Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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It had looked into another heart, felt it beat and heard it sigh, and that is how all hearts grow. This was truly a remarkable statement. I had known about this book for a long time, but for two reasons, I never got around to reading it. Firstly, I didn't anticipate it to be that great. Secondly, I wrongly assumed it was just a rip-off of Anne of Green Gables. However, I was proven wrong on both counts, and I'm extremely glad that I was.


Five years and an entire country separate the release of this book and Anne. To be honest, I might actually prefer this one. I know it sounds blasphemous considering how beloved Anne is. The plot is somewhat familiar. A girl named Rebecca goes to live with her two spinster aunts as her father has passed away, leaving seven children with a mother who can't take care of them all. Rebecca gradually changes the lives of those she meets with her charm, happiness, and wonder at the world. She attends school to improve herself, finds a best friend who may not be as intelligent as she is but is extremely loyal. She enchants everyone she comes across and graduates as a better person. But what really set this book apart for me was Rebecca herself.


Miss Rebecca Rowena Randall is one of the sweetest little characters I've ever come across. She brings light and a sense of wonder to every room she enters, with her positive attitude. She is hard-working, determined, and makes her own way while still respecting the wishes of those in authority over her. She leaves her mark on the world around her with excitement and kindness. I would truly love to meet a child like her. Ultimately, this book simply made me happy. Even when I almost shed tears at the end, I was still filled with happiness. And it gave me this beautiful little rhyme that I will cherish forever:


Then if our lot be bright or sad,
Be full of smiles, or tears,
The thought that God has planned it so
Should help us bear the years.

Re-read in 2020, this was a total comfort read, and I still love it a great deal.

July 15,2025
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I see an abundance of reviews comparing this book to Anne of Green Gables. As a result, I've added it to my TBR list since I had such a great enjoyment from this book.

I truly wish that I had read this when I was a young girl. I firmly believe that I would have found Rebecca to be extremely relatable. It is a truly wonderful coming-of-age story. It is about a smart and willful girl who is sent to her aunt's house to offer assistance and also obtain an education.

The reading experience was great fun. However, towards the end, it did become a bit less so. As she begins to grow up, the humor starts to fade away a little. Nevertheless, it was still an excellent book and I would absolutely love to read it again at some point in the future.

I did subtract a star. The reason being that it does become a little less engaging later on. Additionally, her relationship with Alan Ladd makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Haha.
July 15,2025
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Rebecca is one of seven children.

To ease the burden on her mother, she is sent to live with her two unmarried aunts. This decision not only means that her mother will have one less mouth to feed but also provides Rebecca with an opportunity for education.

"Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", published in 1903, has a somewhat outdated feel at times, yet it also manages to be lively and memorable.

Rebecca is similar to "Anne of Green Gables" in that she makes the best of difficult situations and charms those who recognize her kind heart and sharp wit.

Although she may not be as bold as Anne, her loving nature, passion for friendship, books, and eagerness to help others can win over even the coldest modern heart.

There is a significant amount of religious content in this book, and the arrival of missionaries discussing "heathens" is rather unfortunate.

However, for the most part, it is a good blend of believable growing pains and descriptions of country life, making it suitable for those long, dark hours when one's mind needs some entertainment.
July 15,2025
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One of my favourite childhood stories is truly a gem that has remained close to my heart all these years.

I vividly remember the first time I read it, and the excitement and wonder it brought to my young mind.

Recently, I had the pleasure of rereading it, and it was like taking a magical journey back in time.

The story is filled with charming characters, thrilling adventures, and valuable life lessons.

As I turned each page, I was completely immersed in the narrative, forgetting everything else around me.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot made it impossible for me to put the book down.

Rereading this childhood story not only brought back precious memories but also reminded me of the simple joys and innocence of my youth.

It is a story that I will always cherish and share with future generations.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and enchanting read.
July 15,2025
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If I were teaching a literature class, I would surely utilize this book to draw a comparison between the early American society that prevailed over 100 years ago and today's American society.

