From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week’s column continues to focus on notable Canadian authors, with a brief look at the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30, 1874, in Clifton, P.E.I. and died on April 24, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. She is “best known for Anne of Green Gables (1908), a sentimentalized but often charming story of a spirited, unconventional orphan girl who finds a home with an [older] couple.”
What
Some examples of Montgomery’s works include the Anne of Green Gables series, including Anne of Green Gables (1908), Anne of Avonlea (1909), Anne of the Island (1915), Anne of Windy Poplars (1936), Anne’s House of Dreams (1917), Anne of Ingleside (1939), Rainbow Valley (1919), Rilla of Ingleside (1921), and The Blythes Are Quoted (2009). She is also well known for her Emily of New Moon series, including Emily of New Moon (1923), Emily Climbs (1925), and Emily’s Quest (1927).
Additional works include Pat of Silver Bush, The Story Girl, and The Blue Castle.
Where
These novels primarily take place in and around Price Edward Island.
When
These novels are set in the 20th century.
Why
These works could be of interest to AU learners who would like to learn about small-town life in rural Prince Edward Island, as well as those who enjoy stories of childhood, adolescence, loneliness, and triumph over difficult circumstances.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery are available in a variety of disciplines, including some that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 302: Introduction to Canadian Literature, a senior-level, six credit-course, which “presents an overview of Canadian literature from its beginnings to the present. Students will study novels, poetry, humorous stories, drama, exploration narratives, creative non-fiction stories, and other works.” (Note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites). Happy reading!