Status
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Call number
Series
Publication
Starfire (1985), 277 pages
Description
Fifteen-year-old Rilla, the daughter of Anne Shirley Blythe, grows from a carefree, irresponsible girl into a strong and capable young woman during the war years, 1914-1918.
Local notes
0000-0974-7692
Media reviews
Rilla of Ingleside is a war novel at times masquerading as a young adult historical romance. But it is far more than that; it is a detailed study of rural Canadian life during the First World War, written by a woman who lived through it and distilled it all with her trademark restrained emotion
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into a gem of a novel. Show Less
Montgomery writes beautifully and brings tears of both sorrow and joy on the turning of every page. I would recommend this book for anyone and everyone as it is a wonderful story and has all the elements needed for a good book.
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
Rilla of Ingleside has long been one of my favorites among the Anne books, which is interesting because it's so very different from the rest of the books. All the sudden the little familiar world of Anne's community, concerned only with its gossip and small funny episodes, is invaded by huge events
As the titles implies, this story focuses on Anne's youngest daughter Rilla (short for Bertha Marilla). She is almost fifteen, a lovely, slightly vain and thoughtless young girl enjoying her first dance when the news comes that Britain has declared war on Germany. And Canada cannot let "the old grey mother of the northern sea" fight it out alone. One by one Rilla's brothers and playmates enlist as the war takes over their lives even in secure little Glen St. Mary. Rilla, trying to find herself in the sudden turmoil of her world, finds herself landed with a war-baby to take care of — she, Rilla Blythe, who doesn't even like infants and has no inkling of how to take care of one!
I think I love this book so much because Montgomery manages to tie these world-shaking events to the familiar, comfortable lives of her characters. There is great good humor in this story mixed with the tragedy and fear... just like in real life. The war is always looming, but in the midst of it the Ingleside folk still manage to be themselves. Susan Baker in particular is a wonderful example of this. Susan is first introduced in Anne's House of Dreams but it isn't clear then what a fun character she will become. In this story she really comes into her own. We see the war through her eyes, with her optimistic, sometimes scorching commentary on it, and this is a brilliant move on Montgomery's part. It's so funny because Susan firmly believes that the Kaiser is deeply interested in everything that happens in Glen St. Mary, but several times Montgomery takes us past the humor and shows Susan's fierce, honest patriotism.
Rilla herself is an unusual heroine for Montgomery. She hasn't a spark of ambition, isn't terribly smart or addicted to poetry and literature, doesn't like babies, and starts off rather vain and selfish and thoughtless. I was never really comfortable with her lack of ambition, being full of it myself. But there is something winning about her, and as I reread the book this time I chuckled to myself at how often my own diaries from that age echo Rilla's. It is good to see how she develops through the awful war years.
Montgomery's scorn for pacifists and anyone with pro-German sentiments is quite clear from her depiction of Mr. Pryor — known as "Whiskers-on-the-Moon" because of his great round face and fringe of ridiculous whiskers. He really is a funny character and figures in two of the most hilarious scenes of the book, when Norman Douglas violently stops his pacifist prayer at the union prayer meeting and when Susan chases him out of her kitchen with a pot of boiling dye. Montgomery lived through this war and Rilla of Ingleside was published in 1920. Clearly she felt very strongly about the war and patriotism, and it's hard to argue with her.
This story succeeds on so many levels. It's a wonderful addition to the Blythe family chronicles, but it is also a great depiction, in its own right, of life in Canada during World War I. Funny, sad, and ultimately hopeful, Rilla of Ingleside is a treasure.
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happening outside on the international stage. World War I begins and everything is changed forever.As the titles implies, this story focuses on Anne's youngest daughter Rilla (short for Bertha Marilla). She is almost fifteen, a lovely, slightly vain and thoughtless young girl enjoying her first dance when the news comes that Britain has declared war on Germany. And Canada cannot let "the old grey mother of the northern sea" fight it out alone. One by one Rilla's brothers and playmates enlist as the war takes over their lives even in secure little Glen St. Mary. Rilla, trying to find herself in the sudden turmoil of her world, finds herself landed with a war-baby to take care of — she, Rilla Blythe, who doesn't even like infants and has no inkling of how to take care of one!
