Although L.M. Montgomery proposed the volume of linked short stories Chronicles of Avonlea (1912) as an imperfect substitute for a second sequel to Anne of Green Gables (which she was still unwilling to write at this point), many reviews proclaimed that the book contained some of her best work. This book was also part of the basis for the popular television series Road to Avonlea (1990–1996).
“In this volume the author establishes her right to be considered one of the
best short story writers in our country.” —The Oakland Tribune (Oakland, CA)
“The author shows a wonderful knowledge of humanity, great insight and warm-heartedness in the manner in which some of the scenes are treated, and the sympathetic way the gentle peculiarities of the characters are brought out.” —The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
“To say that the Chronicles of Avonlea is a better book than Miss Montgomery’s other books is in the nature of trying to gild refined gold. But as impossible as the feat may seem, this delightful Canadian woman is improving as her pen becomes more practiced.” —The Rochester Herald (Rochester, NY)
These reviews and hundred more like them will appear in The L.M. Montgomery Reader, Volume 3: A Legacy in Review, to be published by University of Toronto Press in late December.