I first delved into this book during my childhood in the early 1970s. Back then, I relished literature that was replete with healthy perspectives on life, family, and hope.

A few months ago, the title of this book emerged in a trivia game I was engaged in, and I immediately thought that I would adore rereading the story to recapture the happiness I experienced while reading it as a child. Thankfully, good old Amazon.com came through once again, enabling me to order a gently-used edition.

I settled down to read the book, and as I perused its pages, I was astonished by the 21st-century mindset that had, in some way, influenced me to be distrustful of strangers and odd behavior.

Every innocent incident that befell Rebecca, from riding with an old man (alone in a wagon through miles of unpopulated countryside), to accepting gifts from a man over twice her age (a single man who seemed to be quite smitten with the young 12-year-old Rebecca), to her friend (who claimed she could happily live with Rebecca for all their lives and cook and clean for her while Rebecca pursued her interests), became warped and distorted by the warnings and suspicions that now pervade our world.

It is truly disheartening to realize that a culture where people adhered to ethics and morals has been supplanted by a culture dominated by suspicions and fear.

I felt a sense of sadness when I closed this book, realizing that my own innocence and willingness to trust and believe in the general goodness of people had been transmuted into questioning the true motives of others. Sigh.

Yes, this is undoubtedly an outstanding book to read if one desires to compare and discuss the changes that have transpired in American society. The child within me still loves Rebecca and the rewards of hope that graced her; Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a wonderful read for those who wish to recall a more innocent era.

July 15,2025
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Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin, narrated by Ann Richardson, is an enchanting audiobook that is an absolute must for everyone, whether it's a must-read or a must-listen.


It is a charmingly sweet book, centered around a lovely young girly-girl character. Right from the end of the first chapter, she will capture your heart. Unlike many other readers, I haven't read Anne of the Green Gables (a reference I encountered in numerous reviews while deciding whether to accept this book for review). However, what I can say is that this is a very comprehensive book, filled with moral lessons and heartwarming anecdotes of a bygone era that is always remembered. I thoroughly relished listening to this book due to the vivid and colorful narration, which was a delight to the ears.


I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook to everyone who has a passion for reading or, more precisely, for listening to audiobooks.


You can also read this review at www.thereadingbud.com.

July 15,2025
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If you are on the hunt for a book that shares similarities yet surpasses a particular one, then I highly recommend Anne of Green Gables.

This classic novel takes readers on a charming journey with the spirited and imaginative Anne Shirley.

Anne's story is filled with heartwarming moments, as she arrives at Green Gables, an old farmhouse, and quickly wins over the hearts of the Cuthberts.

Her vivid imagination, quick wit, and endearing personality make her a truly unforgettable character.

The book explores themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery, all while painting a beautiful picture of rural life in Prince Edward Island.

With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, Anne of Green Gables is a book that will captivate readers of all ages and leave them with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

It is a literary gem that continues to be loved and cherished to this day.

So, if you're in the mood for a wonderful read that will transport you to another time and place, look no further than Anne of Green Gables.

July 15,2025
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I found Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm to be similar in many ways to Anne of Green Gables.

Rebecca's story was written 5 years earlier than Anne's. However, it doesn't seem that Lucy Maud Montgomery was influenced by Wiggin's novel.

Rebecca's is an inspiring story. Although it's not quite on the level of Anne's, it's still a cute story with a feel good ending.

The character of Rebecca is charming and full of life. She has a vivid imagination and a kind heart.

Her adventures at Sunnybrook Farm are both entertaining and heartwarming.

The story also explores themes such as family, friendship, and growing up.

Overall, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of Anne of Green Gables and anyone who enjoys a charming and inspiring story.

July 15,2025
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Originally published in 1903, this children's classic has been a sunny delight for ages.

A colorful, clever, larger than life young girl has an outlook on life that faces down tragedy, change, and things like poverty with a rich imagination enchanting nearly everyone who encounters her.

