A bit of background on my history with
Anne. First, growing up
as a boy in the mid-20th century, in the U.S., I didn't read "girl stuff", and I clearly equated
Anne of Green Gables as quintessentially girl stuff. Not of interest, and if I ever read it, I have no memory of it. This in spite of the fact that I read a LOT of books as a kid, including
Little Women and all the follow-ons.
So when, as a older adult I moved to Canada, I tried to read Anne just after we got here, figuring it was something I should know more about. Didn't work, and I abandoned it very early on.
When we chose
Anne for the club, I was of two minds. I still felt that I needed to read it, but I had a (fairly) recent memory of trying, and failing. However, I voted for it because I figured the club would push me to actually finish it. And not only did I finish it, but I completely enjoyed it. And I begin to understand the role it plays in the Canadian consciousness. (And not inconsequentially, why I failed that first time.)
Canadians have a self-image as polite, positive, and supportive of those who need support. We pride ourselves on pulling together to help those who've had a rough break, and we are especially proud of our role over the years as keystones in the UN Peacekeeping forces around the world.
I would argue that a great deal of that self-image is inextricably entwined with Anne. She's hard working, a bit of a dreamer, and always sees the best in people.
I could go on, but I'd prefer to avoid too many TL,DRs.
