonlea, which I believe was broadcast under a different name in the US). It
It wasn't quite as good as I remembered, but I still enjoyed it very much. I've heard it said that Montgomery's depiction of childhood is trite and idealized; that her children are an adult's conception of youth rather than the thing itself. Had I come to this book for the first time as an adult, I might very well agree with that assessment, but I know what it meant to me when I was young. Yes, the Kings and their friends are rather ideal, and they rarely come up against anything of any great consequence. (There is a brush with death at one point, but it's the odd duck out). Some of them are, perhaps, a little young for their ages. But they were what I wanted to be when I was nine, ten, eleven, even twelve. I loved them for it then, and I love them for it now.
As an adult, I also appreciate the way Montgomery blends the stories into the narrative. Some of the Story Girl's tales draw on myth and legend, but most of them are just the sort of down-home anecdotes that you share with your friends when you sit around shooting the breeze. It is not, perhaps, the most compelling approach, but I had a lot of fun with it. It feels real. This is what you do when you're hanging out with your friends. You share stories and anecdotes and funny sayings, and they become part of what's between you. You refer to them time and again. You share them with others. They're a bond; a means of building community. I love that.
So THE STORY GIRL may not mean as much to me now as it did when I was a wee lass, but I still enjoyed it very, very much. I'd certainly recommend it to young children and to fans of L.M. Montgomery's other books, but to be honest, I'm not sure how much random adult readers will get out of this.
(A much longer version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
This was one of my very favourite books when I was a youngster - and, what's more, it inspired one of my very favourite childhood TV series. (Road to Avonlea, which I believe was broadcast under a different name in the US). It
Show More
meant a lot to me when I was little, so I was kind of nervous about rereading it.It wasn't quite as good as I remembered, but I still enjoyed it very much. I've heard it said that Montgomery's depiction of childhood is trite and idealized; that her children are an adult's conception of youth rather than the thing itself. Had I come to this book for the first time as an adult, I might very well agree with that assessment, but I know what it meant to me when I was young. Yes, the Kings and their friends are rather ideal, and they rarely come up against anything of any great consequence. (There is a brush with death at one point, but it's the odd duck out). Some of them are, perhaps, a little young for their ages. But they were what I wanted to be when I was nine, ten, eleven, even twelve. I loved them for it then, and I love them for it now.
As an adult, I also appreciate the way Montgomery blends the stories into the narrative. Some of the Story Girl's tales draw on myth and legend, but most of them are just the sort of down-home anecdotes that you share with your friends when you sit around shooting the breeze. It is not, perhaps, the most compelling approach, but I had a lot of fun with it. It feels real. This is what you do when you're hanging out with your friends. You share stories and anecdotes and funny sayings, and they become part of what's between you. You refer to them time and again. You share them with others. They're a bond; a means of building community. I love that.
So THE STORY GIRL may not mean as much to me now as it did when I was a wee lass, but I still enjoyed it very, very much. I'd certainly recommend it to young children and to fans of L.M. Montgomery's other books, but to be honest, I'm not sure how much random adult readers will get out of this.
(A much longer version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
Show Less
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
L.M. Montgomery was one of the reading staples of my early adolescence, and I tore through every book I could find by her. Although nothing could ever supplant the "Anne" books as my favorites, I loved all her novels, and returned to them many times. When I started a Montgomery group on another
Episodic in structure, the book relates the adventures of a group of cousins and friends one summer on Prince Edward Island. Narrated by Bev King, looking back from his adulthood, it offers a charming, and frequently sentimental, view of the idyllic days of childhood. When Bev and his brother Felix come to stay at "The Home of Their Fathers" in Carlisle, they are quickly accepted into a close-knit circle that includes their cousins, Felicity, Cecily and Dan King, neighbor girl Sara Ray, hired boy Peter Craig, and of course, their cousin Sara Stanley, also known as "The Story Girl."
Adventure and misadventure follow one another, from Peter's inauspicious beginnings as a church-goer, to the children's dream-journal competition. Woven throughout are the marvelous tales of the Story Girl, whose magnetic personality and beautiful voice - charming enough to make even the multiplication table interesting - create many moments of genuine enchantment.