Rebecca is one of seven children from an impoverished family. Her mother is a recent widow and the family farm is eking along. Long ago, her mother married a charismatic man that the aunts didn't approve of and her father turned out to be a dreamer who wasn't good at a livelihood. Now, the aunts have sent for Rebecca's older sister to cultivate ladylike decorum and send her off to school so she can learn something and earn her own way while also sending funds home to help the family. Rebecca's mother doesn't have much need of a child like Rebecca so she sends her instead of the steady, hardworking Hannah.

From the coach driver to her teacher at the little school, Rebecca charms them all. That is everyone, but her oldest stern aunt who only sees her frivolous father in her. Aunt Miranda will have no nonsense and can't understand the creative and sunny child she has under her roof. She is stern and even cruel in ways while Aunt Jane softens Miranda's dictates where she can seeing Rebecca as a loving, willing child. Rebecca grows up under their influence and, more so, under her own winsome ways. She is generous and kind to those whom others pass over and she is a source of effervescence and imaginary adventure to her school chums. Even when away at school and nearly grown up, she catches the attention and makes her own way, but still, there is always the concern about her impoverished family back home and even the liveliest of young ladies are brought to earth by some woes. But, Rebecca shows an inner strength and earthy maturity that surprises, no matter what life throws in her path.

I forgot how sparkling and uplifting this story was and was tickled to rediscover it when I spotted it on audio. Lorna Raver was a new narrator to me, but she captured Rebecca's voice and that of old, young, male and female as well as what sounded like the Yankee accent that might be heard regionally in small town Maine.

All in all, this inspiring classic hit the spot. I can recommend it for those looking for Victorian era Americana fiction or a children's story that is a bubbly classic. It offers a wonderful escape into a world of charm, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl. The characters are vividly drawn and the story is filled with heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet moments that will stay with you long after you've finished reading or listening. Whether you're young or old, this classic is sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
July 15,2025
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Rebeka Rowenna Randall has quite a large family. In total, there are seven of them. Due to the difficult living and housing situation, the mother decides to send one of her daughters to her childless sister to help in the upbringing and education of the girl. Initially, it was supposed to be Anna, but the eldest daughter was more useful in helping with the household than the mischievous Rebeka. In this way, our main character ends up under the roof of her old aunts, who rigorously set about shaping and educating her.

Rebeka somewhat reminds me of Anne Shirley. Just like her red-haired friend, she had a tendency to get into scrapes and an enormous imagination and the ability to charm people. After all, selling three hundred pieces of soap to one person requires a certain intuition.

The book belongs to the genre of those romantic and naive stories for growing-up girls and, like most such tales, has its charm.

7/10
July 15,2025
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This book was an absolute delight. It was so pure and sweet that it had a profound impact on me. As I was reading, it made me chuckle out loud at the funny parts, roll my eyes at the absurdities, and even get a little misty eyed at the touching moments.

It's not often that a book can evoke such a wide range of emotions in me. The author's writing style was engaging and captivating, drawing me in from the very first page.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, rooting for the characters and experiencing their joys and sorrows along with them.

Overall, this book was pretty dang cool. It was a refreshing and enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining story.
July 15,2025
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Rebecca of the Sunnybrook Farm is a captivating tale. It centers around Rebecca, a young and spirited girl.

She decides to leave her overcrowded family home and goes to live with her two aunts. At first glance, the story bears a resemblance to that of Anne of Green Gables. However, what sets this one apart is the pacing. Each chapter is filled with small adventures for Rebecca.

As the story progresses, we follow Rebecca's growth and development until she reaches adulthood. And then, she is off to embark on her professional life.

Although the story may seem partial in some ways, it is still quite enjoyable. The characters are well-developed, and the reader can't help but become invested in Rebecca's journey. It's a charming read that will appeal to readers of all ages.

Overall, Rebecca of the Sunnybrook Farm is a book that is well worth picking up.
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