I think I love this book so much because Montgomery manages to tie these world-shaking events to the familiar, comfortable lives of her characters. There is great good humor in this story mixed with the tragedy and fear... just like in real life. The war is always looming, but in the midst of it the Ingleside folk still manage to be themselves. Susan Baker in particular is a wonderful example of this. Susan is first introduced in Anne's House of Dreams but it isn't clear then what a fun character she will become. In this story she really comes into her own. We see the war through her eyes, with her optimistic, sometimes scorching commentary on it, and this is a brilliant move on Montgomery's part. It's so funny because Susan firmly believes that the Kaiser is deeply interested in everything that happens in Glen St. Mary, but several times Montgomery takes us past the humor and shows Susan's fierce, honest patriotism.
Rilla herself is an unusual heroine for Montgomery. She hasn't a spark of ambition, isn't terribly smart or addicted to poetry and literature, doesn't like babies, and starts off rather vain and selfish and thoughtless. I was never really comfortable with her lack of ambition, being full of it myself. But there is something winning about her, and as I reread the book this time I chuckled to myself at how often my own diaries from that age echo Rilla's. It is good to see how she develops through the awful war years.
Montgomery's scorn for pacifists and anyone with pro-German sentiments is quite clear from her depiction of Mr. Pryor — known as "Whiskers-on-the-Moon" because of his great round face and fringe of ridiculous whiskers. He really is a funny character and figures in two of the most hilarious scenes of the book, when Norman Douglas violently stops his pacifist prayer at the union prayer meeting and when Susan chases him out of her kitchen with a pot of boiling dye. Montgomery lived through this war and Rilla of Ingleside was published in 1920. Clearly she felt very strongly about the war and patriotism, and it's hard to argue with her.
This story succeeds on so many levels. It's a wonderful addition to the Blythe family chronicles, but it is also a great depiction, in its own right, of life in Canada during World War I. Funny, sad, and ultimately hopeful, Rilla of Ingleside is a treasure.
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LibraryThing member susanbevans
Rilla of Ingleside is the final book in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. The story is of Rilla, Anne and Gilbert Blythe's youngest daughter. It has been nearly ten years since the events of Rainbow Valley took place, and Rilla is fourteen. Europe has joined in World War I and many
Rilla of Ingleside is not much of an Anne book in the classical sense - there is not much Anne in the story, as was the case with the last few books in the series. However, taken alone Rilla of Ingleside is a very interesting and well-written novel. L.M. Montgomery's account of World War I from the homefront and out of the eyes of Rilla Blythe is breathtaking. The tragedy of war is illustrated second-hand, through the effect it has on the women waiting for their sons and husbands at home.
Rilla of Ingleside is a realistic and emotional journey through the minds and hearts of the people left behind in war - friends and family waiting, with lives put on hold. Though it is heartbreaking at times (as stories set in times of war tend to be,) it is expressive and penetrative and gives the reader an authentic look at the Canadanian homefront during World War I. Rilla of Ingleside is a beautifully written and powerful novel.
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boys from Canada are going to war, including Rilla's brothers and the Meredith boys. With her sisters and friends away at college, Rilla is left at home with her parents. Over the next few years she grows from a fun-loving child into a more mature young woman. Rilla of Ingleside is not much of an Anne book in the classical sense - there is not much Anne in the story, as was the case with the last few books in the series. However, taken alone Rilla of Ingleside is a very interesting and well-written novel. L.M. Montgomery's account of World War I from the homefront and out of the eyes of Rilla Blythe is breathtaking. The tragedy of war is illustrated second-hand, through the effect it has on the women waiting for their sons and husbands at home.
