Hey all, Sam here.
We’ve had a bit of a cold snap come through here the past couple days, and I don’t like it. But it has been nice to cuddle up on the couch under a blanket and read or watch some TV. I’m still working on reading more NetGalley reads so I can improve my review ratio, but that is going to take quite a bit more reading…something like 150 or so books read. Of course, that number could increase with more book approvals on the site.
I only have myself scheduled for a minimum of one NetGalley review each week, and that’s on Thursdays. The posts that come up on Saturdays and Sundays are sort of a free for all, to discuss anything…which lately has just been a lot of book reviews. If I had to reduce posts for any reason, it would be the weekend posts that go away first. Of course, right now, I don’t see that happening, but it always could.
So, today’s NetGalley review is also giving us a double dose of manga for the week. Let’s go ahead and jump into my thoughts on this Manga Classics edition.
Siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert were planning to adopt an orphaned boy to help out around their farm, Green Gables – instead, they got Anne Shirley. A plucky redheaded girl with a vibrant imagination, Anne turns first Green Gables and then the rest of Prince Edward Island on its ear.
Manga Classics® is proud to be the only authorized manga adaption of Anne of Green Gables by the Heirs of L.M. Montgomery, with a foreword by Kate McDonald Butler – granddaughter of the original author!
This volume presents a faithful recreation of this classic kids novel, from the Lake of Shining Waters to the Dryad’s Bubble!
My Thoughts
Rating: 4 stars
Okay, so I’m going to start this by saying something that might be a bit surprising…I had never read or seen any adaptations of Anne of Green Gables before this. It wasn’t something I was introduced to growing up, and it wasn’t one of the books I read during my studies for my literature degree. I know this is a classic, and I’ve heard so many people talk about Anne Shirley, but I guess I was just busy with other things and never picked it up.
With the other Manga Classics I’ve reviewed here, I’ve known the source material, so I’ve known when they adjust dialogue, or cut out some scenes for better flow in manga format or whatever. I know that since this is an adaptation, that some things won’t make the cut, and will be left out or changed (with approval, obviously) for this version.
I liked this story. I do feel like the story covers a number of years, from when Anne first arrives in Green Gables when she’s like 12 and continuing on until she’s like 17 or so. That’s a lot of time, and considering some of the chapters are only one or two pages long, it seems clear that the story was condensed or simplified in some ways.
We do get a pretty good idea of Anne’s imagination and adventures and outlook on things. She is a bit dramatic, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It does keep the excitement coming with this slice-of-life story.
I enjoyed the rivalry between Anne and Gilbert, as well as the friendship between Anne and Diana. But it feels like the true heart of this story is Anne’s connection and relationship with Marilla and Matthew.
The artwork was adorable, and I had no issues following the art or the story. And I’m pretty sure this manga adaptation read so much faster than the original novel would have. I will say that it makes me curious to maybe check out the book, or possibly a TV adaptation.
Well, that is all from me for today. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’ll be back soon with more geeky content.
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