Eerily Dark Facts About L.M. Montgomery, The Green Gables Scribe
L.M. Montgomery, The Green Gables Scribe
L.M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, is one of the most beloved writers of all time. Her story humbly began in picturesque Prince Edward Island, though few people know that Montgomery battled through a lonely and troubled childhood, sexism, a difficult marriage, and mental illness. Pick up your quill and pass the tissues: Here are some surprising facts about L.M. Montgomery.
1. The Birth of L.M. Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30, 1874, in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Canada to parents Clara Woolner Macneil Montgomery and Hugh John Montgomery.
2. A Tragic Childhood Trauma
Tragedy struck L.M. Montgomery at an early age. When she was only 21 months old, her mother succumbed to tuberculosis. In her memoirs, Montgomery claimed that her earliest memory was seeing her mother lying in repose. She wrote, “Why was Mother so still? And why was Father crying? I reached down and laid my baby hand against Mother's cheek. Even yet I can feel the coldness of that touch".
3. Not a Fan of Her Name
L.M. Montgomery was not fond of her given first name of Lucy. She preferred to be published as L.M. Montgomery (which also helped conceal her gender to readers) and as she explained in her journal, “I never liked Lucy as a name.
I always liked Maud—spelled not ‘with an e’ if you please". Cute callback, L.M.
4. Father of the Year
A few years after the harrowing demise of her mother, Montgomery's father dealt his daughter a cold-hearted betrayal. He moved to what is now Saskatchewan and abandoned Montgomery. Little Lucy Maud was raised in PEI by her maternal grandparents.