Rilla of Ingleside is a realistic and emotional journey through the minds and hearts of the people left behind in war - friends and family waiting, with lives put on hold. Though it is heartbreaking at times (as stories set in times of war tend to be,) it is expressive and penetrative and gives the reader an authentic look at the Canadanian homefront during World War I. Rilla of Ingleside is a beautifully written and powerful novel.
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This last book in the "Anne" series was, by far, my favourite. Set during the years of World War I, it gave a wonderful insight into what the women, who had brothers, husbands and lovers on the front, had to endure for four long, torturous years. Unable to protect their men, they put on brave faces
I shed tears throughout "Rilla of Ingleside" far more than I did in another "Anne: book and Dog Monday's story had me sobbing. It was so incredibly moving and I could clearly picture him - dear, faithful, little dog.
I also liked the analogy of the Pied Piper calling the boys to war. The author did this beautifully and Walter's poem was truly poignant. I also loved following his journey. Walter was such a gentle, sensitive soul and his letter to Rilla was powerful.
While the "Anne" series had its ups and downs, "Rilla of Ingleside" finished the series perfectly. A true classic.
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and went to work keeping vigil, knitting and baking for the soldiers and planning rushed weddings. As Rilla's world crashed around her and challenges bombarded her, she had to grow up quickly, In those unpredictable times, she went from a naive, frivolous teenager to a mature, strong, young woman.I shed tears throughout "Rilla of Ingleside" far more than I did in another "Anne: book and Dog Monday's story had me sobbing. It was so incredibly moving and I could clearly picture him - dear, faithful, little dog.
I also liked the analogy of the Pied Piper calling the boys to war. The author did this beautifully and Walter's poem was truly poignant. I also loved following his journey. Walter was such a gentle, sensitive soul and his letter to Rilla was powerful.
While the "Anne" series had its ups and downs, "Rilla of Ingleside" finished the series perfectly. A true classic.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
This is the eighth and final book in the Anne of Green Gables series. I’ve slowly been working my way through the series and in the last couple books I really missed having Anne as one of the main characters. In this installment Anne’s youngest daughter, Rilla takes center stage and the book
It’s a bit more serious than the previous books. The characters are forced to deal with the realities of war and the loss of their quiet lives as their sons and sweethearts are sent off to fight in World War I. It deals with big issues, but offers perspective and hope along with the drama. The book was published shortly after WWI ended, so the trauma everyone had experienced must have been very fresh in Montgomery’s mind as she wrote this.
The characters see firsthand how painful war is as they watch the men in the community leave to fight in battles on another continent. Some of the men feel the need to leave immediately and join the fight; others struggle with a desire to serve their country while wanting peace. The women are left to take care of the homes alone. They all believe the war will be over soon and begin to loose hope as months stretch into years.
We see the hurried wedding of a war bride and the fate of an orphaned baby whose father is at the front and whose mother dies in childbirth. Rilla takes care of the war baby and she has to go from being an innocent teenager to a woman over the course of the war. We also see Rilla and her mother, our beloved Anne, stretched to the point of breaking as they fight their own fear and grief.
SPOILERS
When Walter died my heart broke. Rilla’s brother was the person she was closest to in the whole world. My own brother is one of my best friends and the thought of losing him in a war is terrifying. Walter’s last letter to Rilla will stay with me for years to come. His words about the power of sacrifice and being at peace with death are more beautiful than I can explain.
SPOILERS OVER
BOTTOM LINE: I love this series so much and this book is now among my favorites. It was a fitting ending to the saga and I look forward to re-reading the whole series in the future.
“It is a strange thing to read a letter after the writer is dead, a bittersweet thing in which pain and comfort are strangely mingled.”
“Ah yes, you’re young enough not to be scared of perfect things.”
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got back to the heart of the first few books. It embraced all of my favorite elements from the early books. It’s a bit more serious than the previous books. The characters are forced to deal with the realities of war and the loss of their quiet lives as their sons and sweethearts are sent off to fight in World War I. It deals with big issues, but offers perspective and hope along with the drama. The book was published shortly after WWI ended, so the trauma everyone had experienced must have been very fresh in Montgomery’s mind as she wrote this.
