One of the lesser known sets by L.M. Montgomery, and a happy attic rediscovery for me. Nothing happens and yet everything happens. I’m hoping Pat of Silver Bush re-re-emerges nexts

This is the second novel I've read this year with a male character named Beverly. This is a lovely novel about four boys and four girls, most of them cousins, in a rural part of Prince Edward Island hearing and sharing stories, having adventures (some scary) while enthralled by the seasonal landscapes from May to November.

I remember reading this as a kid; it was a library book or something, because the paperback had a plastic cover that would make a pleasing pop on the binding when I opened and closed it. I didn't remember much about the plot, but wishing I knew the Story Girl. The narrator of the book is now an adult reflecting on a summer he spent among relatives. Strangely as I re-read it, I feel a similar way as if I too had been a member of the little band of friends: beautiful and haughty Felicity (I never liked her), chubby Felix, smart and hard working Peter (Felicity never deserved him), sweet Cecily, pitiable Sara, dear Bev, and clever Dan. And of course the amazing, wonderful Story Girl! Though this era of childhood has passed, the innocence and sweetness remain. It's a good one.

Beverly used to be a boys name. Digest that fact before you read this book and you will get a lot more enjoyment out of this book when you read it.

3.5

Really enjoyed this. It was my washing dishes audiobook via Librivox, and a nice little amusement. I'm noticing the episodic nature of some of Montgomery's books works fabulously for audiobooks, when you really only listen to a chapter out two at a time like I usually do. The variety of characters in this was great. A true ensemble cast, well balanced and amusing.

“With that we went to bed, and slept as soundly as if tragedies of blue chests and turnips and crooked cows had no place in the scheme of things at all.”

I've always liked this book for the cousin relationships, friendships, etc. I've honestly never looked closely at the stories because most of them are dramatic, and I am not a drama-loving person. That being said, beware of the stories, because they do have content. Ghosts, spirits, drinks, etc, abound. I can't help feeling (now that I am older and wiser lol, I did not think that the first times I read this book!) that someone should have warned Sara of letting her imagination take over herself. Now that I am older I don't see why Aunt Olivia never warned a 14-year-old to beware of filling her mind with drama and romance.
The cousin relationships and friendships are truly delightful, and I love seeing the aunts and uncles. And as always, the descriptions of the scenery are lovely! Truly made me feel like I was walking in the orchard with the children.
1 star removed for content in the stories and other places (lies, cheating, the old cliche that a woman that is a hermit and has a bad temper is a witch, etc)