Anne d'Avonlea

Many readers express immense love and adoration for this book and the "Anne" series, often calling it a new favorite and a delightful continuation of the previous installment. Reviewers consistently praise the book's charming, enchanting, and magical quality, describing it as a comforting and heartwarming escape to a simpler, beautiful world. Readers enjoy witnessing Anne's growth and maturation into a young woman and teacher, appreciating that she retains her imaginative spirit and zest for life. The author's writing style is frequently lauded for its eloquence, beautiful imagery, and ability to make everyday life captivating. The introduction of new characters like the imaginative Paul Irving and the quirky Miss Lavendar is often highlighted as a positive addition, and the natural progression of Anne's friendships and romantic development is also appreciated. Many reviewers found the audiobook narration excellent and are eager to continue with the series.

However, several reviewers voiced significant criticisms, primarily concerning the characters of Davy and Dora. Many found Davy to be an annoying and deliberately troublesome character, and were particularly put off by the overt favoritism shown towards him by Anne and Marilla, often at Dora's expense. This perceived neglect and denigration of Dora, described as a quiet and obedient child, struck many as problematic and even "repulsive," with some feeling it made Anne's character less likable or "unrecognizable" compared to the first book. Some readers also felt the pacing was slower, describing the narrative as a series of situations rather than a strong plot, and found certain elements to be overly predictable or moralizing. Concerns were also raised about Anne's character as a teacher, with some finding her judgmental towards students who didn't share her imaginative qualities, and others noting Gilbert's perspective on Anne as falling into the "not like other girls" trope. Additionally, one reviewer noted the presence of an outdated derogatory term.

Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains largely positive, with many readers still considering the book a delightful and worthwhile read. It is highly recommended for those who cherished the first book in the series and are looking for a gentle, uplifting story about growing up, friendship, and finding beauty in the ordinary. This book appeals to readers who seek an escape into a charming historical setting, appreciate eloquent prose, and enjoy stories that explore character development and the subtle joys of everyday life. It is particularly suited for those who don't mind a slower pace and are willing to overlook some of the narrative choices regarding certain secondary characters, in favor of Anne's enduring spirit and the comforting atmosphere of her world.