The characters see firsthand how painful war is as they watch the men in the community leave to fight in battles on another continent. Some of the men feel the need to leave immediately and join the fight; others struggle with a desire to serve their country while wanting peace. The women are left to take care of the homes alone. They all believe the war will be over soon and begin to loose hope as months stretch into years.
We see the hurried wedding of a war bride and the fate of an orphaned baby whose father is at the front and whose mother dies in childbirth. Rilla takes care of the war baby and she has to go from being an innocent teenager to a woman over the course of the war. We also see Rilla and her mother, our beloved Anne, stretched to the point of breaking as they fight their own fear and grief.
SPOILERS
When Walter died my heart broke. Rilla’s brother was the person she was closest to in the whole world. My own brother is one of my best friends and the thought of losing him in a war is terrifying. Walter’s last letter to Rilla will stay with me for years to come. His words about the power of sacrifice and being at peace with death are more beautiful than I can explain.
SPOILERS OVER
BOTTOM LINE: I love this series so much and this book is now among my favorites. It was a fitting ending to the saga and I look forward to re-reading the whole series in the future.
“It is a strange thing to read a letter after the writer is dead, a bittersweet thing in which pain and comfort are strangely mingled.”
“Ah yes, you’re young enough not to be scared of perfect things.”
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LibraryThing member fuzzi
The youngest of Anne's children, Rilla, is almost 15, and ready for the gaiety of more grown-up activities such as parties, and dances, and having a beau. But suddenly conflict overseas in Europe flares into war, dragging all the young men into military service; Rilla finds herself growing up
The final book in the "Anne of Green Gables" series is a little darker than the preceding books, but that is to be understood, due to the setting. It had been years since I'd read the previous books in this series, so relationships for some of the characters remained a dim memory, but I still enjoyed this story of irrepressible "Anne-with-an-E".
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quickly as her brothers and friends become soldiers for England and Canada's cause in World War I.The final book in the "Anne of Green Gables" series is a little darker than the preceding books, but that is to be understood, due to the setting. It had been years since I'd read the previous books in this series, so relationships for some of the characters remained a dim memory, but I still enjoyed this story of irrepressible "Anne-with-an-E".
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LibraryThing member nancynova
Interesting to read a book published almost 100 years ago, when WWI was just over and WWII not even thought of. Rilla, Anne & Gilbert's youngest, is a fairly flightly girl at 15, until the war arrives & her brothers and sweetheart join up. While collecting $$ for the war effort, she stops at a home
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where the mother of a newborn has passed away & the aunt of the child is drunk. So, flighty Rilla takes Jims home in a soup tureen, because she didn't want the "war orphan" packed away to an orphanage while Dad is overseas. Show Less
LibraryThing member savageknight
This book, the final in the "original" Anne of Green Gables series, was such a wonderful volume to end the series on! As mentioned by many - and as can be assumed from the title of the book - this volume is about Anne's youngest daughter, Rilla. It is her coming-of-age tale which happens amidst the
We live through "watching" all those we care about in Glen St. Mary as they lose so many of their young men to war (and in some cases to death or dismemberment). While the impact of global events are felt by everyone, Rilla and the rest of the Blythe household persevere and deal with their losses, tragedies, and victories.
It's a very different book from the rest of the series as it deals with the harsh realities of life and the resilience of the human spirit, but it is not a completely "dark" book. Even during war, there are still joys to be had. Rilla of Ingleside was definitely a joy to read and probably the only other book in the series -besides the first- that I kept looking forward to continue reading.
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shattering events of World War One.We live through "watching" all those we care about in Glen St. Mary as they lose so many of their young men to war (and in some cases to death or dismemberment). While the impact of global events are felt by everyone, Rilla and the rest of the Blythe household persevere and deal with their losses, tragedies, and victories.
