Anne of Green Gables turns 100

That is what I read in the newspaper the other day.  For 100 years now millions of fans from around the world have taken pleasure in reading about the 11-year-old girl in pigtails from the smallest province in Canada.  The first book appeared in April 1908, and was officially launched in June 1908.  It has never been out of print and over 50,000,000 copies have been sold worldwide.

Having lived in Japan for eight years it was easy to see that the older generation (mostly the women) knew and loved Anne.  It was required reading when they were in school and they were mystified by the exotic Anne.  She was from an island like Japan and since they could not naturally have her features (red hair and grey-green eyes) the story was of great curiosity.

Over the next year P.E.I. will have many events to mark the 100th birthday of Anne and I hope that all Atlantic Canadians will remember the 11-year-old girl in pigtails not only for her advanced age but also as our most important international ambassador for eastern Canada.