On Prince Edward Island, aging siblings Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt a boy to help with chores around the farm. But when Mathew arrives at the train platform, the only living creature in sight, legs dangling from the piles of shingles where she sits, is a freckled, green-eyed, redheaded little girl. Mathew senses immediately that life at Green Gables is going to be very different. And how right he is. The independent and fiery girl, Anne, changes the Cuthberts' lives immeasurably, and for the better.
Originally published in 1908; (P)1989 Recorded Books, LLC
"The sweetest creation of child life yet written." (Mark Twain)
"kindred spirit"
I love the book, as it is an old favorite, and I really like the reader! She really brings out the spirit of Anne and all the other characters! The reader truely understands what it means to be a kindred spirit! I really enjoyed this reading of Anne of Green Gables!
"The narrator ruined it"
I read this series as a girl and loved it. Anything that featured a bright, capable, brave girl as the main character thrilled me. And my name is Anne - with an "E," - and I had freckles as a girl, so I was even more bound to to this wonderful character. So when I bought this book to revisit this special little girl and her wonderful community, I was prepared to love it.
I didn't. And it was the narrator. Ms. Caruso had very little range for the various characters, but I rather got used to that. But her Anne was just too over the top. I understand the temptation to portray her precociousness and her excitement, but I simply could not get over mostly finding Anne annoying up until she was in her teens.
As Anne the girl spoke, all I could think was "annoying!" But Anne doesn't - or shouldn't *read* that way. It took me a while to figure out that the narrator's voice was too mature. Anne didn't sound like a girl. She was too "adult" in tone. The narrator couldn't seem to "youthify" the tone of her voice. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it's a bit like a male narrator who doesn't know how to give voice to a female character.
Anyway, I was disappointed.
Love Classics, Mysteries, Spirituality and Wellness ...I enjoy a broad selection of non-fiction as well as beautiful skillful literature and prose!
"Thoroughly Delightful!!"
Wonderful story and narrator! The only issues I have had with this recording/narrating is the balance of sound. From time to time, the narrator's voice is softer and I need to increase the volume to fully hear what she has said. I am not sure if this is just the narrator or if the engineering of the recording could have addressed this issue. Otherwise, the book and recording are terrific!
sansmile
"A classic"
I enjoyed this book within the context of its dated content.
If you want a classic
The performance was OK.
Yes, a good story, although old fashioned.
I love to read! Yet I'm on the go so much that listening to audio books gives me the chance to get lost in those books I long to read.
"Fun and Light Hearted"
Easy listen, good narration, takes into Ann's adventures. After I listened to this book I downloaded Book 2 looking forward to listening to the continuation of Ann and Avonlee.
Home school family with six children ages 7-21. We love listening to audible books together. We like Twaddle-free books.
"The Joy of Introducing a Dear Friend to the Family"
I grew up reading the Anne of Green Gables books. The older children had also read a few of them, but the younger ones had missed out. I was so happy to be able to get this book for a car trip. Barbara Caruso does a wonderful job of reading this book. Everybody enjoyed listening together. They couldn't wait until we could load up the second book in the series. This is a wonderful book for family bonding!
Just listening to books, I'm simple.
"Brings Peace to my Heart"
It was only my second book, besides school textbooks. I have always loved this story and always will.
Well, Anne with an e of course. :) She's wild and caring and so spunky. She makes me think back to my fun and silly childhood days. And makes me ever so thankful for my bosom buddies.
My favorite scene is as she plays the lily maiden.... Love it!
Yes, it's a long read and yet you find yourself fitting it in anywhere you can.
"Glorious Trip Down Memory Lane."
It is definitely up in top. I have read a lot of Audio books. This was my grandmother's beloved book when I was a child. I still have it. What a flood of memories listening to this caused. Amazingly unexpected, like running into an old childhood friend.
Anne of course but they are all wonderful characters.
I have not but she is wonderful.
Glorious Trip Down Memory Lane.
Read it.
"A favorite book plus lovely narration"
Certainly in the top 20 of over 350.
It's a bit like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm or Pollyanna, but the best of the genre.
She brings a real love for the book and its varied characters.
It's already been done, and the title is it! But you might add "growing up into herself.
Barbara Caruso obviously loves this book. Her characterizations are just delightful. She "gets" Anne.
"My daughter can't get enough"
A repeat favorite for months now. We are now planning a family trip to Prince Edward Island.