After Anne: A Novel of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Life, by Logan Steiner – A Review

From the desk of Jayda Justus:

An exploration of the personal life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, one of the most revered authors in history steps into the story in this poignant tale of love and heartbreak.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Lucy Maud Montgomery is a young woman who dreams of writing about the fanciful characters that dance around her head. Scolded by her stern grandmother and the traditional society on her small Canadian island, Maud just knows that her life is meant to be more than what is expected. 

As the characters in her head become more persistent, especially a young red-headed orphan named Anne-with-an-e, Maud begins crafting the story that will make her dreams come true while also longing for a real love that has been missing from her life. Does she want the life of a spinster author or should she try to merge writing with family life?

She falls in love with a young minister just as she begins writing the novels that eventually are beloved by millions of young girls worldwide. However, as her professional life soars to new heights, her personal life hits rock bottom. How can Maud overcome the challenges of her real circumstances to imagine a world full of blossoming romance and limitless hope?

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MY THOUGHTS

As someone who grew up reading and rereading Montgomery’s work and seeing myself in the winsome characters of Anne and Emily, I knew this was a book I had to read. I love learning about the authors of my favorite novels, and this stunning look into the personal troubles of someone who brought delight to millions shocked me but made me appreciate Montgomery’s words even more.

Lightness from Unbearable Darkness

Montgomery lived a hard life as her personal relationships spiraled into a pit of despair. How could someone experiencing this darkness write such hopeful characters? You’ll be amazed at how her creativity shines even through a sheen of sadness. Don’t fear losing the lightness the characters bring to your life; this book will just enhance it as a contrast with Montgomery’s personal darkness. 

From the Author’s Mouth

Steiner uses the extensive journals and letters left by Montgomery to craft her fictional tale. This lends a sense of groundedness to the novel, using Montgomery’s own words to convey her inner thoughts and feelings. It made me want to read the journals as well!

Watching the Creation of Your Favorite Characters

One thing I loved the most about the book is the formation of Montgomery’s characters. Hearing her talking about Anne as a real person and reading about her creative process was such an inspiration to an aspiring author like me. Montgomery was able to craft characters that are still embedded in the hearts of millions who read about their escapades and are captivated by their charm. These characters have endured over a century as generation upon generation of girls saw themselves in Anne’s inner turmoil and Emily’s writerly angst. What an amazing gift!

Seeing the Real Maud

After Anne will be one of my top novels of the year, and I can think of no better tribute to Montgomery’s work than this novel that allows us to see the real Maud. The one behind the pages. The one with as much darkness as lightness. The book and Montgomery’s story will stay with me a long time.

5 out of 5 Stars

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WE RECOMMEND AFTER ANNE FOR:

❤️ Fans of Anne, Emily, and the countless other lovable characters from Montgomery’s work

❤️ Readers who enjoy learning behind-the-scenes stories about their favorite authors

❤️ Fans of historical fiction with shades of dark and light, levity behind the sorrow

❤️ Those who pine for even more details from the glorious Prince Edward Island locale 

❤️ Fans of other fictionalized retellings from favorite children’s literature such as Caroline and Marmee, both by Sarah Miller

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BOOK INFORMATION

• After Anne: A Novel of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Life, by Logan Steiner
• William Morrow (May 30, 2023)
• Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook (368) pages
• ISBN: 978-0063246454
• Genre: Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

We received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cover image courtesy of William Morrow © 2023; text Jayda Jutus © 2023, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate.

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