After re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series, I have to say that I do not understand why so many of my friends enjoy this book. It really isn't a very nice book. While there isn't any blatant violence or immorality, it is the kind of book that undercuts the faith of new believers/ seekers. Anne is portrayed as some third category of person -- not a christian or non-christian but the "race of Joseph". Her starry-eyed imagination is portrayed as superior -not just academically but spiritually - to the traditional church attending Christian. Anne, and later Davy, are irreligious and disrespectful in their prayers but this, again, is somehow a higher understanding than Marilla's reliance on Scripture, catechism and hymns. Over and over again, Anne's imagination and her almost druidic worship of nature lift her above the church-going members of society. It is really quite a blasphemous, humanistic book and Anne is not the hero -- I am actually more a fan of Marilla.
That being said, it is a well written work of fiction and certainly is no less offensive than other works of fiction I enjoy. I am just surprised at how well received this book is in Christian circles.
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I am so with you on this, although most of the people I know would be up in arms at my saying so. But I guess my liking Holmes isn't really any better....
ReplyDeleteExcept Holmes is insanely brilliant and Anne is a sissy.
ReplyDeleteI should probably not say anything, for fear I might say waaaay too much. :)
ReplyDeleteKatie -- While I meant what I said about the book, I think YOU are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnd by "sissy", I meant winsome, creative, literary heroine. ;)
I totally agree about the books. I hate them, too. They seem to teem with feminism if you ask me.
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