As always, I enjoyed The Story Girl immensely, and was struck by Montgomery's unerring sense of childlike wonder, her understanding of being a young person caught in a world of grown-ups, who were always "so strangely oblivious to the truly important things in life." Both innocent and wise, the children consider many profound questions, from the nature of God to the difference between Methodists and Presbyterians (always of concern in Montgomery's work). Their unintentionally humorous remarks, from Cecily's observation that "A common man would be queer, but when it's a minister, it's eccentric," or Peter's claim that fighting for a principle was like "praying with fists," can always elicit a sympathetic chuckle.
But although her characters were as endearing as ever, and her descriptions of the countryside just as beautiful, I was far more conscious of a sense of melancholy than I had ever been before. Perhaps the recent revelations of Montgomery's struggle with depression, and her eventual suicide, made me more sensitive to the pathos in her work. However that may be, my awareness of the darker undercurrents in The Story Girl only enhanced my appreciation. Truly a worthwhile read.
Show More
website, I decided to re-read her entire oeuvre, and began with The Story Girl.Episodic in structure, the book relates the adventures of a group of cousins and friends one summer on Prince Edward Island. Narrated by Bev King, looking back from his adulthood, it offers a charming, and frequently sentimental, view of the idyllic days of childhood. When Bev and his brother Felix come to stay at "The Home of Their Fathers" in Carlisle, they are quickly accepted into a close-knit circle that includes their cousins, Felicity, Cecily and Dan King, neighbor girl Sara Ray, hired boy Peter Craig, and of course, their cousin Sara Stanley, also known as "The Story Girl."
Adventure and misadventure follow one another, from Peter's inauspicious beginnings as a church-goer, to the children's dream-journal competition. Woven throughout are the marvelous tales of the Story Girl, whose magnetic personality and beautiful voice - charming enough to make even the multiplication table interesting - create many moments of genuine enchantment.
As always, I enjoyed The Story Girl immensely, and was struck by Montgomery's unerring sense of childlike wonder, her understanding of being a young person caught in a world of grown-ups, who were always "so strangely oblivious to the truly important things in life." Both innocent and wise, the children consider many profound questions, from the nature of God to the difference between Methodists and Presbyterians (always of concern in Montgomery's work). Their unintentionally humorous remarks, from Cecily's observation that "A common man would be queer, but when it's a minister, it's eccentric," or Peter's claim that fighting for a principle was like "praying with fists," can always elicit a sympathetic chuckle.
But although her characters were as endearing as ever, and her descriptions of the countryside just as beautiful, I was far more conscious of a sense of melancholy than I had ever been before. Perhaps the recent revelations of Montgomery's struggle with depression, and her eventual suicide, made me more sensitive to the pathos in her work. However that may be, my awareness of the darker undercurrents in The Story Girl only enhanced my appreciation. Truly a worthwhile read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member atimco
The Story Girl is not one of L. M. Montgomery's stand-out works, but it's a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Sara Stanley is the Story Girl, the maiden with a golden voice and unusual dramatic powers that spellbind her audience. She and her cousins Dan, Felicity, and Cecily welcome their cousins
As usual, the characters are well written, distinct, and believable, especially Dan, Felicity, and Sara Ray, the tearful neighbor girl who, despite being something of a nonentity, still manages to be amusing. Montgomery has the gift of creating a full character in my mind with just a few sentences. Many never appear onstage but are only known through the conversation of the children. It's quite well done.
There are some funny episodes here. Much of the humor comes from the children's musings on God and practice of religion, based on their incomplete understanding. In one chapter they purchase God's picture from an enterprising fellow student; in another they are truly terrified that it's Judgment Day and the world is about to end. And speaking of the supernatural, there's also the persistent mystery of Peg Bowen, Carlisle's "witch" whose powers are both scoffed at and feared by the little band. Montgomery leaves the question of Peg's witchhood open (but I incline to the belief that she merely uses the reputation to her advantage in a narrow world).
