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Emily climbs
First published 1997 · 656 pages
A lyrical, deeply felt exploration of teenage ambition, shifting friendships, and the burning desire to create.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like discovering a forgotten diary in a sunlit attic, brimming with the intense, beautiful agony of growing up. The narrative unfolds at a steady, episodic pace, immersing you in the claustrophobic yet cozy atmosphere of a small town where gossip reigns and every social slight feels monumental. The prose is signature Montgomery—lyrical, nature-obsessed, and deeply romantic—but here it serves a heroine who is fiercely ambitious and unapologetically dedicated to her craft. It captures the exact emotional texture of adolescence: the shifting dynamics of childhood friendships turning into something more complicated, the sting of unjust rules, and the intoxicating thrill of artistic validation. It will thoroughly delight readers who love classic, introspective coming-of-age tales about girls who write their own destinies.
- Mood
- nostalgic
- yearning
- cozy
- emotionally turbulent
- Tone
- earnest
- introspective
- wry
- romantic
- passionate
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- artistic ambition · shifting friendships · small-town gossip · the pain of growing up · female independence
- The writing
- Lyrical and deeply romantic, characterized by poetic descriptions of nature and intense, diary-like internal reflections.
- The arc
- Moves from the stifling frustration of strict rules and changing friendships to a hard-won sense of artistic confidence and independence.
- Who it's for
- Readers who cherish classic coming-of-age stories and resonate with fiercely ambitious, deeply feeling young writers.
Content notes
- emotional abuse
- bullying
- sexism
About the book
Emily never imagined Aunt Elizabeth would allow her to go to high school in Shrewsbury, and she's thrilled, especially as her close friends Ilse, Teddy, and Perry will be there. But there are certain conditions: for the whole three years Emily must board with hateful Aunt Ruth, and she must promise to stop writing stories. To Emily, this is unthinkable, but she wants an education, and reluctantly agrees. With the move from her beloved home at New Moon to Aunt Ruth's house, Emily's world is turned upside down. Not only must she prove herself at school, despite rejection and jealousy, but she can no longer count on her friends. Her happy childhood friendships--especially with Teddy and Perry--start to turn into something more complicated, and in a small-town, the merest hint of gossip can cause scandal.
This second book in the EMILY trilogy follows the engaging heroine through her high school years, including adventures with her best friend.
Sequel to: Emily of New Moon.
Sequel: Emily's quest.
456 Childrens Plus, Inc.
Accelerated Reader UG 6.3 17 17 8104
Description from Open Library.
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