It's a very different book from the rest of the series as it deals with the harsh realities of life and the resilience of the human spirit, but it is not a completely "dark" book. Even during war, there are still joys to be had. Rilla of Ingleside was definitely a joy to read and probably the only other book in the series -besides the first- that I kept looking forward to continue reading.
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LibraryThing member puckrobin
Anne is all grown up, and Montgomery brings us details on the life of her youngest daughter, Rilla (named after Marilla Cuthbert, the woman who adopted Anne years ago at Green Gables). Rilla, like her mother, has a vivid imagination, but is very much more modern with a sharper sense of humour than
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Anne. While Montgomery allowed Anne to grow up with many of her romantic ideals in tact, Rilla begins to show readers some of Montgomery's less idealistic, darker views on life as Anne's family struggles through the uncertainty, change and personal loss visited on them by World War II. Show Less
LibraryThing member lilygirl
For some people it may be difficult to read all 8 of the books, but it is worth the journey to get to this tale. Anne of Green Gables is still my favorite because I read it first, but Rilla of Ingleside never fails to make me cry. It has its own distinct feel to it and I in no way felt that the
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author was attempting to create a "little Anne." In fact, it is darker and more adult than the first one. I highly recommend this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member rainbowdarling
Rilla is one of the best of the Anne series, second (in most peoples' eyes) only to the one that started it all. Rilla's journey is well-paced and poignant, showing a well-drawn picture of what life was like during the first world war for many people. Rilla of Ingleside never fails ot make me cry,
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and I root for Rilla just as much as I rooted for Anne when she was tackling geometry and pining for puffed sleeves. It feels like this is the story in which Montgomery came back to the same feeling that was found in Anne of Green Gables, despite the years that spanned in between the first and what would later become the last in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member FHC
An amazing story re-published with the many [4500] former publication cuts now replaced and included... edited by Benjamin Lefebvre, this special edition includes Montgomery’s complete, restored, and unabridged original text as well as a thoughtful introduction, detailed glossary, maps of Europe
In my latest story, “Rilla of Ingleside,” I have tried, as far as in me lies, to depict the fine and splendid way in which the girls of Canada reacted to the Great War – their bravery, patience and self-sacrifice. The book is theirs in a sense in which none of my other books have been: for my other books were written for anyone who might like to read them: but “Rilla” was written for the girls of the great young land I love, whose destiny it will be their duty and privilege to shape and share.
From L.M. Montgomery in “How I Became a Writer,” 1921
The coming of age of Anne's youngest daughter, fifteen yr old, Rilla, attending her first dance when the party is interrupted with the news of the anticipated Canadian involvement in the First WW .
The story is a vital depiction of the life of those keeping the faith on the homefront for family members away on the frontlines. The homefront called for measures of support and involvement that developed character and maturity unusual for a young woman of Rilla's age and personality.
Familial caring and stoic 'keeping calm' ~ coping in times of darkness & distress ~ the unknown that becomes the known ~ losses of lives and futures ~ authentically expressed emotions throughout.
Depths of despair to lofty heights of joy had me on a roller coaster throughout this story. Highly recommended, as usual, for another amazing LM Montgomery depiction of real life and beautiful character connection and development.
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during the war, and war poems by L.M. Montgomery and her contemporary Virna Sheard.In my latest story, “Rilla of Ingleside,” I have tried, as far as in me lies, to depict the fine and splendid way in which the girls of Canada reacted to the Great War – their bravery, patience and self-sacrifice. The book is theirs in a sense in which none of my other books have been: for my other books were written for anyone who might like to read them: but “Rilla” was written for the girls of the great young land I love, whose destiny it will be their duty and privilege to shape and share.
From L.M. Montgomery in “How I Became a Writer,” 1921
The coming of age of Anne's youngest daughter, fifteen yr old, Rilla, attending her first dance when the party is interrupted with the news of the anticipated Canadian involvement in the First WW .
