Katherine is a PhD candidate at the University of St Andrews specializing in early modern French literature and culture. Her current research investigates the role of the horse and horsemanship in the education of the French nobility during the 16th century. Before moving to Scotland, Katherine lived in Halifax, where she received her MA in French from Dalhousie University.
How were you first introduced to L. M. Montgomery?
This is possibly shameful to admit, but my first introduction to Montgomery was actually through the television show "Road to Avonlea". When I was growing up in the States, we didn’t have access to Canadian programming, but my aunt would tape each week’s episode and mail us monthly compilations on VHS. I’m not sure if it was just because she thought it was a great show, or if she was concerned that a sense of my Canadian heritage was not being suitably fostered, but I watched the entire series that way! It must have cost my aunt a fortune in postage.
Who is your favourite L. M. Montgomery character and why?
As someone who is very shy, I have a soft spot for Matthew Cuthbert. I know exactly how it feels to not be much of a conversationalist and I always appreciate a friend who is happy to do most of the talking for the both of you.
We’ve heard that you’ve never been to PEI! When you do eventually visit, which L. M. Montgomery site would you most like to see?
I think it would have to be Cavendish. There are of course the touristy things to do, but there’s also something quite magical about treading the same ground as an author once did and knowing that you’re looking out onto views that are probably not that different from the ones that inspired them all those years ago.
What excites you most about working with the Journal?
Since my first day on the job, I have truly felt the sense of respect and love for Montgomery’s work that each person who interacts with the Journal brings with them. From the authors to the editorial board to the student assistants: everyone is here because at some point Montgomery touched their lives, and I feel privileged to get to be a part of something so special.
Banner Image: L.M. Montgomery's "Lover's Lane", Green Gables Heritage Site, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. Photo by Barbara Rousseau, June 2022. Used with permission.