Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) (2022) is a modern adaptation of
L.M. Montgomery's
story as a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Kathleen Gros. The graphic novel is 304 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of
Anne of Green Gables with an LGBTQ+ spin.
In this retelling, Anne Shirley is a foster child who is taken in by the Cuthberts and find a new home at the Avon-Lea apartments. Anne develops a strong relationship with her neighbor Diana, and her feelings grow to be more than friendship.
Author and illustrator Kathleen Gros previously published a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott's
Little Women in 2020, entitled
Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of). In an interview with Emma Kantor for
Publishers Weekly, Kathleen Gros reflected on how she approaches her adaptations saying, "My approach is to try and hold on to the heart of the story—the themes, the feelings of the characters, and what resonated with me as a reader. At the same time, I try to find analogous ways to express those ideas that might feel more familiar to readers today."
Kathleen Gros explains why she explored LGBTQ+ themes in her contemporary retelling of Anne's story saying, "In my retelling, I was particularly interested in further exploring Anne and Diana’s friendship. So many of the queer women I know saw their childhood crushes reflected in Anne and Diana’s relationship. I wanted to speak to those feelings and honor them with this adaptation."
In an essay at the
New York Times, Catherine Hong reviewed several modern adaptations of
Anne of Green Gables. In discussing Kathleen Gros's retelling, Hong writes: "Much has been written about repressed desire in the series at least since 2000, when Laura Robinson’s paper 'Bosom Friends: Lesbian Desire in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Books' sparked a mini-furor at an academic conference. It’s no stretch: Even casual fans have to raise an eyebrow at Anne’s flamboyant passion for Diana and her scornful attitude toward marriage. 'I love Diana so, Marilla,'” Anne declares. 'I cannot ever live without her. But I know very well when we grow up that Diana will get married and go away and leave me. And oh, what shall I do? I hate her husband — I just hate him furiously.'" Catherine Hong says that Gros doesn't shy away from these observations of repressed desire and instead "puts the gay stuff front and center."
Here is the description of the book from
Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers:
In this modern graphic novel retelling of Anne of Green Gables from graphic novelist Kathleen Gros, foster kid Anne Shirley finally lands in a loving home and befriends a girl who she may have more-than-friends feelings for.
Anne Shirley has been in foster care her whole life. So when the Cuthberts take her in, she hopes it’s for good. They seem to be hitting it off, but how will they react to the trouble that Anne can sometimes find herself in . . . like accidentally dyeing her hair green or taking a dangerous dare that leaves her in a cast?
Then Anne meets Diana Barry, a girl who lives in her apartment building, the Avon-Lea. The two become fast friends, as Anne finds she can share anything with Diana. As time goes on, though, Anne starts to develop more-than-friends feelings for Diana.
A new foster home, a new school, and a first-time crush—it’s a lot all at once. But if anyone can handle life’s twists and turns, it’s the irrepressible Anne Shirley.
Reviews
"Gird your loins, traditionalists, because the queerification of Anne is in full flower."
—Catherine Hong, The New York Times
"Coupled with easy-to-follow paneling, expressive characters rendered in vibrant hues aptly covey middle school dramas that tug on the heartstrings and provide levity in this cozy jaunt."
—Publishers Weekly
"Gr 6-8-The "Sort Of" in the subtitle is an important clarification for readers expecting a graphic novel of Anne's adventures in Avonlea, who might be startled at the modern take on the beloved novel. In Gros's version, Anne Shirley is a foster kid living with the Cuthbert siblings, who are surprised at the teenaged girl who arrives at their door. The Cuthberts live in an apartment building named Avon-Lea, where Anne Shirley fans will find many recognizable characters. Similar to Montgomery's telling, Anne is headstrong and difficult to get along with, and she has her characteristically recognizable run-ins with the neighbors and classmates. Diana is introduced to Anne as a possible friend, and the girls do form a quick bond, spending lots of time together. Readers will begin to see the graphic novel and original novel diverge when Anne and Diana attend the neighborhood middle school and interact with other seventh graders who have modern-day issues. This is especially showcased when Anne and Diana develop crushes on each other and attend a dance together. As a stand-alone story rather than an adaptation, this graphic novel succeeds on its own, with plenty of realistic plot points for middle grade readers to find compelling and fun. VERDICT A fun story for middle grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age graphic novels and modern adaptations of classics."
—Kim Gardner, School Library Journal
ISBN: 9780063057654
Image credit:
Book cover of
Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of).
References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating.
The New York Times. Retrieved from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.
Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.'
Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.
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Created October 29, 2022. Last
updated May 2, 2024.
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