Author Sarah McCoy stopped by Bookmark in Charlottetown during the promotional tour of her new novel, Marilla of Green Gables. I asked her if she felt a lot of pressure writing a prequel to one of the most beloved book series in history.

McCoy told me her goal was to write a novel that fit in seamlessly. I’m happy to say she succeeded.

Marilla of Green Gables is a delightful novel, crafted carefully using LM Montgomery’s original source material and interweaving in details from mid-1800s Prince Edward Island. I’m ashamed to admit McCoy introduced me to a few Canadian history details that I wasn’t aware of. Kudos.

While some coming-of-age novels cause one significant event in a person’s life to shape them into the adult they become, McCoy went with a string of life experiences that made Marilla Cuthbert go from a serious and intelligent young girl to the hard-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside character readers know and love.

I very much enjoyed the character developments of Matthew Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde as well. Rachel was particularly funny and enjoyable.

Embellished with lots of well-written details and finely tuned dialogue, Marilla of Green Gables is a pleasant escape to the past of the little red island I happen to already live on.

RATING: 4.5/5 stars

Marilla of Green Gables on Amazon
Sarah McCoy’s website
Marilla of Green Gables on Goodreads