Return to the enchanting world of Avonlea in L.M. Montgomery’s ‘Anne of Avonlea’, and read the complete novel online for free.
Published in 1909, Anne of Avonlea is the delightful sequel to the immortal Anne of Green Gables, catching up with our beloved heroine as she steps from girlhood into the responsibilities and wonders of young adulthood. Now sixteen, Anne Shirley has forgone a college scholarship to stay at Green Gables and help Marilla Cuthbert, whose eyesight is failing. She takes up the post of schoolteacher at the Avonlea school, determined to be a “kindred spirit” to her pupils and to bring her unique brand of imagination and optimism to the task.
This charming novel follows Anne through two eventful years as she navigates the trials of teaching (including the infuriatingly stubborn but oddly appealing Anthony Pye), the founding of the Avonlea Village Improvement Society (with predictably dramatic and humorous results), the arrival of new neighbors like the tart-tongued but golden-hearted Miss Lavendar Lewis, and the continued growth of her “bosom friendship” with Diana Barry. Filled with the same lyrical descriptions of Prince Edward Island’s landscapes, witty dialogue, and a host of unforgettable new characters—including the irrepressible twins Davy and Dora Keith—Anne of Avonlea is a warm, funny, and poignant continuation of Anne’s journey. It explores themes of mentorship, community, the bittersweet passage of time, and the enduring power of keeping one’s imagination alive even while shouldering grown-up duties.
On this page, you can revisit this beloved classic. We offer the complete 1909 novel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Anne of Avonlea |
| Author | L.M. Montgomery |
| Year of Publication | 1909 |
| Genre | Children’s Classics, Domestic Fiction, Bildungsroman |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read Anne of Avonlea Online]
Come home to Green Gables and a slightly older, but no less dreamy, Anne. Begin this heartwarming sequel by exploring the first chapters interactively below.
This preview finds Anne on the threshold of her teaching career, but the full chronicle of her classroom misadventures, village projects, and tender moments is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this delightful sequel and our entire collection of L.M. Montgomery’s works and classic children’s literature. Grow up alongside Anne.
About Anne of Avonlea
The novel masterfully balances the comforting familiarity of Avonlea with Anne’s gentle maturation, proving that growing up doesn’t mean losing one’s spark, but learning to channel it in new ways.
Anne as Teacher
A central arc follows Anne’s professional development. She begins with lofty, romantic ideals about inspiring her students, but quickly learns the challenges of discipline (personified in Anthony Pye) and the quiet rewards of genuine connection. Her teaching philosophy—based on encouragement, imagination, and seeing the potential in every child—is a direct extension of her own character.
New Responsibilities: The Keith Twins
The arrival of six-year-old twins Davy (mischievous and endlessly inquiring) and Dora (proper and placid) at Green Gables adds a new layer of domestic comedy and challenge. Anne’s attempts to guide and understand Davy, in particular, are hilarious and touching, serving as a kind of practice for motherhood and deepening her bond with Marilla.
The Avonlea Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.)
Anne’s project to beautify Avonlea, joined by Diana, Fred Wright, and Gilbert Blythe, is a delightful satire of small-town politics and well-intentioned youthful enthusiasm. Their efforts, from painting old houses to renaming roads, meet with mixed results and generate some of the book’s funniest episodes, showcasing Montgomery’s sharp but affectionate humor about rural life.
The Introduction of Miss Lavendar
The lonely, whimsical Miss Lavendar Lewis of Echo Lodge is one of Montgomery’s most beloved secondary characters. A kindred spirit trapped in the past, her storyline introduces a note of gentle, romantic melancholy and culminates in one of the most satisfying and joyous subplots in the series, proving it’s never too late for happiness.
Deepening Friendships
Anne’s relationship with Gilbert Blythe continues to evolve into a steady, respectful friendship and intellectual rivalry, with the romantic tension deepening subtly in the background. Her bond with Diana remains steadfast, and her connection to Marilla deepens into a partnership of mutual care and dependence.
Themes of Growth and Continuity
The novel is about transition. Anne bridges the world of childhood and adulthood, student and teacher, dreamer and doer. Avonlea itself is in transition, with new faces and ideas slowly filtering in. Montgomery cherishes the old ways while allowing for gentle, necessary change.
Montgomery’s Descriptive Magic
The prose remains as evocative as ever, painting the changing seasons of Prince Edward Island—the crimson of autumn roads, the serene white of winter, the “flash of golden daffodils” in spring—as a backdrop to Anne’s emotional landscape. Nature is still a character and a solace.
Why Read Anne of Avonlea Today?
It is the perfect comfort read, offering humor, heart, and a celebration of community, perseverance, and the joy found in simple things. For anyone who loved Anne of Green Gables, it is a necessary and rewarding continuation that honors the original’s spirit while allowing its heroine to mature in believable and inspiring ways.
FAQ
Do I need to read Anne of Green Gables first?
It is highly recommended. While you could follow the plot, the deep emotional resonance comes from knowing Anne’s history, her hard-won place at Green Gables, and her relationships with Marilla, Matthew (whose memory is a tender presence), and Gilbert.
Is there romance in this book?
Romance is a secondary theme. The focus is on Anne’s career, her community work, and her domestic life. Her relationship with Gilbert is one of strong friendship and unspoken understanding, setting the stage for future developments. The primary romance belongs to the charming subplot involving Miss Lavendar.
Is it as good as the first book?
Many fans cherish it nearly as much. It lacks the iconic, concentrated arc of the first novel (the orphan finding a home), but it gains in breadth, exploring Anne’s impact on her wider community. Its charm and warmth are undiminished.
What age group is it for?
It is perfect for readers aged 10 and up, but its themes of responsibility, mentorship, and finding one’s place in the adult world resonate deeply with adult readers as well.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. Its episodic, charming chapters are ideal for reading in cheerful bursts on any device.