Enter a new chapter of love, loss, and community in L.M. Montgomery’s tender novel, ‘Anne’s House of Dreams’, and read the complete book online for free.
Published in 1917, Anne’s House of Dreams is the fifth book in the Anne Shirley series and marks a profound transition in her life story. The novel opens with Anne and Gilbert Blythe’s long-awaited wedding, a beautiful ceremony at Green Gables that serves as a farewell to her girlhood. The newlyweds move to the remote seaside village of Four Winds Harbor, where Gilbert begins his medical practice. Their first home is a tiny, charming cottage—the “house of dreams” of the title—overlooking the magnificent Gulf of St. Lawrence.
This book is perhaps the most lyrical and emotionally mature of the early Anne sequels. It focuses on Anne’s early years of marriage: building a home, supporting her husband’s career, and navigating the joys and sorrows of starting a family. The narrative expands to include a rich tapestry of new characters who become Anne’s chosen family: the tragic, lighthouse-keeper Captain Jim with his endless stories; the sharp-tongued but golden-hearted Miss Cornelia Bryant, a self-proclaimed “man-hater” with a soft center; and the beautiful, mysterious Leslie Moore, trapped in a life of silent despair. Anne’s House of Dreams delves into deeper waters of human experience—marital love, maternal loss, enduring friendship, and the quiet heroism of everyday life—all while being infused with Montgomery’s unparalleled sense of place and the mystical beauty of the sea.
On this page, you can experience this beloved installment. We offer the complete 1917 novel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Anne’s House of Dreams |
| Author | L.M. Montgomery |
| Year of Publication | 1917 |
| Genre | Children’s Classics, Domestic Fiction, Romance |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read Anne’s House of Dreams Online]
Step into Anne and Gilbert’s first home. Begin this poignant and beautiful novel by exploring the first chapters interactively below.
This preview captures the wedding and arrival at Four Winds, but the full, deep story of marital joy, heartbreaking loss, and transformative friendship is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this touching marital chronicle and the continuing saga of Anne’s life. Build a home with the Blythes.
About Anne’s House of Dreams
Moving away from Avonlea allows Montgomery to explore Anne as a wife and community member in her own right, creating a story that is both a idyllic romance and a clear-eyed look at adult sorrow.
The Maturing of Anne and Gilbert’s Relationship
Their marriage is portrayed as a true partnership of mutual respect, intellectual equality, and deep, quiet love. The petty rivalries of childhood are gone, replaced by steadfast support and shared dreams. Gilbert is portrayed as an ideal but believable husband—kind, hardworking, and utterly devoted.
The New Community of Four Winds
The setting is arguably the most atmospheric in the series. The harbor, the lighthouse, the storms, and the ever-present sea are described with haunting beauty. The villagers are vividly drawn: Captain Jim, the repository of local history and legend; Miss Cornelia, whose hilarious diatribes mask a compassionate heart; and the tragic figure of Leslie Moore, whose story becomes central to the novel’s plot.
The Story of Leslie Moore
Leslie’s subplot introduces a note of Gothic tragedy and deep pathos. A woman of dazzling beauty and intelligence, she is trapped in a silent, joyless marriage to a man left mentally incapacitated by an accident. Her friendship with Anne, based on mutual understanding and a shared love of beauty, is one of the most profound in the series. Leslie’s plight allows Montgomery to explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and the possibility of redemption.
Motherhood and Loss
In her most daring and heartbreaking narrative turn, Montgomery has Anne experience the ultimate joy of bearing a child—a daughter, Joyce—only to lose her to a tragic illness in infancy. This chapter is handled with exquisite tenderness and raw emotion, depicting Anne’s crushing grief and her slow, painful journey back to life and hope with Gilbert’s support. It adds a layer of profound realism and depth to Anne’s character.
The Role of Storytelling
Captain Jim’s tales of shipwrecks, legends, and local history are woven throughout, grounding the novel in the lore of Prince Edward Island and connecting Anne’s domestic world to a larger, romantic past. Storytelling becomes a means of preservation, comfort, and community bonding.
Themes of Healing and Hope
Despite its moments of deep sorrow, the novel is fundamentally about healing. Anne’s garden and her “house of dreams” become symbols of nurturing new life. Her friendship helps heal Leslie’s spirit, and the community itself is a healing force. The ending, with the promise of new life (the birth of Anne’s son, “Little Jem”), affirms the cyclical nature of joy and sorrow.
A More Reflective, Spiritual Tone
The novel has a quieter, more contemplative mood. Anne’s imagination is tempered by experience, finding its expression not in dramatic scrapes but in creating a beautiful home, understanding complex human hearts, and appreciating the profound mysteries of life, love, and death by the sea.
Why Read Anne’s House of Dreams Today?
It is a masterful portrayal of early marriage, community building, and resilience in the face of grief. For readers who have grown up with Anne, it offers the deeply satisfying experience of seeing her navigate adult trials with the same courage, empathy, and capacity for love that defined her as a girl. It is a novel that celebrates the “dreams” that are built not on fantasy, but on commitment, friendship, and enduring hope.
FAQ
Is this book too sad because of the baby’s death?
The loss of Joyce is undoubtedly a heartbreaking moment, and Montgomery does not shy away from the depth of the grief. However, it is not a bleak book. The sorrow is treated with reverence and is part of a larger narrative about love’s resilience. The novel ends on a strong note of hope and renewal.
Do we see characters from Avonlea?
Yes, but in visits and letters. Marilla, Mrs. Lynde, Diana, and others make welcome appearances, but the focus is firmly on Anne’s new life in Four Winds. This allows the new characters and setting to shine.
Is Leslie Moore’s story resolved?
Yes, in a dramatically satisfying and romantic way that is one of the major plot arcs of the novel. Her journey from despair to hope is a central and rewarding element of the story.
How does it compare to the earlier, more humorous Anne books?
It is less comedic and more novelistic. The humor is still present, primarily through Miss Cornelia, but the overall tone is more lyrical, mature, and emotionally complex. Many consider it Montgomery’s finest writing in the series.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. Its evocative chapters and compelling emotional arcs make for immersive reading on any device.