Emily's Quest by L. M. Montgomery
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Blurb (on back of book): Emily knows she's going to be a great writer. She also knows that she and her childhood sweetheart, Teddy Kent, will conquer the world together. But when Teddy leaves home to pursue his goal to become an artist at the School of Design in Montreal, Emily's world collapses. With Teddy gone, Emily agrees to marry a man she doesn't love ... as she tries to banish all thoughts of Teddy. In her heart, Emily must search for what being a writer really means...
UPDATED REVIEW *SHORT*
MY OPINION: ******
I love this book. I last read it legitimately A MONTH ago. I don't recall reading it that short of a time ago but the days have been going by so slowly. However, I decided to reread it because this time, I went in consecutive order throughout the series. Wow, I can't believe it's only been a month. I felt like I was picking up a brand new book.
YES, this book is quite dark and depressing. It's starts off on a bright note, with Emily finally being considered a grown-up (I.e. no more cambric tea) and living her best life on PEI, writing and working. All of her friends have left her, but she absorbs herself in her writing to make up for the loneliness that she feels.
She and Teddy make a romantic pact (adorable) that soon turns sour throughout the book. Emily finally realizes that she's in love with him but she thinks it's too late, as he has gone away and there is a strange gulf in their relationship that was never there before.
Her best friend, Ilse, also seems to change once she goes away. Their relationship is never the same. Montgomery alludes to this being the fact for all friendships, which may be true but was still sad nonetheless. I admired the friendship of Ilse and Emily in the first two books but in here, it felt different and less eternal.
Also, Ilse was a pretty awful friend considering she didn't see the clear feelings that Emily has for Teddy throughout the ENTIRE book. A real friend would know that something's up, especially when blathering on and on about your marriage to the love of your best friend (girl code goes out the window in this book).
Perry Miller is the only one who stays mostly the same in personality. Despite making his way in the world as a lawyer and soon-to-be prime minister, his friendship with Emily stays strong, despite his feelings for her. He isn't arrogant and he is grateful for her friendship, as he states multiple times.
Dean. I can't even talk about him. He's downright despicable. While he was mildly tolerable in the first books, he was completely AWFUL in this book. I mean, he almost got Starr inadvertently KILLED. (sorry about spoilers oops)
All she wants is his praise and what does he give her? HIS CREEPY, OLD-MAN LOVE. I'm sorry, it just wasn't okay.
I loved this book. This is my favorite out of the three in how realistic it is. Life isn't always about the color of the sky and the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. Emily realizes that instead, life is full of hardships, especially with the loss of her two mentors. I loved how Emily matured and changed throughout this book.
I hope she learned how her pride can be a curse.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a beautiful, cynical, realistic fiction classical young adult novel.
Main Character: Emily
Sidekick(s): Teddy, Perry, Ilse, Dean (?), etc
Villain(s): Misunderstandings, pride, etc
Realistic Fiction Elements: This book was all very real to life.
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