L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is a literary classic, I know because I've heard of it and my wife keeps banging on about the ‘amazing’ 80s series! However, I've just never got around to reading it, seeing the many film adaptation or any other medium type that would give me an idea as to what it is about.

However, this all changed with Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler's graphic novel adaptation appeared at my school's library. Being a huge fan of graphic novels, I thought this was the most opportune time to get acquainted with the story in a quick and easily accessable format, so in I went!

I’ve known of the book for many years but have just never got around to reading it… until this graphic novel version came out that is!

The tale is a simple one: a husband and wife require an orphan boy but instead recieve a girl, Ann, who prefers to be called Anne with and 'e' as it sounds better. Over time Anne bonds with the family and builds friendships and frenemies. We see Anne grow up, attend school, then college and go on the path to becoming a teacher.

Whilst the story may be simple the artwork is anything but. The small town charm of Avonlea is beautifully realised with lush whimsical drawings that had me smiling in pure joy. When we are first introduced to Ann at the train station the artstyle makes her instantly awkward yet incredibly likable, from her flame red hair, face full of freckles and artistically triangular nose. When she does speak, Ann takes us on her flights of fancy and the wordplay is lyrical, poetic and full of heart.

However, it is the splash pages where nothing is said that stand out. These could almost be read as a silent movie, so filmic and cinematic is it's artistry. The emotions of the characters is beautifully rendered through the use of the colour palette and artistic flourishes.

I loved this graphic novel and hope to make time to read the novel proper sometime soon. This is a wonderful graphic novel that deserves to be read.