Rainbow Valley by Lucy Maud Montgomery, published in 1919, is the seventh book in the Anne of Green Gables series. The novel is set in the village of Glen St. Mary, focusing on the Meredith children, who live in the manse with their absent-minded father, Reverend John Meredith. Their lively and mischievous adventures unfold alongside the children of Anne and Gilbert Blythe, with the magical Rainbow Valley serving as their playground. Through the lens of childhood exploration and the deepening bonds between the Meredith and Blythe families, the story explores themes of love, family, community, and personal growth.
Comprehensive Plot Summary
On a clear, apple-green evening in May, the village of Glen St. Mary is calm and peaceful, its inhabitants going about their daily routines. Miss Cornelia, known to many as Mrs. Marshall Elliott, makes her way to Ingleside, eager to see Dr. Blythe and his wife, Anne, who have just returned from a trip to Europe. Anne, formerly Anne Shirley, is still full of the youthful dreaminess that endeared her to so many, though now a mother of several children. As the Blythe children—Jem, Walter, Nan, Di, Shirley, and little Rilla—play in the background, Miss Cornelia brings news of a new family that has moved into the manse: the Merediths.
Reverend John Meredith, a widower, has taken over the manse with his four children: Jerry, Faith, Una, and Carl. Though Reverend Meredith is a kind and well-meaning man, his absent-minded nature and grief over the loss of his wife lead to neglect of his children, who run wild in the village. Despite this, the Meredith children are full of charm and mischief, endearing themselves to those around them, especially the Blythe children.
The Blythe and Meredith children quickly become friends, bonding over their adventures in the beautiful Rainbow Valley, a secluded spot behind the Glen. Rainbow Valley, with its wild cherry trees, mossy paths, and a bubbling brook, becomes their sanctuary—a place where they can escape the pressures of the adult world and let their imaginations soar. It is here that they spend their afternoons, building forts, telling stories, and enjoying the freedom of childhood.
Faith Meredith, with her fiery spirit and tomboyish nature, is often the leader of the group’s mischief. One Sunday, her boldness leads her to attend church without stockings, having given her only pair to a poorer girl. This scandalizes the village, and gossip spreads quickly, but Faith remains unapologetic. Her siblings—Jerry, practical and steady; Una, gentle and introspective; and Carl, with his love for collecting bugs and toads—each bring their own personality to the group, making them an inseparable part of the children’s world.
As the children deepen their friendships, a new figure enters their lives. Mary Vance, a runaway orphan who had been living under the cruel care of Mrs. Wiley, is discovered hiding in an old barn by the Blythe children. Though brash and street-smart, Mary is also vulnerable, and the Blythes, moved by her situation, take her in. Eventually, Miss Cornelia, with her no-nonsense attitude, agrees to give Mary a home, though not without some reluctance. Mary’s arrival brings a new dynamic to the group, as her wit and practical nature sometimes clash with the idealism of the Meredith and Blythe children.
While the children enjoy their adventures in Rainbow Valley, the adults of Glen St. Mary observe the goings-on with varying degrees of approval. Miss Cornelia, always full of sharp opinions, finds much to gossip about regarding Reverend Meredith’s poor housekeeping and lack of attention to his children. The manse, under the care of Reverend Meredith’s aging cousin, Aunt Martha, is in disarray, with meals poorly cooked and the household in disrepair. Despite this, Reverend Meredith remains oblivious, lost in his theological musings and rarely noticing the chaos around him.
Una, the most sensitive of the Meredith children, is particularly troubled by her father’s loneliness. She misses her mother deeply and worries that her father is unhappy, though he rarely expresses it. In a moment of childlike determination, Una takes it upon herself to visit Rosemary West, a kind and beautiful woman who lives with her stern sister Ellen. Una asks Rosemary if she would marry her father, believing that a new mother would solve all their problems. Touched by Una’s innocence and sincerity, Rosemary begins to think about Reverend Meredith in a new light.
Though Rosemary has long resisted marriage, in part due to her sister Ellen’s disapproval, she eventually agrees to meet with Reverend Meredith. Over time, their relationship blossoms, bringing new hope and light into the lives of the Meredith family. Rosemary’s presence brings warmth and structure to the previously chaotic household, offering the children a mother figure and Reverend Meredith a companion to share his burdens.
As the seasons change, so do the lives of the children. Jem Blythe, the eldest of the Blythe family, prepares to leave for Queen’s Academy in Charlottetown, marking the beginning of the end of the children’s carefree days in Rainbow Valley. His departure is bittersweet, as the children realize that their childhood is slowly slipping away. Walter, the dreamer of the group, is particularly affected by the impending changes, often retreating into his world of poetry and imagination. He speaks of the Pied Piper, whose haunting melody will one day call them all to follow him into the unknown—a metaphor for the inevitability of growing up.
