Reviews

Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery

so_darling's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sometimes_iread's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This feels like a return to the roots of this series and I am totally here for it. Sure, the focus has shifted away from Anne but I’m not terribly fussed this time round.

Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery follows the family of the new minister, the Merediths, in Four Winds, as the children get into all sorts of scrapes and the father tries to find his footing in the small town. The Gilbert family still plays a role, but a smaller one, that of neighbours and sometimes catalysts of plot points, allowing things to be fresh yet familiar.

I enjoyed this read a lot! It was sweet, sprinkled with youthful antics, and full of heart. Although Anne, or any of the Gilberts for that matter, doesn’t feature prominently here, I didn’t feel the lack that keenly. Perhaps it was the introduction of a really lovely and interesting family, or perhaps it was the use of a loose, overarching narrative, whatever the case, Rainbow Valley worked for me in ways Anne of Ingleside did not. 

I loved the Meredith children because they were hilarious, yet there was just something tender and vulnerable about each of them that truly captured the essence of the earlier Anne books. Their hearts are in the right place, they just don’t know any better. I was so glad when people started realizing that the way forward really was to care for the children and not censure. 

On that note, how is it acceptable for a father to be completely negligent? Sure, he may be a good man and all that, but doesn’t a loving father do his best for his children? Whether that be finding a capable housekeeper or governess, or actually being involved in his children’s lives, so much more could have been done. What really grated on me was how he resolved to do better and immediately was lost in another book. Flighty or not, a parent is a parent, and needs must. Of course, things were different then and child rearing wasn’t seen as a man’s job. Am so glad I live in this time and age and not then. 

Diversity meter:

Orphan characters 

patrycjozaa's review against another edition

2.0

2.5

bookworm356's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

victoriamarie2489's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

sagireadinglist's review against another edition

2.75

It's amazing how much I didn't care about the Meredith children. None of them were interesting to me. And don't get me started on John Meredith. Sir, what do you mean you deeply love your children but you're still neglecting them? Even though you clearly know their living conditions? Truly a man who didn't step up.

sophie_liest's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

samantha_45's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.0

baileydouglass's review against another edition

4.0

I just love the Anne of Green Gables books and am having a gorgeous time revisiting them. This one isn't quite as sweet as the first few, but I think that's because I have less of an emotional connection to it, but it's a lovely story and it feels very good to read after a stressful day.

amandafetters's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0