"Anne of the Island" is the astonishingly good third entry in Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" series. With two years as the Avonlea schoolmarm behind her, the red-haired orphan Anne Shirley is finally off to Redmond College in Nova Scotia, along with friends Priscilla Grant, Stella Maynard, Charlie Sloane, and Gilbert Blythe.
The 18-year old Anne will adjust to college life in an unfamiliar city, balancing study, an active social life, and the need to find money for school. A new friend, Philippa Gordon, will help fill out a delightful cottage home for the girls, while guiding Anne to a link to her long-dead parents.
Anne will return to Green Gables at vacations to see her foster mother Marilla, the twins Dora and Davy, and her friends. In one of the most moving chapters of the book, Anne will attempt to comfort an old school friend dying young, on the verge of her engagement.
"Anne of the Island" is ultimately about choices. Anne has grown into an attractive, passionate, and caring young woman. She will receive six offers of marriage; several will be unexpected or unwanted. Two proposals will pose a dramatic choice for Anne, between the undoubted devotion of a longtime friend and admirer, and the wealth and charm of a suitor who seems to embody Anne's notion of romance.
"Anne of the Island" is a superbly written, emotionally moving journey. It is most highly recommended to fans of the "Anne of Green Gables" series. The cover art features Anne and Gilbert as portrayed by Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie in the 2000 Canadian TV production "Green Gables - The Continuing Story."