The climax of the story comes when a fire breaks out at the Meredith manse. The children, quick to act, manage to help save the house, showcasing their bravery and resourcefulness. This event serves as a turning point for Reverend Meredith, who finally realizes how much his children have grown and how much he has missed in their lives. It is also a moment of unity for the village, as the townspeople rally together to help the Merediths in their time of need.
In the end, the families of Glen St. Mary, especially the Blythes and the Merediths, are closer than ever. The children, though growing older and facing the future, remain connected by the bonds they have forged in Rainbow Valley. The valley, with its wild beauty and enchanting atmosphere, continues to be a place of refuge and joy for them, even as they begin to move into the next stage of their lives. Reverend Meredith and Rosemary West’s marriage symbolizes the healing power of love and community, offering hope for the future as the story draws to a close.
Main Characters
Reverend John Meredith: A widower and father to the Meredith children, Reverend Meredith is a gentle but absent-minded minister who often loses himself in theological thoughts, neglecting his children. His personal journey involves learning to be more present in their lives and eventually finding new love with Rosemary West.
Faith Meredith: The fiery and adventurous daughter of Reverend Meredith, Faith often leads the Meredith and Blythe children in their playful escapades. Her strong will and generosity sometimes land her in trouble, but her heart is always in the right place.
Una Meredith: The sensitive and introspective sister, Una is deeply affected by the loss of her mother and longs to bring happiness back into her father’s life. She is kind and thoughtful, often acting as the moral compass for her siblings.
Jem Blythe: The eldest Blythe child, Jem is responsible and protective, particularly toward his younger siblings and the Merediths. As he prepares to leave for Queen’s Academy, his character marks the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Walter Blythe: A dreamer and poet at heart, Walter’s imagination and love for beauty add a lyrical quality to the children’s adventures in Rainbow Valley. His introspective nature often leads him to reflect on the deeper meanings of life and the inevitable changes that come with growing up.
Rosemary West: A kind-hearted and intelligent woman, Rosemary becomes a key figure in the Merediths’ lives. Initially resistant to marriage, she eventually falls in love with Reverend Meredith and brings warmth and stability to the Meredith household.
Mary Vance: A runaway orphan with a tough exterior, Mary is taken in by the Blythes and later by Miss Cornelia. Her street-smart personality adds a contrasting dynamic to the children’s group, yet she longs for love and acceptance.
Themes and Motifs
Childhood and Imagination: One of the central themes of Rainbow Valley is the innocence and boundless imagination of childhood. The children’s adventures in Rainbow Valley, where they create a world of their own, reflect the freedom and joy that comes with being young. The valley itself becomes a symbol of their shared experiences and the untainted wonder of their youth.
Grief and Healing: Reverend Meredith’s grief over the loss of his wife has a profound impact on his relationship with his children. His journey toward healing, catalyzed by his growing affection for Rosemary West, underscores the theme of moving on after loss. The story suggests that love and connection are crucial in overcoming personal sorrow.
Community and Gossip: The Glen St. Mary community is portrayed as both supportive and judgmental. The villagers’ gossip about the Meredith children’s behavior and Reverend Meredith’s absent-mindedness reflects the pressures of small-town life. However, the same community comes together in times of crisis, such as when the manse catches fire, showing the duality of communal life—both critical and compassionate.
Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds between the Blythe and Meredith children serve as the emotional heart of the novel. Their loyalty to each other and their shared adventures highlight the enduring power of friendship. Rainbow Valley, where they gather and play, serves as a metaphorical sanctuary for their relationships, free from the constraints of the adult world.
Writing Style and Tone
L.M. Montgomery’s writing in Rainbow Valley is marked by her descriptive and lyrical prose, particularly in her depictions of the natural world. She paints vivid pictures of Rainbow Valley, making it a place of enchantment where the children’s imaginations take flight. Her dialogue is sharp and often humorous, particularly in her portrayal of village gossip and the interactions between the Meredith children. The light, whimsical tone she employs when writing about the children’s antics contrasts beautifully with more reflective, poignant moments of introspection from characters like Walter and Una.
The tone of Rainbow Valley is warm and nostalgic, filled with a sense of joy in the simple pleasures of life. Yet, Montgomery deftly balances this with moments of deep emotion, exploring themes of loss and renewal without allowing the story to become overly sentimental. Through the children’s playful adventures and the adult characters’ emotional growth, she conveys an underlying optimism and faith in the resilience of the human spirit.
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