Follow Anne Shirley’s journey into adulthood at Redmond College in L.M. Montgomery’s ‘Anne of the Island’, and read the complete novel online for free.
Published in 1915, Anne of the Island is the third book in the iconic series and chronicles a pivotal chapter in Anne Shirley’s life: her university years. Leaving the familiar shores of Avonlea, Anne ventures to Kingsport to attend Redmond College, accompanied by her bosom friend, Diana Barry’s cousin, the pragmatic and stylish Priscilla Grant, and the ever-loyal, now openly adoring Gilbert Blythe. This novel beautifully captures the bittersweet transition from the secure world of childhood and community to the expansive, sometimes lonely, world of intellectual pursuit and independent young adulthood.
At Redmond, Anne experiences the joys of scholarship, deep female friendship in the cozy “Patty’s Place” boarding house with new kindred spirits like the ethereal Philippa Gordon, and the bittersweet pangs of growing apart from old Avonlea ties. The story is famously threaded with Anne’s romantic misadventures, including the humorous yet poignant proposals from the determined millionaire, Charlie Sloane, and the comically dreadful rustic suitor, Billy Andrews. Most centrally, it explores her complicated feelings for Gilbert, whose own patient, unwavering love she fails to recognize until a dramatic crisis threatens to lose him to her forever. Filled with the signature charm, poetic descriptions, and gentle wisdom of Montgomery, Anne of the Island is a touching exploration of dreams realized and redefined, the nature of true love, and the enduring pull of home.
On this page, you can continue Anne’s beloved story. We offer the complete 1915 novel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Anne of the Island |
| Author | L.M. Montgomery |
| Year of Publication | 1915 |
| Genre | Children’s Classics, Bildungsroman, Romance, Campus Novel |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read Anne of the Island Online]
Embark on Anne’s great academic and romantic adventure. Begin this pivotal sequel by exploring the first chapters interactively below.
This preview captures Anne’s farewell to Avonlea and her arrival at Redmond, but the full narrative of her college triumphs, friendship dramas, and long-awaited romantic awakening is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About Anne of the Island
This volume marks a significant maturation in tone, dealing with more adult themes of love, loss, and ambition while retaining the warmth and humor of the earlier books.
Anne’s Intellectual Awakening
For the first time, Anne is immersed in a world that values her intellect as much as her imagination. Her success at Redmond is a triumph, validating her years of study and ambition. The novel celebrates female scholarship and the joy of learning for its own sake, a progressive theme for its time.
The Patty’s Place Household
The boarding house run by Aunt Jamesina becomes a new, chosen family for Anne. Her friendships with the flighty, beautiful Philippa (“Phil”) Gordon and the steady, sensible Priscilla and Stella represent different facets of womanhood. Their camaraderie, jokes, and support system form the heart of Anne’s college experience, illustrating the importance of female community outside the family.
The Romantic Plot: Misrecognitions and Final Clarity
Anne’s romantic journey is the central tension. Montgomery skillfully depicts Anne’s blindness to her own heart. She romanticizes the idea of a tall, dark, mysterious stranger (briefly embodied by the dashing but shallow Roy Gardner) while failing to see that her true “kindred spirit” has been beside her all along in Gilbert. The series of proposals she receives are both comic and revealing, highlighting her desirability and her own confusion about what she truly wants.
Gilbert Blythe: Patience and Devotion
Gilbert’s character deepens here. He is no longer just the childhood rival but a steadfast, successful, and patient man who loves Anne completely. His decision to step back and let her “be free” after his proposal, and the subsequent crisis of his near-fatal illness, serves as the catalyst for Anne’s ultimate epiphany—that her friendship with Gilbert was the foundation of a far deeper love.
Themes of Change and Nostalgia
The novel is permeated with a sweet melancholy. Anne and her friends are acutely aware that their idyllic college life is transient. Visits home to Avonlea highlight the changes there as well, with marriages and deaths altering the landscape of her youth. The book beautifully captures the poignant excitement of moving forward while looking back with love.
The Shadow of Tragedy: The Death of Ruby Gillis
In a sobering subplot, the death of their flirtatious, pleasure-seeking Avonlea schoolmate, Ruby Gillis, from consumption, brings a stark confrontation with mortality to Anne and her friends. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and contrasts Ruby’s fear of death with Anne’s more philosophical and faith-filled perspective.
The Poetic Style
Montgomery’s prose remains lush and evocative, whether describing the blossoming orchards of Avonlea, the stormy seas of Kingsport, or the cozy firelit interiors of Patty’s Place. Anne’s own literary ambitions (she begins selling stories) are reflected in the narrative’s conscious beauty.
Why Read Anne of the Island Today?
It is the quintessential “college novel” and a timeless story about finding oneself. Its exploration of the confusion between infatuation and true love, the value of deep friendship, and the balancing of personal ambition with emotional commitment resonates powerfully with young adults and anyone who remembers the crossroads of early adulthood.
FAQ
Do I need to read the first two books?
It is highly recommended. While the college setting is new, the emotional weight of Anne’s relationships with Gilbert, Diana, and Marilla, and her deep love for Green Gables, depends on the foundation built in Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea.
Is this the book where Anne and Gilbert finally get together?
Yes. This novel contains the long-awaited resolution of their romantic tension, making it a favorite for fans of their relationship. The culmination is deeply satisfying and emotionally earned.
Is it sadder than the previous books?
It has a more mature, sometimes melancholic tone, dealing with themes of death, unrequited love, and the passage of time. However, it is balanced by great humor, academic triumphs, and the ultimate joy of Anne’s romantic realization.
What is the significance of the title?
“The Island” refers to Prince Edward Island, but in this context, it symbolizes Anne’s spiritual and emotional home. Even while at college on the mainland, her heart and destiny remain inextricably linked to the island and the people there, especially Gilbert.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. Its engaging mix of campus life, friendship, and romance makes it a perfect read for any device.