Captivating Classics [1]: Emily of New Moon: Review

Emily of New Moon Published by Dell Laurel-Leaf Also in this series: Emily Climbs , Emily's Quest
by L.M. Montgomery
Series: Emily #1
on 1923
Genres: Fiction, Classics, YA, Children's, Historical, Small Town & Rural
Pages: 339
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Reading Challenges: Beat the Backlist 2020, Summer 2020 Reading Assignment
Also by this author: Anne of Green Gables, Emily Climbs , The Golden Road , Emily's Quest, The Blue Castle, Pat of Silver Bush , Mistress Pat , A Tangled Web, Magic for Marigold, Jane of Lantern Hill, Twice upon a Time: Selected Stories, 1898–1939
Find the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

ISBN: 055323370X

Flame Rating:
Rating:

Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely--until her beloved father died. Now Emily's an orphan, and her mother's snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She's sure she won't be happy. Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends, with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who's sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Ilse, a tomboy with a blazing temper. Amazingly, Emily finds New Moon beautiful and fascinating. With new friends and adventures, Emily might someday think of herself as Emily of New Moon.

Hello! And welcome to this new feature that I have been contemplating for quite some time now!

 

I have always, always, always loved classic literature. I remember being in sixth grade and picking up Shakespeare for the first time and just falling in love.

Before that, though, it was L.M. Montgomery. And then, in my high school years it was Jane Austen. And from there, I just soaked it up.

Pride & Prejudice: Favorite Friday

There’s something so lovely about the way people told stories 100, 200 (or more!) years ago. Things were simpler and the romance of it has always spoke to me.

I’ve been rereading some L.M. Montgomery for a new reading challenge that I’m taking part in, and it inspired me to start this feature that I plan on doing–at least once a month–as a homage to all things classic literature.

Summer 2020 Reading Assignment Challenge

I’ll be rereading some old favorites and discovering new ones, every month and would love it if you would join me!

This month, for the Summer 2020 Reading Assignment, I’m reading the Emily series. So, today, I bring you my review of Emily of New Moon.

 

The first time I read this was when I was probably thirteen. I had finished the Anne series (for the first time ever) and couldn’t get enough L.M. Montgomery. So, 24 years later, here are my thoughts.

Plot

Emily of New Moon is about an 11-year-old girl who loses her father and becomes an orphan that is taken in by family that she’s never met.

From the beginning, I felt for Emily who does her best to make the best of each circumstance that is thrown her way.

The story takes place in the very early 20-century when children were still preferred to be seen and not heard. And Emily was raised by a father who was a little more liberal in his parenting so it’s even more of a shock for poor Emily who was adopted by a set of aunts–one who is very strict and rigid in her ideology.

Emily goes through many trials and tribulations as she gets used to life on New Moon farm.

She’s got a few friends and some enemies that color the story and Emily’s journey.

 

Characters

L.M. Montgomery writes incredible character-based stories.

Emily is such a delightful little girl with a vivid imagination. The New Moon crowd; Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Laura, and Cousin Jimmy each bring their own loveliness to the story. Even Aunt Elizabeth who is more than a little rough around the edges.

Ilse, Teddy, and Perry–Emily’s dear friends–are all special in their own way and add to Emily’s life in ways that change her for the best.

 

Writing

L.M. Montgomery is a near-perfect author. I say “near” because, even for me, she can be a little too poetic and descriptive at times.

 

Pacing

The pacing is spot-on. There are no boring lapses in the story and I flew through this book even though it’s a many-times reread for me.

 

Cover

In the age of artsy book covers, I realize this one is a little dated. But, I love it for the fact that it’s a wonderful portrayal of the feel of the story and… It evokes memories of my childhood.

 

Flame Rating

Zero flames due to it being a children’s book.

 

Rating Breakdown
Plot
Characters
Writing
Pacing
Overall:

 

Stay tuned for the next Captivating Classics, where I tackle Emily Climbs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Beat the Backlist 2020
• Summer 2020 Reading Assignment

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