Reviews
I saw so much of Montgomery in Emily here--it felt as if I was reading her private diary. My own battle with depression was so clearly written on the page and, though I will sound cliche in saying so, I felt I was seen and not alone in it. It really did take too long for Emily and Teddy to finally get together, though, after all the many years of misunderstandings. And I veritably hate Ilse.
I believe in order to fully grasp this story the way it was written from L.M.M’s perspective, it’s vital to know a bit about our authors struggles with depression. I could have sworn that some of Emily’s journal entries belonged to Maud herself, and the struggles she had in her life. I believe this was probably her rawest and most transparent novel. Everything Emily experiences in this book- her engagement, the longing for a boy she couldn’t have- all of this happened to L.M.M in real life. And knowing this about her going into the novel, it drove me to tears multiple times because I FELT Maud’s tormented soul so much through the pages. This novel was a tad too melodramatic in some parts, and it just drove up my dislike for Ilse into a full fledged hatred, but overall the struggle Emily faces with her mental health, at the time it was written, is truly refreshing to see. I can’t give this book more than 3 stars, because I think our dear Elf suffered way too much, and it took her and Teddy WAY TOO LONG to get it together; but overall, this book was quite beautiful in its own, more quiet way. Overall, I’d say Emily Climbs is the gem in this series for me, but it was lovely to see Emily finally achieve her quest, her literary aspirations, and to get Teddy Kent for her hearts home.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars. Rounded up out of loyalty to the writer. Montgomery is an incredibly talented author. Anne of Green Gables is one of my all-time favorite books. But this last installment of the Emily trilogy had me rolling my eyes so constantly that I made myself dizzy. I think Emily Byrd Starr is a wonderful heroine, and I absolutely love the Prince Edward Island setting. There is something incredibly quaint and charming about the combination of that setting and Montgomery’s prose, which is unfailingly lovely. The element that made me groan constantly in annoyance was the romance. I don’t know that I’ve ever read anything quite so melodramatic. So much thwarted love. So many bruised and battered hearts. All because Montgomery’s normally intelligent characters don’t understand communication. TALK TO EACH OTHER, people. Jeez. I guess all’s well that ends well, but so many years of happiness were lost due to pride and miscommunication that even the ending felt soured because of it.
Loved this whole series. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Only one thing truly bothered me. The ending was so sudden and short! It felt a little tacked on. I wish we could have seen that unfold much slower and in depth. Regardless, Emily Byrd Starr is my new favorite.
4.5 stars
2.5/5