At times Montgomery treads a bit too close to the line between sentiment and sentimentality (especially for a male narrator), which would prevent me from recommending this as an introduction to her novels. The nature descriptions are lovely, though, and have probably done more for tourism on P.E.I. than anything else... I'd love to go there someday!
Show More
Felix and Beverley to the King family history and mythology when the two come to stay with the family. The story, which is more a loose collection of episodic tales and memories, is narrated by Beverley and captures the insular, magical world of a childhood. As usual, the characters are well written, distinct, and believable, especially Dan, Felicity, and Sara Ray, the tearful neighbor girl who, despite being something of a nonentity, still manages to be amusing. Montgomery has the gift of creating a full character in my mind with just a few sentences. Many never appear onstage but are only known through the conversation of the children. It's quite well done.
There are some funny episodes here. Much of the humor comes from the children's musings on God and practice of religion, based on their incomplete understanding. In one chapter they purchase God's picture from an enterprising fellow student; in another they are truly terrified that it's Judgment Day and the world is about to end. And speaking of the supernatural, there's also the persistent mystery of Peg Bowen, Carlisle's "witch" whose powers are both scoffed at and feared by the little band. Montgomery leaves the question of Peg's witchhood open (but I incline to the belief that she merely uses the reputation to her advantage in a narrow world).
At times Montgomery treads a bit too close to the line between sentiment and sentimentality (especially for a male narrator), which would prevent me from recommending this as an introduction to her novels. The nature descriptions are lovely, though, and have probably done more for tourism on P.E.I. than anything else... I'd love to go there someday!
Show Less
LibraryThing member calexis
I just realized that the published date happened to be Canada Day. So that's pretty cool for this Canadian book to be released that date. Anyways, I love Montgomery's narrations. I have ever since I read "Anne of Green Gables" for school back in grade 6 or 7. I ended up convincing my mom to buy me
Show More
the entire Anne series, and have read the entire series at least 3 times up to this date. However, a few days a go, I decided that I should read Montgomery's other novels. And though The Story Girl hasn't spellbounded me like Anne of Green Gables, I still loved it. The novel is very different from the styles of the novels today. Like Anne of Green Gables, there isn't a real conflict to the story, it's a telling of a child's life and adventures. Nowadays, every plot seems to have to hold a antagonist or life-threatening problem to make it to the press. However, Montgomery's books are ordinary narrations about ordinary Canadians. And I think that's what I love about it. I can't wait to read more of her novels, especially her other series "Emily of New Moon." Show Less
LibraryThing member hgcslibrary
Sara Stanley, "The Story Girl", weaves her stories about friendship, life and love while illustrating the lives and traditions of the people of Prince Edward Island.
LibraryThing member kaulsu
Wow. The vocabulary [Lucy Maud Montgomery] uses in this book is quite something. Again, as in her [Anne of Green Gables] novels, Montgomery writes of coming of age in a simpler time, making even their hard work seem worth a day's enjoyment. The narrator of this book is a boy named [Beverley King],
Show More
not the [Story Girl] herself. I did enjoy it, though I found it overly moralistic. I imagine only a young teen very interested in history would find it's preachy tone acceptable. Show Less
LibraryThing member fuzzi
Carlisle has two new residents for the summer, Bev and Felix King, who will be staying with their cousins. There will be plenty of fun, and work, in helping with the farm, but the best part for the King brothers is meeting The Story Girl, and hearing her tales of mystery, woe, and happiness. A nice
Show More
read, with real children from a more simple time. Show Less
LibraryThing member julieandbeli
The Story Girl by L.M Montgomery took a little digging and work for me to get through. For some reason it did not capture my attention or interest. I have absolutely adored L.M. Montgomery's other books but this one fell short for me.
