The Blythes Are Quoted

The Blythes Are Quoted is L.M. Montgomery's final work featuring Anne Shirley Blythe, completed shortly before the author's death in 1942 but not published in full until 2009. The book combines fifteen short stories with forty-one poems and multiple vignettes set in Glen St. Mary, Prince Edward Island. The narrative structure alternates between standalone stories about townspeople and evening scenes of the Blythe family discussing Anne's poetry. While Anne and Gilbert Blythe appear as minor characters or references throughout the stories, the main plots focus on other residents of Glen St. Mary. The book spans several decades, with the first half taking place before World War I and the second half covering the period through the start of World War II. Each story is complemented by poetry attributed to either Anne or her son Walter, creating connections between the various narrative elements. This distinctive format allows Montgomery to explore themes of family dynamics, small-town life, war's impact on communities, and the role of storytelling in preserving memories and connecting generations.

Readers note this collection offers a darker, more mature perspective compared to Montgomery's other works, showing her grappling with themes of war, death, and moral complexity. The book reveals a different side of Anne's character through her poetry and interactions. Readers appreciated: - The interconnected short stories and poems - Insights into the adult lives of familiar characters - Raw emotional honesty about difficult subjects - Historical context of both World Wars Common criticisms: - Poetry sections interrupt story flow - Tone feels inconsistent - Some stories seem disconnected from main characters - Less polished than Montgomery's other works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) Several reviewers mentioned struggling with the book's structure, with one Goodreads reviewer noting it feels "more like a writing exercise than a cohesive novel." Others praised its authenticity, with an Amazon reviewer calling it "a fascinating glimpse into Montgomery's true thoughts about war and human nature."

Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery A story collection following a young writer's journey through family dynamics, romance, and small-town life on Prince Edward Island.

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery The tale of a repressed woman who breaks free from her family's constraints after receiving life-changing news.

Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson A novel about a woman who writes a book about her village neighbors, leading to chaos when the residents recognize themselves in its pages.

The Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield A diary-format chronicle of a woman's observations about family life and social dynamics in an English village between the wars.

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym The story of a spinster's involvement in her neighbors' lives reveals the hidden complexities of post-war English society.

🌟 The manuscript was completed in 1942, just months before Montgomery's death, making it her last written work. 🌟 Despite being written in the 1940s, the complete book remained unpublished for 67 years until 2009, when it was finally released in its original, unabridged form. 🌟 The book's format was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a mix of short stories, poetry, and vignettes - a significant departure from traditional novel structure in the 1940s. 🌟 Montgomery drew inspiration for the wartime themes from her own experiences during both World Wars, including her son's service in WWII and the loss of her closest friend's son in WWI. 🌟 The original manuscript was significantly edited and shortened when portions were first published in 1974 under the title "The Road to Yesterday," removing much of the darker content and complex themes.