The story is a vital depiction of the life of those keeping the faith on the homefront for family members away on the frontlines. The homefront called for measures of support and involvement that developed character and maturity unusual for a young woman of Rilla's age and personality.
Familial caring and stoic 'keeping calm' ~ coping in times of darkness & distress ~ the unknown that becomes the known ~ losses of lives and futures ~ authentically expressed emotions throughout.
Depths of despair to lofty heights of joy had me on a roller coaster throughout this story. Highly recommended, as usual, for another amazing LM Montgomery depiction of real life and beautiful character connection and development.
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LibraryThing member MrsLee
Nice stories with interesting characters, these later novels do not compare with the first three, but are still very readable.
LibraryThing member FHC
Read in September, 2012
An amazing story re-published with the many [4500] former publication cuts now replaced and included... edited by Benjamin Lefebvre, this special edition includes Montgomery’s complete, restored, and unabridged original text as well as a thoughtful introduction, detailed
In my latest story, “Rilla of Ingleside,” I have tried, as far as in me lies, to depict the fine and splendid way in which the girls of Canada reacted to the Great War – their bravery, patience and self-sacrifice. The book is theirs in a sense in which none of my other books have been: for my other books were written for anyone who might like to read them: but “Rilla” was written for the girls of the great young land I love, whose destiny it will be their duty and privilege to shape and share.
From L.M. Montgomery in “How I Became a Writer,” 1921
The coming of age of Anne's youngest daughter, fifteen yr old, Rilla, attending her first dance when the party is interrupted with the news of the anticipated Canadian involvement in the First WW .
The story is a vital depiction of the life of those keeping the faith on the homefront for family members away on the frontlines. The homefront called for measures of support and involvement that developed character and maturity unusual for a young woman of Rilla's age and personality.
Familial caring and stoic 'keeping calm' ~ coping in times of darkness & distress ~ the unknown that becomes the known ~ losses of lives and futures ~ authentically expressed emotions throughout.
Depths of despair to lofty heights of joy had me on a roller coaster throughout this story. Highly recommended, as usual, for another amazing LM Montgomery depiction of real life and beautiful character connection and development.
An amazing story re-published with the many [4500] former publication cuts now replaced and included... edited by Benjamin Lefebvre, this special edition includes Montgomery’s complete, restored, and unabridged original text as well as a thoughtful introduction, detailed
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glossary, maps of Europe during the war, and war poems by L.M. Montgomery and her contemporary Virna Sheard.In my latest story, “Rilla of Ingleside,” I have tried, as far as in me lies, to depict the fine and splendid way in which the girls of Canada reacted to the Great War – their bravery, patience and self-sacrifice. The book is theirs in a sense in which none of my other books have been: for my other books were written for anyone who might like to read them: but “Rilla” was written for the girls of the great young land I love, whose destiny it will be their duty and privilege to shape and share.
From L.M. Montgomery in “How I Became a Writer,” 1921
The coming of age of Anne's youngest daughter, fifteen yr old, Rilla, attending her first dance when the party is interrupted with the news of the anticipated Canadian involvement in the First WW .
The story is a vital depiction of the life of those keeping the faith on the homefront for family members away on the frontlines. The homefront called for measures of support and involvement that developed character and maturity unusual for a young woman of Rilla's age and personality.
Familial caring and stoic 'keeping calm' ~ coping in times of darkness & distress ~ the unknown that becomes the known ~ losses of lives and futures ~ authentically expressed emotions throughout.
Depths of despair to lofty heights of joy had me on a roller coaster throughout this story. Highly recommended, as usual, for another amazing LM Montgomery depiction of real life and beautiful character connection and development.
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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
I've read this book thrice in my life, and I'm pretty sure I was teary-eyed all three times.
