Lucy Maud Montgomery and Her Legacy
Lucy Maud Montgomery is one of those names that instantly makes me smile. When I think of her, I picture the dreamy world of Anne of Green Gables...rolling green hills, cosy cottages, and characters that feel like old friends. But what truly makes her stories so special is their deep connection to Prince Edward Island. This little island has been on my travel wishlist since forever. It's the heart and soul of Montgomery’s writing and the backdrop to so many unforgettable moments. This blog is my warm and joyful love letter to both Montgomery and the magical island that brought her words to life. Come along with me as we wander through her world!
Early Life and Influences
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in 1874 in Clifton, now called New London, on the beautiful Prince Edward Island. From the very start, she was surrounded by rolling fields, rugged coastlines, and those enchanting woodlands we all dream about. After losing her mother at a young age, she was raised by her grandparents, and that sense of home, family, and longing really shaped her outlook. Living in such a naturally rich and peaceful place helped spark her wild imagination. Her love of nature, cosy routines, and the rhythm of the seasons all came from growing up on the island. Honestly, it’s no wonder PEI became such a powerful presence in her stories ...it wasn’t just a setting, it was part of her soul.
A Peek Back in Time: The Island and Its Impact
Back when Lucy Maud Montgomery was growing up, Prince Edward Island was mostly quiet farmland sprinkled with small towns, rich with Scottish and Irish traditions. It wasn’t a tourist hotspot yet, but Montgomery’s stories put this charming little island on the map in a big way. Her books didn’t just bring readers to the island—they helped shape how people saw Canadian culture and made PEI a must-visit spot for fans all over the world.
Montgomery's Iconic Work: Anne of Green Gables
The Story Behind the Creation
Montgomery wrote Anne of Green Gables back in 1908, pouring so much of her own life and the stunning Prince Edward Island scenery into the story. It follows Anne Shirley, this fiery, imaginative orphan who gets sent by mistake to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables farm. What makes the book so special is Anne’s adventurous spirit and the cosy, lovable community around her, all set against the beautiful PEI landscape. Honestly, it’s no surprise this story became a classic, full of warmth, humour, and characters that feel like old friends.
Themes and Characters
At its heart, Anne of Green Gables is all about finding where you belong, letting your imagination run wild, and growing into who you’re meant to be. Anne’s fiery spirit and sunny outlook make you want to see the world through her eyes... full of magic and endless possibilities. The characters feel just as alive as the island itself, each one adding their own special touch of warmth and charm. Montgomery’s beautiful, down-to-earth way of showing rural life and human connections still speaks to readers everywhere, making it feel like a cosy hug every time you open the book.
Prince Edward Island: The Inspiration for Montgomery's Works
Prince Edward Island sounds like such a dream! I’m talking about those red dirt roads, blossoming orchards, and endless shorelines that pop up all over Montgomery’s stories. It really captures that slow, peaceful vibe of rural Canadian life back in the day. Honestly, it sounds like the perfect place to just breathe and soak in some calm...I’d love to be there right now.
And can we talk about Anne’s knack for giving places the coolest names? Take the forest near Green Gables... Anne calls it “The Haunted Wood,” but not because it’s actually spooky. Nope, it’s all in her wild imagination turning it into this mysterious, magical spot. What’s even better is that Lucy Maud Montgomery got inspired by the real woods near her home in Cavendish, PEI. Those woods are peaceful, leafy, and full of secret little corners just waiting to be explored. She loved wandering there as a kid, and you can totally feel that sense of wonder and adventure in her writing.
If you’re as enchanted by Anne of Green Gables as I am, you’ll love our wax melt bars inspired by the story’s most cherished quotes. They’re a cosy little nod to Green Gables, perfect for adding a touch of literary magic to your space.
Montgomery's Other Noteworthy Works
The Story Girl and Other Novels
Beyond Anne, Montgomery wrote a bunch of other wonderful novels like The Story Girl, Emily of New Moon, and Pat of Silver Bush. Each one has that same special touch ...beautiful descriptions of nature, deep emotions, and strong, relatable female characters. These stories dive into themes like finding yourself, friendship, and growing up, all set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island’s lovely landscapes. It’s like the island itself is this warm, comforting presence that ties all her stories together. How cute is that?
Legacy of Her Short Stories
Montgomery was also a prolific writer of short stories published in various magazines. These tales often explored everyday moments infused with a touch of whimsy and insight. Though not as famous as her novels, they offer wonderful glimpses into the life and values of early 20th-century PEI society, deepening our understanding of Montgomery’s literary world.
Lucy Maud Montgomery's Life in Prince Edward Island
Personal Life and Struggles
Though she achieved great success, Montgomery’s personal life was not without challenges. She struggled with depression and health issues throughout her life, and her experiences brought a poignant depth to her writing. Despite these hardships, her love for Prince Edward Island and its people remained a constant source of comfort and inspiration.
Her Lasting Connection to PEI
Montgomery’s love for Prince Edward Island never faded, even as life threw its challenges her way. She passed away in 1942, but the island still celebrates her like the LEGEND she is. From the Anne of Green Gables Museum to all the little landmarks tucked across PEI, you really feel like you’ve stepped right into one of her stories. It’s the kind of place where imagination and real life blur in the most magical way.
The Ongoing Influence of Montgomery on Literature and Culture
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s influence goes way beyond the shores of Prince Edward Island. Her books have been translated into loads of languages and turned into everything from films to TV shows to stage productions. I absolutely loved Anne with an E on Netflix — it captured the spirit of the books so beautifully and I just know I’ll be rewatching it this autumn with a cosy blanket and a hot drink. Montgomery’s love of nature, imagination, and finding magic in the everyday still inspires so many of us. She reminds us that even the ordinary can be something truly special.
Celebrating Lucy Maud Montgomery
Exploring Prince Edward Island through Lucy Maud Montgomery’s eyes feels like stepping into a storybook. Her writing brings the island to life with so much charm, warmth, and imagination. You can almost hear the crunch of leaves under Anne’s boots or feel the breeze rolling over the red fields. PEI and Montgomery are forever linked in this beautifully magical way, and for anyone who loves Anne of Green Gables or literary history, it’s the kind of place that just pulls at your heart. It’s like time stands still there in the loveliest way and what I'd give to be there during autumn...crunchy leaves, apple pie, hedgerow jam...
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers- Anne Shirley
Diving into the world of Lucy Maud Montgomery and the dreamy charm of Prince Edward Island has honestly felt like a warm hug in book form. I just adore how her stories capture the magic in everyday moments and remind us to see the world through a more whimsical, hopeful lens ...something I try to do in my own life, especially during the cosy seasons!
If you're as enchanted by Anne and her world as I am, you’ll love my literary wax melts inspired by classic book quotes. They’re hand-poured with love and designed to bring that nostalgic, comforting feeling of your favourite stories into your home. Think cinnamon spice, autumn woods and all the bookish vibes. So pop the kettle on, grab a good book, and melt something magical...because every reader deserves a little extra cosiness.
