Anne of the Island, the third book in the Anne series, stands alone as a fully-fledged novel, but also advances the story of Anne’s life within the series of books. The novel begins with Anne’s move to Redmond College in Nova Scotia, and concludes shortly after she graduates four years later. In this novel, the charm of Prince Edward Island and the funny anecdotes of the first two novels continue. Anne of the Island does temper the sweetness with several serious passages that add depth and gravity to the story: Anne’s visit to her own parents’ home, which she does not remember but nevertheless lived in as a baby; the death of Anne’s childhood friend Ruby; and Anne’s rejection of Gilbert Blythe’s proposal, which has profound effects on both Anne and Gilbert.
Though written in a long-ago time, the novel continues to ring true in the present day. Anyone who has left home, for camp, a long trip, for the summer or for college will identify with the emotions and challenges Anne experiences at Redmond. As always, the “happy ending” of each of the Anne books leaves readers satisfied as they turn the last page, and look forward to reading the next novel.