I mean, the fact that you don't even need to know what "The Piper" by Private Walter Blythe said in order to know what it said... *sigh*
I mean, the fact that you don't even need to know what "The Piper" by Private Walter Blythe said in order to know what it said... *sigh*
LibraryThing member castiron
WWI hits. The young men of the town go off to war, some never to return, none to return unchanged. The book has a lot of saccharine moments (Rilla’s Soul has been Honed by Tragedy and Work and is now that of a Woman, yeehaw), but the war keeps the book as a whole from being too cloying.
LibraryThing member Doggydone
The final book in the Anne of Greeen Gable series and one of the best titles, in my opinion. Anne's sons go to war, one is never to return. Meanwhile on the home front, Anne's girls work for their troops and of course, fall in love. A true classic
LibraryThing member Jey_13
For once, when a book claims to change your life, it actually does.
I still remember the evening I sat down with Rilla of Ingleside. 'Misery in books is overrated', I thought, and honestly, very few books have the knack of reaching deep into you- and twisting your heart. This is one of them.
It's
Through this book- you can see Rilla's character grow- the volunteering at Red Cross society, the gritting of teeth as she adopts an orphan. When she finally realises the sacrifices that country and honor demand, she gives it her all.
As alwats, Montgomery weaves her magic thoroughly. This book has humour in parts, yes, but has a core of steel through it- duty, honor, sacrifice, and the love that only family can provide.
My copy of Rilla of Ingleside is worn, and yellowed, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything in the world. (except for an autographed copy by LMM. :D ) Because that's the true sign of a great book- you never want to let go of YOUR copy of it.
I still remember the evening I sat down with Rilla of Ingleside. 'Misery in books is overrated', I thought, and honestly, very few books have the knack of reaching deep into you- and twisting your heart. This is one of them.
It's
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1914, and the Great War is almost upon the world. However, cocooned in her secure world at Ingleside, Rilla's only worry is that she might not be attending a 'very important dance' and might not appear pretty enough. Shallow, you think? Honest. How many young girls can appreciate the consequences of a war? Through this book- you can see Rilla's character grow- the volunteering at Red Cross society, the gritting of teeth as she adopts an orphan. When she finally realises the sacrifices that country and honor demand, she gives it her all.
As alwats, Montgomery weaves her magic thoroughly. This book has humour in parts, yes, but has a core of steel through it- duty, honor, sacrifice, and the love that only family can provide.
My copy of Rilla of Ingleside is worn, and yellowed, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything in the world. (except for an autographed copy by LMM. :D ) Because that's the true sign of a great book- you never want to let go of YOUR copy of it.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
This is, if not the best book in the series, the second best. The novel is unique because it tells the story of the home front in Canada during World War I - one of the few to do so, and written just a few years after the end of the war. There are scenes that had me crying so that I couldn't read
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the text - who could forget Dog Monday greeting Jem? And there are Ideas in this book - noble and true and inspirational ideas. War is an ugly thing - but there are things worth dying for and Ms. Montgomery makes a case for the value of the things we pay dearly for. As a side note, I discovered that my treasured paperback copy is actually a slightly abridged version - the original 1921 novel is a bit more wordy and there are a number of funny "Susan" speeches that have been cut. The original novel has a subtly different flavor to it and is worth reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member t1bclasslibrary
This book stands out a lot from the other books in this series which are a lot more carefree even when the characters are having problems. This one had way too much World War I for my taste. There was too much play by play about different battles and events. Rilla was a good character, and she
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definitely grows, but I had way too much having to hear about this or that war thing. Show Less
LibraryThing member ThorneStaff
The main protagonist is Anne's youngest child, Rilla, who is just beginning to "come out" as a young woman at the onset of Canada's involvement in the First World War. At first she is petulant and selfish, but through the events of the war she really grows into a young woman who will make her
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parents -- and her community -- proud. The content is necessarily darker, and there is loss to the beloved family. But there are also scenes that remind us that even amidst great tragedy there is mighty triumph, in big and small ways. A fitting end to the 'Anne of Green Gables saga. Show Less
LibraryThing member SylviaC
Rilla of Ingleside is very much about WWI. Although it takes place entirely on Prince Edward Island, the war is more than just a backdrop to the story. So there is significant loss and sadness, but it is still ultimately a positive book. Rilla (Anne's youngest child) shows huge character
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development, and there is plenty of humour and love. Next to Anne of Green Gables, it is my favourite book by L. M. Montgomery. Show Less
LibraryThing member AngelaB86
A wonderful coming of age story, though not my favorite of the "Anne" books. Watching Rilla (Anne's youngest child) grow up during World War I is moving and sometimes heartbreaking.
