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A Letter to Anne Shirley

 

It’s no secret that Anne of Green Gables is one of our favorite books. I’ve written about it here and here. My friend Davonne, a fellow blogger and homeschool mom, has shared a letter that she wrote to Megan Follows, the actress who portrayed Anne of Green Gables in the well-loved series of movies.

A letter to Anne Shirley -- an Anne of Green Gables fan shares how the series has affected her and her daughters. Guest post by Davonne Parks at heartandsoulhomeschooling.com

Guest post by Davonne Parks.

Dear Megan Follows,

I want to thank you for the role you played in the Anne of Green Gables series. It is a favorite amongst my daughters and myself. Every summer, we drag my old boom box down the steps and onto our back porch. There we spend many afternoons enjoying the series on audio, while the porch fan provides a gentle breeze. We lay there, on cushions and pillows, or just the hard floor, and listen as we’re transported back to a time where horse and buggy were the norm and there was no internet.

And as we listen, it is not a vague face we envision when we see Anne Shirley. It is you. Because to us, you are Anne with an E. In fact, it was not until I neared my 31st birthday when I realized with a start that you are not actually Anne Shirley. That you have a name and a life outside of Green Gables.

I wonder how your role in the movies has effected your life and career. It has, no doubt, opened doors for you that may not have been opened otherwise. I’m sure it’s also brought scrutiny as you’ve likely played roles that haven’t fit other people’s vision for their beloved Anne Shirley. Either way, I’m glad you played Anne. No other actress could have been better suited for the role. When we watch Anne of Green Gables as a family, you are so real to us that we forget you’re acting, we forget it’s just a movie, and we’re riveted to the screen as if it each scene is currently happening right in front of us.

Tears stream down my cheeks when I see how much Matthew Cuthbert immediately wants to keep you.

I nostalgically watch your special relationship with him while I remember my own kind grandfather. I agree with Dianna Berry that you should give Gilbert a chance. And I sympathize with Marilla as she tries her best to help you out of trying situations.

Wherever life has taken you, Ms. Follows, no matter how far you’ve wandered on this earth, I hope that you’ll always find your way home. Because even though Green Gables was a fictional place, it resembles what so many of us long for deep inside – a community of belonging, a place to be loved unconditionally, and a time to share freshly squeezed lemonade and homemade ice cream on the lawn with those who know us and love us well.

Thank you for the part you played in reminding viewers of simpler times that lead us back to our roots.

With Deepest Regards,

Davonne Parks

 

Davonne is an author of three books, blogger, organizer, wife, and mom. I love the encouragement she shares, along with the motivation to get your home tidy and organized. She does it with heart and honesty! Check out her site at The Tidy Mom.

 

Do you have a favorite character from literature that seems almost real to you?

 

Sara
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2 Comments

    1. I think I would still include them in our read-alouds (or audiobooks) even if I had boys. Anne is such a likable character and she has such laughable adventures that I think boys would like her, too. Of course that’s just a guess on my part. 😉

      Thanks for stopping by!

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