Loved the book, this narrator stinks

UGH! I can't even get through the first chapter with this droning, mechanical voiced narrator. This is awful.

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What a difference tone makes

I've always found Emily Starr to be the most interesting and enjoyable of L M Montgomery's heroines, and her story remains my favorite. This narrator, unfortunately, sounds distinctly bored, and has decided that Emily speaks in a constant, plaintive whine. A shame.

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I read it only because of Russian Dolls

This is an oddly disturbing novel. On one hand it seems to be the tale of a misunderstood little girl, suitable for impressionable pre-teens who may sympathize with her dilemna; on the other hand, various situations Emily finds herself in border on the troubling. A 30-something uncle who seems to be grooming her is the most unsettling character.

Montgomery herself doesn't help matters with her descriptions of Emily. She is about 10 years old, yet described by the author as having "come hither" eyes.

But as I read in order to get insights into Nadia in Russian Dolls, I can see why Nadia would prefer this book over Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms. This is a novel about the adults failing Emily and frankly the other children in her milieu because of their traumas.

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Lovely Story dulled by narrator

I’ve always loved the EoNM series, but I wish the narrator’s voice were more interesting. She reads this story like a journalist reads a news report. Unfortunate.

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It’s no Anne

I was hopeful since I loved the first few Anne books, but this was not nearly as entertaining. Not a bad book, but I lost interest often.

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One of my most beloved books

Another true Canadian classic by L.M. Montgomery. Inspired me to write as a young person. I reread the series at least once per year. I am a little disappointed that book 2 and 3 are not available on Audible (claiming they are not authorized for release in my country).

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Not as refined as Anne but Emily's interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, while it's easy to see Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables, Avonlee… ) Rebecca of Sunnybrook as classics. This to should be amoung them. Somehow not as refined as the Anne books (same author) similarities in setting and conditions but just a little more disjointed. Subtly darker than Rebecca of Sunnybrook but engaging characters. Best read after the Anne series as it's easier to get a feel for the era and settings.

What other book might you compare Emily of New Moon to and why?

Anne of Greengables, same settings, similar situations just a little darker. In a larger view it's probably closer to Rebecca of Sunnybrook. Casually cruel aunts, matching intolerance and sense off entitlement.

Have you listened to any of Susan O’Malley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't . She does a good job with few mistakes. It seems it would ne difficult to voice a historical as well as regional story. But she does a good job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Difficult question, as an adult male it's harder to respond to the emotions of a young turn of the century girl. But Emily did have an emotional depth that was understandable .

Any additional comments?

While I have a preference for the Anne books, I still feel these Emily books (3 in all) are, just as Rebecca of Sunnybrook and Pollyanna must reads. I found more of an emotional connection with Anne amd Becky than Emily hut a stronger historical picture with Emil..

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I loved it!

I thought it was very descriptive and beautiful I could also relate to this a lot not about the parents but the writing.

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The Monotone by the Narrator Ruined the story

The story is great. But I was constantly disappointed in the Narration. Monotone is NOT what we want to hear.

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Don't expect Anne. This story is grim.

This is one of the most depressing books I've ever read. I'm utterly confused as to how people could call it "fun." It starts with the death of a beloved father, a squabble over who among the relatives with be forced to take Emily, and Emily's grim welcome to her new home. I kept thinking each new terrible thing would get fixed, the way things got fixed in the Anne books. For instance, Emily, emotionally battered, could be given her own room -- the house has space -- but no, she's made to share a bed with the family matriarch, who has not one ounce of love for the child and who forces her to lie next to her as stiff as a statue all night long. I assumed this would only last a few nights and then somehow she'd get free... no, it went on for years! Welcome to New Moon, Emily, this is your life now. There's a searing moment of emotional abuse when a sadistic teacher finds Emily's private writing -- so private she's shown it to no one -- and reads it aloud to the class in a mocking voice as all the children laugh at her. Emily reacts badly to this, and later Emily's guardian tries to force her to apologize to the teacher on her knees.

I read that and thought, this feels like something that may have really happened to Montgomery. This wasn't the author making a delightful story in which an orphan has amusing childhood adventures and wins love. This was just a litany of mean and unfair treatment. The book is realistic, not nostalgic -- and full of painful details. Halfway through I decided I couldn't handle this constant merry-go-round of misery and stopped listening. The trouble is, Montgomery is such a good writer that I wanted to know what happened! I kept wondering. Finally I started it up again and finished the book.

There are sequels, and if you keep going through Emily's life, it does get somewhat better. But even then -- a terrible thing happens, possibly the worst that could happen to a writer, and again I assumed it could be fixed. (Because there was an obvious fix. I kept waiting for it.) No, again Emily takes the blow and has to live with it.

As you can tell by now, this is not comfort reading. It's far closer to the bone.

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