LibraryThing member devafagan
[Re-read 2013]
I never really got excited about Rilla as a younger reader, but as an adult this is one of my favorites! It's so fascinating to see WWI through the eyes of Rilla and her family, at home in PEI, while the war rages on and one by one the young men go off to fight. Looking back from our
I do especially appreciate Walter's perspective. And Rilla's growth and transformation are wonderfully depicted.
I never really got excited about Rilla as a younger reader, but as an adult this is one of my favorites! It's so fascinating to see WWI through the eyes of Rilla and her family, at home in PEI, while the war rages on and one by one the young men go off to fight. Looking back from our
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current era, it is so odd and unnerving to read the propaganda, and yet Montgomery makes me understand where these characters are coming from. It is not an entirely comfortable book, for these reasons, but a lovely, heart-wrenching, eye-opening story. I do especially appreciate Walter's perspective. And Rilla's growth and transformation are wonderfully depicted.
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LibraryThing member INeilC
This is the most moving of all the Anne of Green Gables books. It tells the story of the First World War from the perspective of the Canadian Home Front. Written very soon after the war, it is as near contemporary an objective account as one can get of the dreadful choices facing the Canadian boys
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who faced a call-up to fight, and the treatment of their families back home. Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
In Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery we meet Anne Shirley Blyth’s youngest daughter, Marilla. Rilla is 15 years old and ready to enter into the adult world. She is hoping that soon her life will be filled with parties and fun activities. At her very first dance, she meets a young man who
In my re-read of the Anne of Green Gables series, I really enjoyed the first three “Anne” books. The rest have seen very dated and moralistic but Rilla of Ingleside is an exception. The story is set during World War I and this gives the story a strength and purpose. It’s sentimentality seems exactly right as the family and their friends are seeing their loved ones march off to war. This is also a picture of Canada during the war and what it was like to be so far away from the action yet so involved in all it’s details.
The story of Jem’s dog, Monday, waiting patiently at the train station for his master’s return brought me to tears. Rilla of Ingleside is an poignant read and mixes sadness with humor and a touch of romance. This was an excellent way to bring my reading about the Blythe family to an end.
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definitely takes her eye. Unfortunately it is 1914 and England and Germany have just declared war. The family eventually sees each of the three boys; Jem, Walter and Shirley, go off to war with Walter never to return home. Rilla also has to say goodbye to her beau, Ken, and makes a promise to wait for him.In my re-read of the Anne of Green Gables series, I really enjoyed the first three “Anne” books. The rest have seen very dated and moralistic but Rilla of Ingleside is an exception. The story is set during World War I and this gives the story a strength and purpose. It’s sentimentality seems exactly right as the family and their friends are seeing their loved ones march off to war. This is also a picture of Canada during the war and what it was like to be so far away from the action yet so involved in all it’s details.
The story of Jem’s dog, Monday, waiting patiently at the train station for his master’s return brought me to tears. Rilla of Ingleside is an poignant read and mixes sadness with humor and a touch of romance. This was an excellent way to bring my reading about the Blythe family to an end.
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Subjects
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1921
1996 (Nouvelle édition française, Presses de la Cité)
Physical description
277 p.; 6.85 inches
ISBN
9780553269222
Other editions
Rilla of Ingleside (Anne of Green Gables Series) by L. M. Montgomery (Paperback)
Similar in this library
Lexile
1030L