Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2018 Gr 6 Up—Most known for Anne of Green Gables, author L.M. Montgomery (1874–1942) endured many hardships while dedicating herself to a prolific and renowned career. This account of her life buzzes with energy and emotion reminiscent of her own writing, and incorporates her diary entries for a more personal telling. Readers will share in her bemusement as she rejects a string of suitors in favor of her ambitions, celebrate her triumphs as a successful—though unfairly paid—author, and feel the overwhelming demand for more Anne. Rosenberg crucially doesn't shy away from discussing mental health, sometimes using Montgomery's books as analysis for her state of mind. Her experiences with depression is laid bare, her moments of freneticism or despondence vivid through riveting prose. Rosenberg also details her subject's imagination, zest for nature, and her perfectly imperfect characters who still continue to touch so many. Devotees will relish the tidbits of Montgomery's daily life that found their way into Anne's world. The book also boasts Morstad's delicately and prettily penned illustrations and an expansive bibliography. However, Rosenberg's biggest misstep is not tackling Montgomery's problematic works, notably Kilmeny of the Orchard and the short story "Tannis of the Flats." Considering the deep dive Rosenberg takes with the iconic author's other writings, the absence of it here is strongly felt. VERDICT A poignant though incomplete look at a renowned author. Consider for Montgomery fans.—Kate DiGirolomo, Library Journal - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2018 *Starred Review* Scholars have been debating beloved Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s personal life for decades. Why did she idolize the father who abandoned her? Why did her conservative grandmother suddenly support her education and career ambitions? Did Maud commit suicide, or was her overdose accidental? Rosenberg presents a condensed version of Maud’s (as she liked to be called) private journals, interweaving Maud’s own lyrical, emotive quotations with major life events. Though best known for creating Anne Shirley—a charming, imaginative redheaded orphan—Maud struggled with depression her entire life. She found companionship with good men but fell in lust with a bad one. Her younger son made her proud; the older was a rake whose treatment of women broke Maud’s heart. Rosenberg paints a deep, complex portrait of a vibrant, brilliant, yet troubled woman. At the beginning of every chapter, Morstad accompanies these descriptions with Quentin Blake–like ink illustrations that capture the strange mix of whimsy, humor, and solemnity that permeated Maud’s thoughts. Recommend to Anne fans, aspiring writers, or anyone wanting a peek inside the mind of a famous author who constantly fought for success and happiness. Final illustrations not seen. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.