Rating:  -
I first read Jane of Lantern Hill as an adult and loved it. I found that even as an adult I identified with Jane and her struggles to really belong somewhere. As I read the author's descriptions of Prince Edward Island through Jane's eyes and the depth of her response to it, tears spilled over, for Lucy wasn't writing about Jane: she was writing about me as a former Californian, and now resident in Ireland by choice. Lucy M. Montgomery must have experienced that same sense of place; she knew Prince Edward Island as her "spirit's home." Kathleen Norris has written of this concept in her non-fiction book, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. As entertaining as Lucy's story is, as Jane copes with her domineering grandmother, her intimidated mother, and a father she never knew, I think Jane's discovery of who she was and the role that "place" played in her own emotional development has far more impact on the reader than the engaging story of Jane's family. I filled pages in my journal with quotations from this book. This book could be a catalyst in helping readers discover who they really are and where they are most at home.
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It does not do any justice to this book to say something like "If you liked Anne Of Green Gables, you'll like this", as I have heard so many reviewers do. This book is thousands of more times insightful and poetic then any of the Anne books. I had read some of Anne, and thought to my self "there's got to be something better than this." Thankfully I discovered the Emily series, and was in total awe of her books. Then a friend mentioned the books (Well actually she said it was the best book ever, but it was something to that effect:) A couple months later I was at the library and I saw _Jane of Lantern Hill_ poking out of the shelf. I thought what the hell, I'll give it a try. So I picked it up and turned to the first page....and WOW! The poor librarian had quite a time getting it from me to check it out. I am now going to invest in the hardcover for myself,which I rarely do once I've read it, but this book is worth it. Practicly every line in this book is poetry, yet it never gets tedious. It strikes me as tragic that Maud wrote about a thousan Anne books, Three Emily books, and not even a sequal to this stunning piece of literature. Pure art. Superior Jane! harhar. Well, I'm still getting over there being no sequals, *sniff*. I was dreadin the end of this book the first time I read it (two reads ago) and It's still hard... Ah well, Think about it. This is one of the books that stands out most to me. Ok, maybe don't read it. I feel as though it's "my" book... You know? Oh well. Enjoy! ~Rosa
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When I first read this book, I had in fact never even heard of it before. On completing it I was surprised at this. Jane is probably one of Montgomery's most rounded characters, actually expressing the anguish that was only hinted at in other characters in other books.The tragedy of the lonely child trapped with her weak, unhappy mother and her bitter, dictatorial grandmother deals skilfully with the theme of divorce and seperation, and was probably considered revolutionary in its day.Jane's pain is very real as are the numerous lovable characters that populate this book.It might be considered dated and old fashioned today but a truly insightful and sensitive reader will sympathize with Jane and rejoice at her happiness.A beautiful and poignant book, that would set many readers thinking.
Rating:  -
Although Jane of Lantern Hill cannot be called one of LM Montgomery's best works, it is paradoxically one of the most appealling. Jane's story is straight out of fairy tale: living with her beautiful, unhappy mother and her harsh grandmother, Jane yearns for escape to a world of freedom, friendship, and warmth. And finds it, of course. The plot is trite, but the book is saved by Jane's spunky character, and is a satisfying read for a rainy afternoon.
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I picked up this book because I had seen bits and pieces of the movie. I don't remember much about the movie anymore, but the book is great! Jane is one of the rare, thoroughly likable characters out there. The thousands of minute details are what make this book. You can read it many times over and the quirks of the Island people make it story come to life. The action is idealized, with a kind of back-in-the-good-ole-days feel, but everyone needs a little of that once in a while. I would like to live in Jane's world. Reading this book is like treating yourself to something wholesome but delicious. The parent-child relationship achieves a sense of real love as few books do. This book lets you grow up with Jane, and it is triumphant and laced with genuine life-lessons. Her despair and pain are real and touching without being over-dramatic. I can't help wondering if this was one of the first children's books written about divorce. Young people will like this book, and it won't do adults any harm, either.
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