Future trivia champions take note. Just in time for International Women’s Day, Historica Canada have released a brand new Heritage Minute featuring the power house behind Prince Edward Island economy: Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Historica Canada highlights that, during her lifetime, L.M. Montgomery wrote twenty novels, has sold an estimated fifty millions copies worldwide, has been adapted into at least thirty-six languages, and several films and televisions series. After more than a hundred years L.M. Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables remains consistently in print.
Naturally, the Heritage Minute touches on not just Lucy Maud Montgomery accomplishments, but also the struggles she overcame. Described in the author’s own words taken from her journals, the Heritage Minute shows us that Montgomery struggled with mental illness, depression, and sexism.
Anne of Green Gables was initially rejected by five publishers according to Historica Canada. “They say that women shouldn’t write,” Montgomery narrates.
Of course, history and success has since vindicated Montgomery. Her writing has become integral to Prince Edward Island’s culture; spurring literature, tourism, and the sale of an incredible number of those hats with the red braids.
“Lucy Maud Montgomery exemplified the importance of determination,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “While millions are familiar with Anne of Green Gables, the obstacles she had to overcome to become a successful author aren’t nearly as well known or understood. We hope this new Heritage Minute will change that.”
“A sensitive, evocative interpretation of my famous grandmother, L.M. Montgomery. I’m so pleased that she will be introduced to a whole new generation on International Women’s Day,” said Kate Macdonald Butler.
So, let’s celebrate what L.M. Montgomery accomplished. Let’s rejoice in a freshly produced Canadian Heritage Minute (something that has arguably become as much as of our culture as the subject matter themselves). Let’s also take a moment to pick out which lines we’re going to need to memorize for trivia twenty years from now,, which is the true hallmark of an enduring culture.