Why We Will Always Love L. M. Montgomery’s Short Stories

Over 500 of L. M. Montgomery’s short stories were published throughout her lifetime. These charming tales are written in her trademark warm, comforting tone and carry the same whimsical energy as her best-selling novels Anne of Green Gables and The Blue Castle.

Delve into L. M. Montgomery’s short stories with us as we share our favourites, exploring their key themes and discussing what makes the cosy tales so timeless.

L. M. Montgomery's Short Stories

Montgomery's Short Stories with Spirited Heroines

L. M. Montgomery wrote many stories featuring strong female protagonists who display resourcefulness, courage, and a sense of adventure. The main characters from her well-known novels Anne of Green Gables and the Emily Starr series exemplify the qualities of strength, independence, and resilience that can be found in the protagonists of many of her short stories. Their personal growth and relatable struggles make them enduring favourites, and over a century since publication, these spirited heroines still resonate with modern readers.

The protagonist, Miss MacPherson, is a determined and spirited young woman who ends up being quarantined with Alexander Abraham, a reclusive and misogynistic bachelor, during a smallpox scare. Throughout the quarantine, Miss MacPherson’s strong personality shines as she gradually wins over Alexander Abraham and brings about a positive change in him.

Olivia Sterling is a middle-aged woman who has resigned herself to spinsterhood. However, her life takes a turn when Malcolm McPherson, her old beau, returns to town. The story showcases Olivia’s quiet strength and resilience as she navigates this unexpected chance at love.

Aunt Philippa and the Men (1915)

Aunt Philippa is a strong-willed and opinionated woman with a low opinion of men. She insists that her niece, Ursula, should never marry. However, as the story unfolds, Aunt Philippa’s romantic past is revealed, and we learn how her strong convictions have shaped her life.

Montgomery's Short Stories of Romance and Love

While not all of L. M. Montgomery’s short stories centre on romance, many include subtle and well-crafted romantic elements. The romance in her stories is often gentle and understated, aligning perfectly with the overall tone of her work. These stories highlight various aspects of romance, from rekindled love and overcoming misunderstandings to the enduring power of deep emotional connections.

The Magical Bond of the Sea (1903)

Nora, a young girl from a fishing village, is at a crossroads in her life. She’s offered an escape from the life she has always known, but it would mean leaving behind all she loves, including her childhood friend, Rob Fletcher.

The Letters (1910)

After a misunderstanding and years of separation, Isobel and Alan reconnect through a series of letters. Their correspondence rekindles their old romance, leading to a heartwarming reunion.

The Life-Book of Uncle Jesse (1909)

Uncle Jesse, an old sailor, shares his life-book and the story of ‘lost Margaret’, his one true love who went missing at sea. Although it’s been fifty years since the romance, his memory of her hasn’t faded and is a beautiful yet tragic reminder of love’s enduring power.

Montgomery's Short Stories of Nature and Nostalgia

One of the most prominent themes in L. M. Montgomery’s short stories is nostalgia and the comfort found in nature. Her writing exudes a warm, comforting tone while depicting the simplicity and cosiness of rural life on Prince Edward Island, Canada, making her work a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. These stories emphasise the beauty, serenity, and transformative power of nature, often illustrating how a deep connection to the natural world can bring about personal growth, healing, and profound changes in the characters’ lives.

A Sandshore Wooing (1903)

Marguerite Forrester has lived with her aunt since she was a baby. The two women are holidaying by the seaside when Marguerite bumps into the brother of one of her schoolfriends. As she and Francis Shelmardine get to know one another, the two both fall in love with the coast.

The Girl and The Wild Race (1904)

Judith lives in the Ramble Valley with her aunt and, at 27, is completely content living a single life and enjoying her freedom in the countryside. Her aunt, however, is desperate for her to marry. Will Judith be able to balance her love for the countryside with love for a man?

The Garden of Spices (1937)

Published posthumously, this tale features a young, sickly boy named Jims who’s sent to his Uncle Walter in the countryside to regain his health. While there he falls in love with the Garden of Spices, a beautiful, exotic garden that he’s forbidden to visit while ill. The garden becomes a source of solace for Jims in this heart-warming short story.

Montgomery's Short Stories of Friendship and Community

The themes of friendship and community are central to many of L. M. Montgomery’s short stories. Her narratives often emphasise the importance of human connections, whether it’s the bond between friends, the support of family, or the sense of belonging within a community.

The End of the Young Family Feud (1907)

This story revolves around three sisters who are invited to stay with their Aunt Jean at their ancestral home following a decade-long feud between their father and uncle. But when they arrive, the house appears empty, and the girls start to wonder if their family will ever stop fighting.

Miss Sally’s Letter (1910)

Willard Stanley is deeply in love with Joyce and in preparation for their wedding, he’s bought an old, neglected house to do up. He shows the house to Joyce’s aunt, Miss Sally, who is set against the marital union, and asks her to assist him in the renovation. Despite her aversion to Willard, she falls in love with the house as she helps him to fix it up and finds herself wrestling with the idea of it remaining deserted, complicating her feelings about their marriage.

Little Joscelyn (1912)

Aunty Nan learns that Joscelyn Burnett has come back to Prince Edward Island and eagerly wishes to hear her old friend’s singing.

Montgomery's Short Stories of Belonging and Family

Finally, L. M. Montgomery’s stories frequently weave themes of kindness, honesty, perseverance, and personal growth in the form of subtle moral lessons. These lessons are most notable in her tales that highlight the challenges and triumphs of orphaned children, often focusing on themes of belonging, family, and the transformative power of love and kindness.

The Running Away of Chester (1903)

Chester, a young orphan, isn’t allowed to go to school and must instead complete many hard tasks set by his Aunt Harriet. One day when she asks him to go out on an errand, he runs away instead, trying to find a job elsewhere to fund his escape.

The Unforgotten One (1906)

Nanny is an orphaned maid who works for a family at Ingleside. When the extended family all gather at Christmas and share their joy, laughter, and love, Nanny is overwhelmed by her feelings of isolation and heartbreak.

The Little Brown Book of Miss Emily (1920)

This short story features Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables and her friend, Diana Barry. While staying at Echo Lodge in Grafton, they get to know the bothersome old maid, Miss Emily Leith. Following Miss Emily’s passing, Anne unexpectedly receives a mysterious package

Discover all of L. M. Motgomery’s short stories, novels, and non-fiction work in our beautiful collection of her books.

Anne of Green Gables

All Eight Books In Order

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