We already did a poll on Jane Austen (and another on Harry Potter), now it's time for another of my favorite authors: Lucy Maud Montgomery. I read the whole of her Anne of Green Gables series several times over as a child, and then I read them several times over again as an adult.
The first novel in the series, Anne of Green Gables, appeared 100 years ago, in 1908. According to Wikipedia, Montgomery "used a photograph of Evelyn Nesbit, clipped from an American magazine and pasted on the wall above her writing desk, as the model for Anne Shirley, the book's main character", but the editions I had as a child, printed by Grosset & Dunlap in the 1970s, featured photographs of a pretty freckled red-head on the dust jackets, and whoever that woman is, she has always been Anne Shirley to me (even after the wonderful mini-series starring Megan Follows appeared in the 1980s; see image at right).
So. I don't expect that Anne has quite so many fans as Lizzy Bennet or Hermione Granger, but for those of you that qualify, scent anyone at all from the series.
I decided for no reason to put everyone in Guerlain. Anne, of course, needs something feisty but romantic, so I've given her Chamade. For Diana, the old-fashioned but romantic Après L’Ondée. I can't picture Gilbert wearing fragrance at all, so perhaps just a splash of Eau de Guerlain?
Extra points for anyone who can remember if fragrance is ever mentioned in any of the novels?
And extra reading: Margaret Atwood on Anne of Green Gables.
I love these posts, but sadly haven't read this series. Will have to look into it. But do let me know if you do Lord of the Rings–I want to find scents for Arwyn, Galadriel, Eowyn and let's not forget Aragorn! Darn, now I've distracted myself…:-D
Pia, adding that to my “lazy list”! And Aragorn *is* kind of distracting, LOL…
Well, she was sassy and bright and assertive and a trailblazer (in education) and emotional and talkative. Not familiar with the scents of that time but if it were current I think something like Mandy's Tango. I bet Anne of Green Gables would tango if given the chance,
For Diana, dreamy and loyal, perhaps Janita Haan's Perpetually Yours and for Gilbert plain and uncomplicated, Mugler's Cologne.
PS my legal name is Anne, but in freshman year of high school all the new girls deemed it too plain for me, and dubbed me Anya (first choice Tanya, nixed by me.)
I loved this series as a girl! I read the books while listening to James Galway's Nocturne (as an LP! That really dates me!), and can't hear Claire du Lune without getting weepy. I agree with your Guerlain path, as I think Marilla (the elder, for those who read the WHOLE series up to Rilla of Ingleside) should be in Mitsouko; earthy, quietly confident, a bit stern, takes a while to warm-up to but worthy of devotion. And when she loves, she loves forever…
For Anne something outdoorsy but romantic, lilac comes to mind – En Passant. For Diana, something sweet (as in sweet disposition) and powdery – any number of Guerlains – maybe Shalimar Light or Guet Apens. For Gilbert, he wouldn't wear any unless Anne bought him some, and maybe she would pick Guerlain's Vetiver.
Anne is my middle name, and I never liked it either. Oh well.
I read the Rilla books! But don't think I liked them as well — never re-read them, and no longer have copies, whereas I still have all the original hardbacks of the Anne books. If you read the Margaret Atwood article linked above, you'll see that they've also done a prequel to Anne. Don't think I could make myself read it.
I would recommend 4711 for most of the old novel characters as it was available for them back then. But if it was possible for them to get any of the fragrances available today I'd recommend Voile de Roses by L'artisan – classy, romantic, feminine and gorgeous.
I second the En Passant, also perhaps Annik Goutal – Petite Cherie?
Yes, I'd put Gilbert in 4711! Not romantic enough for Anne or Diana, maybe?
I just started rereading this series! I think Anne in her early years would wear Pleasures by Estee Lauder. There are references to gathering lilacs in the books. But she'd experiment a lot, because she'd be completely enthralled by the romance of every new scent. I think Diana would start out wearing White Shoulders, but eventually she'd figure out that she should be in some kind of cheery rose scent.
That makes three Annes (I am Helen Anne) – I have come to appreciate the Anne a bit more, but I also think it was overused as a middle name (along with Lee and Marie) for far too long – now naming children has become such an artform, I sort of respect the simplicity of the old way. But Anya, Anne as a FIRST name is not so common, which is nice. I also like Marie as a first name, too.
But, I obviously am way off on a tangent for this poll and I never did read this series (But I will haphazardly throw in a vote for Lipstick Rose/Drole de Rose, which both smell very much like what I remember my beloved great-grandmother's make-up drawer smelling like as a child…)
VERY overused as a middle name when I was young, yes!
Drole de Rose would fit Diana perfectly, so you've done as well as you would if you'd read them
I remember in Windy Poplars that Anne helps a friend get ready for a wedding and dabs her with “apple blossom scent.” “So ladylike,” says her friend.
Maybe Ormonde Jayne's Osmanthus or Frangipane for Anne? Something spring like and happy.
I was thinking of Ruby Gillis, the flirty blonde…how about Fracas? But maybe too strong, but something that makes her seem like she's trying too hard and too young for it.
Instead of Gilbert, how about Roy Gardner, Anne's beau first serious beau? He's rich, dark, tall, and handsome. Guerlain's Derby?
