Because something momentous is happening on February 21, 2008: they're releasing a prequel to Anne of Green Gables. That's right, you heard me: a prequel. Before Green Gables comes out this year to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the original book. A Canadian children's author (Budge Wilson) was commissioned to write it; and it's been approved by L.M. Montgomery's heirs. So part of me is very excited because, let's face it, I'm a rabid fangirl of all things Avonlea... and this is something new to obsess over.
Well, I'm a fan of almost all things. Let's be clear. I own all of L.M. Montgomery's books. I desperately enjoy most of them (we won't speak of Mistress Pat). I think I may have The Blue Castle memorized. And Gilbert Blythe is officially my Ur-Crush.Then there's the adaptations for television and film… I have the first two Sullivan Entertainment Anne movies memorized. It's on my list of goals for 2008 to begin acquiring Road to Avonlea on DVD. And though Gus Pike is a totally made-up character (not original to L.M. Montgomery's books at all), I love him dearly.
And yet… and yet, I fear what might happen with this adaptation. For one thing, Anne: The Continuing Story has taught me to be wary. (We will not discuss that movie. As far as I am concerned, it never happened.) For another thing, the prequel years will, by their very nature, be something of a downer to read about. After all, our dear Anne was in the early twentieth century version of foster care. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't happy.
So here's my question: am I ordering the book or not? Am I reading it obsessively the day it comes out, or pretending that it doesn't exist? Decisions, decisions. I need your help!
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9 comments:
A PREQUEL?!
I'm scared.
*wibbles in the corner*
Thanks for the heads-up...I think. You're right, of course, in all your deliberations--and this is a weighty decision that must be pondered carefully. There's just no telling. Any early reviews out yet?
Hmmm... this seems to be a common occurence lately. I saw Rhett Butler's People at the book store today and it's supposed to be a prequel too. I'm wary...
Okay, let's be honest -- scary? Yes. Disaster? Probable. (After all, SOMEONE approved of that horrid continuing saga movie junk - was it LM's heirs? so wrong...)But can you really NOT read it? Odds are, we'll read it and disown it, but it's got to be read. But on my student's wife budget, I'll be picking it up at the library.
Tara,
There may be a book coming your way in the future. After I read it and disown it, it may need a new home in Kansas...
I'm going to wait to hear the buzz about it. Because you're right, there is the potential for HUGE disaster here. I feel sort of sorry for the person writing it (though I think she is a rather well-known Canadian author), because that's a lot of pressure.
So, maybe you should buy it and tell us what it's like. ;)
But, hey, I like Mistress Pat! It makes me bawl like a child though.
Gus Pike!! Oh, that takes me back -- I didn't realize they were releasing the show on DVD.
Oh wow, I didn't even realize. Good question. We'll undoubtedly be getting it at work, so I'll examine it there.
Devon, maybe you can be our oracle. let us know what we, as devoted Anne fangirls, should do.
Even if it's horrible.....which hopefully it won't be, it sounds like you must read it. How could you not?
Just don't get your expectations up, maybe.
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