Book review: Rilla of Ingleside

"Rilla of Ingleside" is one of my favorite books, so I thought I'd share my review of it. It's an adorable story, that made me laugh and cry. :)

Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In 277 pages, L.M. Montgomery seals her 8-book "Anne of Green Gables" series with a beautiful story of growth and character. Set around World War 1, this book centers on Rilla (Anne's youngest daughter) and the Blythe family's life in Canada. (Note: "Rilla of Ingleside" is quite independent of the rest of the Anne books. Don't feel like you need to read the rest of the series to enjoy "Rilla".)


Rilla starts out a carefree, lighthearted, emotional, shallow 14-year-old, extremely focused on having as much fun as possible. However, World War 1 begins before Rilla's years of fun can. Through four years of trials and hardship, Rilla matures into a wonderful, mature, responsible, caring woman. At the beginning of the book, you smile and are amused by the adorable Rilla - by the end of the book, you hold a great amount of respect for Rilla's strength and love for others. Rilla holds her tongue when faced with vengeful gossips, adopts and cares for a war baby (even as she dislikes children) (the part where she brings the baby home in a soup tureen is hilarious), encourages and loves her brothers as they go to fight (alongside the sweetest little dog, who made me cry), strengthens her parents and family, as well as organizing and running Red Cross efforts. I admired her perseverance.


Two quotes from the book I absolutely loved:


~~~
"I doubted God last Sunday," said Rilla, "but I don't doubt Him today. Evil cannot win. Spirit is on our side and it is bound to outlast flesh."
~~~
"And two years ago this morning I woke wondering what delightful gift  the new day would give me. These are the two years I thought would be filled with fun."

"Would you exchange them - now - for two years filled with fun?"

"No," said Rilla slowly. "I wouldn't. It's strange - isn't it? - They have been two terrible years - and yet I have a queer feeling of thankfulness for them - as if they had brought me something very precious in all their pain. I wouldn't want to go back and be the girl I was two years ago, not even if I could. Not that I think I've made any wonderful progress - but I'm not quite the selfish, frivolous little doll I was then. I suppose I had a soul then, Miss Oliver - but I didn't know it. I know it now - and that is worth a great deal - worth all the suffering of the past few years." (emphasis in original)
~~~

The way that the family clung to each other and to God, even in the face of unbelievable pain, was beautiful. The family does not lose  a sense of joy and fun either - yet it's a different kind of fun. Joy and faith continue to uphold the family. Discouragement occurs, but they strengthen each other, growing in the pain. Rilla's journey is believable, encouraging, and enjoyable.

She will keep faith, and fight for the ideals which many died for: truth, honor, faith, and freedom.