Lucy Maud Montgomery: A Writer’s Life

Elisabeth Anne MacDonald-Murray is an assistant professor of English at
the University of Western Ontario.

Filled with pictures, family stories, and excerpts from Montgomery’s
books and letters, this fine book follows Montgomery from early
childhood to her establishment as a popular and widely acclaimed author.
Elizabeth MacLeod has done an excellent job of profiling the life and
career of someone who always wanted to write for a young audience of
future dreamers and writers. The text combines biographical information
with lively anecdotes that bring Montgomery to life as a person with a
strong sense of purpose who had much in common with the characters she
wrote about.

Each colorful two-page spread examines a different aspect or period of
Montgomery’s life, describing her childhood and family life, her
education and early years as a teacher, and her marriage and children.
But the main emphasis is on Montgomery’s development as a writer and
her determination to pursue her passion. It may be a revelation to many
readers how hard Montgomery’s life often was, but MacLeod has
successfully balanced a frank depiction of the personal and financial
difficulties Montgomery faced with a vivid portrayal of the author’s
own optimism, good humor, and strength of character. The anecdotes
reveal how Montgomery incorporated her many experiences into her fiction
and created her most engaging characters. This slim volume should not
only encourage young readers to read more by and about this well-loved
author, but also encourage young writers to follow their dreams despite
obstacles and rejections. Highly recommended.