Before Green Gables


Before Green Gables is the title of a prequel to Anne of [Green Gables]. The book was published in 2008 by Puffin, a division of Penguin Books, as part of Puffin's celebration of Anne of Green Gables centennial anniversary.
The author of the prequel is Canadian children's author Budge Wilson. In the official press release, Budge Wilson wrote: "I will, of course, try to be true to the astonishing character that Lucy Maud Montgomery created… But I would not – in fact, could not – presume to tell my part of Anne's history in Montgomery's voice. I will do this in my own voice, hoping that she would approve of the project if she were alive today."

Synopsis

This book describes Anne's difficult pre-Green-Gables childhood. That time includes the deaths of her parents, her subsequent life with the Thomas and later the Hammond families, and her time in an orphanage.
Along the way, she meets some kind people who give her hope. Anne's imagination helps her get through these hard times, preparing her for her future at Green Gables.

Publisher

Three editions are available from different publishers:
Before Green Gables was translated into Japanese as Kon'nichiwa Anne and sold by Shinchosha and Polish as Droga do Zielonego Wzgórza, published by Wydawnictwo Literackie. The book was also translated in French with the title Anne... : Avant la maison aux pignons verts, published by Trécarré. An Italian translation was published by Kappa Edizioni with the title Sorridi, piccola Anna dai capelli rossi.

Reception

Benjamin Lefebvre, co-chairman of the L.M. Montgomery Research Group wrote, "while the links to Montgomery’s series are not always seamless, Before Green Gables is nevertheless a captivating story in its own right."
Budge Wilson of the Putnam Publishing Group reviewed the book for Publishers Weekly and wrote "the book is a quick read that will keep the reader invested in its compelling characters from start to finish." However Kirkus delivered an opposing review predicting "his drab, unappealing story probably won’t please Anne’s many admirers, nor will it inspire a new audience for Anne of Green Gables."

Adaptation

The series was adapted into an anime, Kon'nichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables, the latest entry in Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater series. It aired in Japan from April 5, 2009 to December 27, 2009.