Lucy Maud Montgomery emerged from the shadows of her remarkable yet challenging upbringing to become one of Canada’s most cherished literary figures. Despite the prestige of her lineage, she often felt isolated and orphaned, a theme that pervaded much of her writing. Her journey from troubled beginnings to a celebrated author offers a poignant tale of resilience and creativity.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Born into families of considerable standing, Montgomery's early years were marked by a sense of displacement and loss. Her mother, Clara, succumbed to tuberculosis shortly after Montgomery’s birth, prompting a move to the Macneill farm, the inspiration for the fictional Avonlea, to reside with Clara's parents, Lucy and Alexander Macneill. Her mother's death when Montgomery was just two years old left a lasting impression, with the funeral being one of her earliest memories.

Formative Years and Education

As Montgomery's father, Hugh, traveled frequently for work, her upbringing was largely shaped by her maternal grandparents. Although her grandfather Donald Montgomery was reputedly a gifted storyteller, the Macneills' strict discipline overshadowed such talents. Her happiest moments were spent visiting a cousin's farm, the prototype for Green Gables. At the local school, which would later inspire Avonlea School, Montgomery's competitive spirit shone as she vied academically with Nate Lockhart, who might have been the inspiration for Gilbert Blythe in her stories.

Challenges and Return to Cavendish

When Hugh established a new life in Saskatchewan and remarried, fifteen-year-old Montgomery joined him. Her accounts of her father were warm, emphasizing his kindness, yet she felt her stepmother viewed her more as a servant than a daughter, often keeping her from school to care for her younger siblings. Deeply homesick for Prince Edward Island, she returned to the familiar confines of the Macneill household after just a year away.

Early Writing and Teaching Career

Montgomery’s homesickness bore creative fruit with her poem “On Cape LeForce,” published in the Daily Patriot when she was sixteen, marking the inception of her writing career. More poems followed in regional outlets, paving the way for her eventual success as a novelist. Before making her mark in literature, she embarked on a teaching career, swiftly completing a teacher’s certification at Prince of Wales College in just one year, before pursuing further studies at Dalhousie University.

Romantic Entanglements and Personal Growth

Her teaching tenure began in a fishing village where she experienced a brief engagement to a man she respected but did not love. Subsequently, she taught in a farming community, lodging with the Leard family, and developed a deep affection for their son Herman. However, she deemed the relationship unsuitable, and Herman's subsequent death from influenza possibly inspired a poignant scene in Anne of the Island.

Return to Cavendish and Newspaper Career

The passing of her grandfather in 1898 brought Montgomery back to Cavendish. A brief period in Halifax saw her working for the Echo, a role she enjoyed but eventually left to care for her ailing grandmother back in Cavendish. Her dedication to family remained unwavering, even as she balanced burgeoning career opportunities.

Marriage and Family Life

In Cavendish, Montgomery met Ewen MacDonald, the local Presbyterian minister. Their engagement in 1906 led to marriage in 1911 after her grandmother's death. The couple moved to Leaskdale Manse, Ontario, where they welcomed three children: Chester, Hugh, and Ewan. Life at Leaskdale continued until 1926, after which Ewen's struggle with depression led the family to Toronto, where they settled at "Journey’s End."

Recognition and Later Years

Montgomery's literary achievements earned her numerous accolades. As the first Canadian woman to join the British Royal Society of Arts, a fellow of the Literary and Artistic Institute of France, and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, she gained significant recognition. In 1937, Canada further honored her by establishing the Green Gables Heritage Site.

Legacy and Final Years

Despite her accolades, Montgomery's later years were marked by personal struggles. The turmoil of World War I, ongoing legal disputes over copyrights, and her husband’s mental health issues cast long shadows over her life. She passed away from congestive heart failure on April 24, 1942. The following year, Canada recognized her enduring impact by designating her a person of historic significance.