Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

What a year it has been for our beloved Anne Shirley! L.M. Montgomery's classic tale, Anne of Green Gables,  has recently been adapted for a new generation in 'Anne With An E' (currently streaming on Netflix) and now a brand-new graphic novel, adapted by Mariah Marsden and illustrated by Brenna Thummler, is set to further win the hearts of new and old readers alike. Anne Shirley has charmed generations of readers--and that feeling is no different in the graphic novel.

One of the things that always gets to me about Anne of Green Gables, is that feeling of whimsy and spark that came with the original tale. Luckily for us, this translates beautifully both on screen and in this new release. I've always felt that the sign of a good novel is that, upon reading it, it feels equally new and familiar all at once. Anne of Green Gables has always felt like a piece of home to many of us and to see it treated with such respect, easily wins our hearts. In fact, Anne and Green Gables are just as they ever were. It is a delight seeing the story explored in such a heartfelt and vivid way; you don't have to be a fan or a young reader to enjoy this adaptation of it.

Importantly, it makes you feel so much for it and the themes that are portrayed. Seeing the words put to tone with new illustrations--an entirely different view of the story--feels real and right. There's a lot to be seen and being able to put these images together with the story itself just feels like it should. It feels like home. It feels like we're experiencing these familiar elements only with new eyes. The vision behind it is incredible and just as you'd hope for it to be.

It's no easy task to breathe life into a classic story and to illustrate it in a way that will appeal to new readers and those who've spent virtually their entire lives growing up with this story. But Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel rises to the occasion and takes us to a place of beauty, innocence, whimsy and life. As soon as you begin it, you can see the care that was put into accurately adapting this delightful tale--it's captured the very essence of Montgomery's world with a graceful ease and leaves readers feeling captivated.

I adored the vibrance of seeing Anne Shirley in this format and can only hope to see more. There's so much soul in the original classic and, somehow, this one matches it squarely. I loved Anne of Green Gables as a girl and I love her still. One of the best adaptations of the year and full of some of the loveliest illustrations yet. I can't wait to buy a copy for my friends daughter--she is at that age where it's about time she met Anne Shirley.

No one could have placed so much heart and respect into Anne Shirley as this incredible team.