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TL;DR: Elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert plan to adopt a boy to help on their Prince Edward Island farm, but a mix-up sends them Anne Shirley, a talkative, red-haired orphan girl. Anne's imagination and scrapes win over the town of Avonlea, and she grows into a bright young woman who chooses to stay by Marilla's side.
Table of Contents
Anne of Green Gables at a Glance
| Author | L.M. Montgomery |
| First published | 1908 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | readers of all ages who want a joyful, funny classic about growing up |
Anne of Green Gables is a novel by Canadian author L.M. Montgomery, first published in 1908. It became a worldwide favorite and began a series of eight books about Anne. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Main Characters
- Anne Shirley: An imaginative, talkative red-haired orphan.
- Marilla Cuthbert: A stern but loving woman who raises Anne.
- Matthew Cuthbert: Marilla's shy, gentle brother, who adores Anne.
- Diana Barry: Anne's best friend, her “bosom friend.”
- Gilbert Blythe: A clever boy who becomes Anne's rival and later her friend.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The mix-up
Matthew drives to the train station to pick up an orphan boy but finds eleven-year-old Anne instead. She chatters the whole way home. Marilla wants to send her back, but Matthew is charmed, and soon Marilla agrees to keep her.
Scrapes and friends
Anne befriends Diana Barry and gets into endless trouble. She loses her temper at Mrs. Lynde, dyes her hair green by accident and accidentally gets Diana drunk on currant wine she mistook for raspberry cordial. She saves Diana's sister from croup, which restores the friendship.
Gilbert
At school, Gilbert Blythe teases Anne by calling her “Carrots,” and she breaks a slate over his head. She refuses to forgive him for years, even when he rescues her from a sinking boat while she plays the Lady of Shalott.
Queen's
Anne studies hard and ties with Gilbert at the top of the entrance exams for Queen's Academy. She earns her teaching license in one year and wins the Avery Scholarship to attend college.
The ending
Matthew dies of a heart attack after losing his savings in a bank failure. Marilla is losing her eyesight. Anne gives up her scholarship to stay with Marilla at Green Gables. Gilbert gives up the Avonlea school so that Anne can teach there, and the two finally become friends.
5 Key Takeaways
- Imagination makes ordinary life richer.
- Love can grow where it was not planned.
- Mistakes are part of growing up.
- Forgiveness is better than holding grudges.
- Sacrifice for family can be a choice made with joy.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.
- There is a bend in the road, but it can lead somewhere good.
- Kindred spirits are worth finding.
Who Should Read Anne of Green Gables?
Read Anne of Green Gables if you want a funny, warm classic. It suits readers aged 9 and up and is a great family read.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Anne of Green Gables:
- How does Anne change Marilla?
- Why does Anne hold a grudge against Gilbert?
- Is Anne's sacrifice at the end the right choice?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Anne of Green Gables is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Anne of Green Gables, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
If the summary caught your interest, read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a book work or not.
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What to Read Next
- Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery: the next book in the series
- Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery: another imaginative heroine
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: a classic of sisters growing up
Related: 15 Books Like Anne of Green Gables for Adults You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anne of Green Gables about?
An imaginative orphan is adopted by siblings on Prince Edward Island and wins their hearts.
Where is it set?
In the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Who is Anne's best friend?
Diana Barry.
Does Anne marry Gilbert?
Not in this book, but they marry later in the series.
How old is Anne?
She is 11 at the start and about 16 at the end.
How many books are there?
Eight books in the main series.
What age is it for?
About 9 and up.
Is there a TV series?
Yes, including the 1985 miniseries and Netflix's Anne with an E.
Who are the main characters in Anne of Green Gables?
The main characters are Anne Shirley, Marilla Cuthbert, Matthew Cuthbert, Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. Anne Shirley: An imaginative, talkative red-haired orphan. Marilla Cuthbert: A stern but loving woman who raises Anne. Matthew Cuthbert: Marilla's shy, gentle brother, who adores Anne.
Is Anne of Green Gables worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers of all ages who want a joyful, funny classic about growing up. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.