2024 is L.M. Montgomery’s 150th birthday! The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at the University of Prince Edward Island is celebrating with 150 tributes – celebratory statements or greetings – that reflect upon personal connections to Montgomery or on an aspect of her life, work, or legacy.
March 8 is International Women’s Day. This week’s tributes – from Sam Roodi, Stefanie Drummond and Jen MacLennan, and Kathy Wasylenky – celebrate a few of the many ways that Montgomery has affected women throughout the world.
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Sam Roodi’s tribute on behalf of his Iranian students:
To me, teaching Anne of Green Gables in Iran was an unexpected journey that brought profound inspiration and hope. Little did I know that this classic tale of Anne Shirley’s resilience and feisty spirit would become a beacon of empowerment for my predominantly female students. Their connection with Anne's unwavering determination and her strong character ignited a spark within them that eventually helped spark an uprising against a relentless dictatorship. Witnessing these remarkable young women, who had once found solace in Anne's story, rise up against four decades of draconian rule in Iran has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Iranian women have taken the lessons of Anne’s perseverance to heart and channeled that spirit into a courageous struggle for justice and freedom. This is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream of a better world. These Iranian girls have shown us that even in the face of adversity, with determination and unity, they can lead a revolution that may one day result in the emancipation of Iranian women. Their story is a reminder that literature has the potential to shape destinies and ignite change, and I am immensely proud to have been a part of their journey.
Sam Roodi is a professor of Global Citizenship at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada.
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Podcasters Stefanie Drummond and Jean MacLennan pay their tribute:
Oh Maud! How you would hate to be 150. Would you still be doing your facial exercises? We don’t know. But what we do know is how pleased you would be that your work has endured. Update Maud! Nobody remembers any of those sexist (male) reviewers, but everyone remembers where they were the first time they cracked open Anne or Emily or Blue Castle. And everyone loves your journals. You gave us access to your life and you can’t imagine how many people relate to your struggles. Everyone wishes you could have received the support you needed. You endured so much and despite it all, kept writing. We love you for your humour, your smarts, your vanity, your passion, your loyalty, and most of all, your words.
We raise a glass of Château d’Yquem to you Maud on your 150th! You were the girl we were waiting for.
Love, Stef and Jen
Stefanie Drummond and Jen MacLennan created the podcast Maud: Books, Babes, & Barbiturates about Canadian legend LM Montgomery. You can listen wherever you podcast or say hi at @instagram.com/maudthepod or www.maudthepod.com.
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Kathy Wasylenky’s aspirational tribute:
L.M. Montgomery has been a confidante and mentor to many women around the world including myself through her wonderful writing. Each character created, starting with Anne, displays determination and passion to succeed despite the many obstacles encountered along their path of life. Montgomery, herself, showed that determination along her “Alpine Path” to become a famous and celebrated writer. She accomplished this at a time when women were not encouraged to seek higher education nor do anything with their lives other than being a supportive wife and mother. Her gift of stories has provided women of all cultures and walks of life to strive for their goals. Her descriptive language in creating characters and places and her amazing sense of humour continue to engage readers today.
May her timeless stories keep her memory alive for another 150 years. Let’s celebrate the greatness of this Canadian icon. Happy Birthday Maud!
Kathy Wasylenky is an independent researcher and past president of the L.M. Montgomery Society of Ontario (LMMSO).
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Next week: Spring Awakening (or so the groundhog forecast)