LibraryThing member leahdawn
Bev and Felix King go to visit family and discover their cousin is the Story Girl, a weaver of tales that are fascinating, happy, and wistful. Overall, this book is a fairly gentle read. It's not fast-paced or overly exciting, but you can easily pick it up and read a chapter at a time. This would
Show More
be a nice book to read together with children, especially fans of Anne of Green Gables. Show Less
LibraryThing member Beammey
I had read this book as a wee girl and I remember loving it, as I did all of Montgomery's work, but reading it as an adult was a wonderful experience. It was almost like reading it again for the first time because it had just been so long (over 20 years!). The new cover is perfect for the story,
Show More
and Montgomery has always had a beautiful way with words. Sara is a wonderful character, if not bratty at times, but what child isn't? PEI is described in such a way that I must visit it someday! Wonderful story, wonderful writing. 5 out of 5 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member MickyFine
When Bev and Felix King are sent to live with their aunt and uncle following their father's transfer from Toronto to Brazil, they find themselves warmly welcomed by their cousins and the rest of the social circle that revolves around the King farm in Carlisle, Prince Edward Island. Amongst the
No matter the central character, Montgomery weaves a world that is full of the magic of long summer days and gorgeous landscapes. I did find it interesting she went with a first-person narration in this novel and that her narrator is a boy as Montgomery is so intertwined with her heroines in my mind. However, I found Bev's narration completely believable. It was also fascinating to finally encounter the source material that inspired the Canadian institution that was the television show, Road to Avonlea, and compare the differences. I'll be curious to see how the character development continues in [The Golden Road] and again compare and contrast with my memories of the show. For those readers that have already fallen in love with Montgomery's writing style.
Show More
cousins, they meet Sara Stanley, the Story Girl whose silver tongue makes every story she tells utterly compelling. Over the course of the spring and summer, the King cousins get into various adventures and scrapes that only children on a farm can manage.No matter the central character, Montgomery weaves a world that is full of the magic of long summer days and gorgeous landscapes. I did find it interesting she went with a first-person narration in this novel and that her narrator is a boy as Montgomery is so intertwined with her heroines in my mind. However, I found Bev's narration completely believable. It was also fascinating to finally encounter the source material that inspired the Canadian institution that was the television show, Road to Avonlea, and compare the differences. I'll be curious to see how the character development continues in [The Golden Road] and again compare and contrast with my memories of the show. For those readers that have already fallen in love with Montgomery's writing style.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Cute story of a bunch of kids with excellent imaginations. It feels rather like an Anne book told from the POV of one of her friends - someone who follows along but doesn't get the spark Anne does, for random actions. Two brothers come to PEI to stay with their cousins, including one girl with high
Show More
charisma who loves to tell stories. Various events - from being scammed by a classmate to one of them being seriously sick - and throughout, the Story Girl's stories enriching their lives. It's written entirely from the POV of one of the boys (whose name is Beverly - funny how names change gender over time), and by him as an adult - he mentions now and then how he remembers so clearly what they did and said (mostly because he saved papers). It's interesting - slight cognitive dissonance - to have it in first person with a male protagonist. Mildly interesting, not exciting. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheQuietReader
When Bev King and his brother are sent to spend a summer with their Carlisle relatives, they expect having a grand time. They are immediately drawn to Sara Stanley, the fourteen-year-old Story Girl. As the summer progresses, they hear some memorable tales set against an idyllic backdrop.
This was a
This evoked feelings of nostalgia, a longing for a simpler age when kids could wander at will and use their imaginations. I can't say that the Story Girl is my favorite, but I could relate to her love of storytelling.
Anyone who has enjoyed L.M. Montgomery's works will enjoy this glimpse into the golden years before a child grows up.
I received a free copy of this book from Tundra Books and am reviewing of my own free will. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a
Show More
fun read. I've read the more well-known novels by this author (Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon) so I was eager to read this one. We follow Beverly King, who is thirteen when we meet him, as he meets his cousins and finds his own place among his relatives.This evoked feelings of nostalgia, a longing for a simpler age when kids could wander at will and use their imaginations. I can't say that the Story Girl is my favorite, but I could relate to her love of storytelling.
Anyone who has enjoyed L.M. Montgomery's works will enjoy this glimpse into the golden years before a child grows up.
I received a free copy of this book from Tundra Books and am reviewing of my own free will. All opinions expressed are my own.
Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1911
Physical description
7.63 inches
ISBN
9781101919491