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Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 children’s novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, published under the name L.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 children’s novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, published under the name L. M. Montgomery. It follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative 11-year-old orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. The book became a classic of children’s literature and led to a series of sequels and many adaptations.

Plot

The story begins when Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert expect to adopt a boy to help on their farm, but instead receive Anne Shirley, an imaginative red-haired girl. Her arrival changes life at Green Gables and forms the basis of the novel’s coming-of-age narrative.

Publication and authorship

Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and published in 1908. It was her first novel and became the work most closely associated with her career.

Setting

The novel is set in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, with Green Gables as the Cuthbert home. The setting is strongly tied to Canada and is associated with real locations on Prince Edward Island.

Legacy

The book became an international classic and inspired sequels and adaptations. It is one of the best-known Canadian works of fiction and has remained popular with readers for generations.

Key facts

  • The novel was written by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery and first published in 1908.
  • Anne Shirley is introduced as an 11-year-old orphan sent by mistake to Green Gables.
  • The book is widely regarded as a classic of children's literature.
  • The novel led to multiple sequels and adaptations across stage, film, radio, and television.
  • Montgomery wrote several Anne-related books after the original novel.
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Canadian context

Anne of Green Gables is one of the best-known works of Canadian literature and is closely associated with Prince Edward Island, where the story is set and where Montgomery was born.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Anne of Green Gables?
Lucy Maud Montgomery, who published as L. M. Montgomery, wrote Anne of Green Gables.
Where is Green Gables located?
In the story, Green Gables is in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
How many Anne of Green Gables books are there?
There are eight books in the main Anne series.
Is Anne of Green Gables a true story?
No. It is a work of fiction, although Montgomery drew on places and experiences from Prince Edward Island.
What is the age of Anne in Anne of Green Gables?
Anne Shirley is 11 years old when she arrives at Green Gables.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Anne-of-Green-Gables
    Supports: Author, publication year, plot summary, setting, and Anne’s age.
  2. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/women-impact/arts/lucy-maud-montgomery.html
    Supports: Montgomery as creator of Anne of Green Gables, publication year, and the Anne series.
  3. L. M. Montgomery Institute — https://lmmontgomery.ca/about/l-m-montgomery/
    Supports: First novel, publication details, and biographical context.
  4. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/anne-green-gables-l-m-montgomery
    Supports: Series information, Anne’s age, and overview of the novel.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Green_Gables
    Supports: Series count and general work overview.