The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery

This is a fabulous work. As a teenager, I read all the novels published by L.M. Montgomery and absolutely loved them. The journals, though, add another dimension to her writing. I have read all 4 volumes of the published journals (supposedly there is one more to come) multiple times. These books offer a fascinating look into the upper middle class life style from the late 1800s to the mid 1930s when the author passed away. Some of issues she covers:-a powerful look at World War I from the view of Ontario resident-childbirth in the days before pain killers (she said a toothache was worse)-her awe at scientific advance (when vitamins were discovered she realized why she was always so lethargic all winter)-her husband's mental illness in the days before drugs-meeting the who's who of Canada at the timeAbsolutely fascinating for anyone who loves history!

Volume II is easily the best of Maud's journals; it is the one that I "dip" into whenever I have a few moments or need a bedtime book and consequently is starting to show some wear and tear. It covers the most dramatic points in her life--her marriage, birth of her sons, the discovery of her husband's mental illness, and the death of her best friend, as well as her most prolific years as a writer. She hasn't yet begun to hide as much in her journals, which makes the third and fourth volumes frustrating to read. Since anyone reading the second volume will probably go on to read them all, I should say here that third volume was rather tedious with the lawsuits and maid problems, and number four, though weirdly compelling, was painful to read as her imminent breakdown is all to evident--it is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I wonder if the journals of her last years will ever be published-- I understand that there are problems with people still living, etc.

This book is fantastic! If you liked the previous "journals", you'll adore this one. It's more in-depth, full of emotion and a wonderful look at LM Montgomery's life at an incredibly interesting time in history. Can't wait to get to the next volume!

These journals put the writing of this rather amazing woman into a new light. It gives the joy she has given millions a new more brilliant glow. They are abridged, but the emotion of what was taken out is still present. It makes her prose inspirational by comparison to her experiences and her emotions.