As you can tell, I'm an Anne nut!
Anne was the kind of girl who would be carried away by romantic associations and ad copy, and insist on wearing a perfume that is much too grown-up for her. N'Aimez Que Moi, perhaps, or L'Heure Bleue? Matthew secretly buys it for her.
I think of Diana in Eau de Charlotte, perhaps because of the blackcurrant wine incident. But it would fit her — bright and sweet and fresh.
Marilla is so no-nonsense that it's hard to picture a perfume for her. She dabs on a drop of Jean Nate on Sundays, for church.
Rachel Lynde thinks perfume is an extravagance and a sin.
I read “Anne of Green Gables” eons ago, probably at the age of 12, and have re-read it a few times since. (It's not just for girls!) Try as I might, I can't imagine Anne wearing perfume. Romantic though she is, it just wouldn't suit her. She would wear a garland of flowers on her head, she would pin a nosegay to her dress, but would she dab on something as removed from nature as a perfume? I can't see it.
Diana Barry, on the other hand, would wear Joy, I think.
R, I am a huge Ann-with-an-e fan, and used a quote from the book a month ago to preface an article for PST that Marina will post one of these days…
The thing I remember best about Anne from her young-lady days is that nine times out of ten Diana was the prettier one, and then on the tenth occasion Anne's luminous gray eyes and fair skin would blaze forth and eclipse Diana completely. So–what perfume does that? One that is quiet, and then, suddenly, more beautiful than anything else?
Ooh, I loved “Anne of Green Gables” when I was a girl! And it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a redhaired, freckled bookworm myself, I'm sure.
I can see Anne wearing L'Artisan's La Chasse (the diet version; Extreme is way too spicy) – a pretty and grown-up floral, not too frivolous or too staid. The perfect fragrance for a girl who would frolick in a meadow before settling under a tree with a good book.
ooh..great poll!! I love re-reading the Anne series and the first book has always been among my all time favourites .I first started reading the books when I was 11 and always wished that Anne was real, so I'd pretend she was . I have a pretty strong memory of saving a space for her in one particular geography class, in 6th grade.
I think fragrance is mentioned in Windy WIllows (or windy poplars) when Anne dabs some on Pauline Gibson's wrist (I think that was her name) against Pauline's mother's wish.
As somebody mentioned- I can see Anne in a lilac perfume or any other perfume that evokes the color 'purple'..hmm..can't think right now..will be back with scent choices..Maybe a scent of mayflowers which are her favorite flowers?
For Anne- I still can't seem to decide.(something purple or maybe white)
Diana – something light pink rose- LA's Drole de rose?
Philippa Gordon – a bright sparkly red rose scent ..Actually maybe even POTL AMAZE
Marilla secretly uses perfume as she thinks it an unnecessary extravagance but loves it all the same. She probably dabs a bit of ..hmm..lets see..something classically beautiful – a chypre (Caron Alpona??)
Leslie would probably wear FM Une Rose, I think, or a deep rich rose..
FM Lipstick rose may also 'suit' Phillipa
EL Private Collection for Marilla??
Funny, as soon as I read this, I pictured the boating scene (i'm only familiar with the movie and one of the latter novels-must read the series when I have time). Anne is rather romantic, melancholy, and gothic, yet totally in control of herself, if not the situation, and is absolutely regal. Whoops, let's not forget over-the-top dramatic. Hence, I really think Anne (at least here) would wear a rose to match. I'm a newbie still, and I think I remember a few gothic rose scents being described here or on PP, but the names elude me. Help?
Vigo Mortenson…. *sigh*. Something about that man.
I never read Anne of Green Gables, but I did belong to a book group run by a rather ditsy woman, who, when we agreed to read House of Seven Gables, got it all mixed up with AoGG, and brought us all copies of AoGG the next week. I left the group at that point.
Vigo, what's not to like??
Existentialist, that is a GREAT book group story! Book groups are funny things.
I'd love Anne in Frangipani since it is one of my own favorites! And Ruby Gillis — Fracas is great.
Never did like Roy!
LOL — “Rachel Lynde thinks perfume is an extravagance and a sin”, so true!
You might be right, perhaps she wouldn't bother. But we can scent her anyway, LOL…against her own wishes.
I think you are accurate on Anne's looks vs. Diana's, but I just never was able to think of Diana as pretty — she didn't interest me.
But for the perfume, that has to be Joy or Diorissimo, in extrait. You think it's not interesting enough, maybe, then WHAM.
Hey, La Chasse would work! And you can't imagine how badly I wanted to be a freckled red-head after reading those books.
Lavanya, I did not remember that she had a favorite flower, cool! I don't know if I pretended Anne was real or if I just pretended I was Anne. Comes out about the same
Count me as four – Erin Anne. After my Aunt Anne, but still….
Love, love the Anne books, and also Maud Montgomery's Emily series as well, but am temporarily stumped for the perfumes.
Gothic rose: Strange Invisible Perfumes Black Rosette. But not sure Anne would wear something that dark. Can't think of a gothic rose that would fit, maybe someone else will chime in?
How about Paestum Rose? My non-perfumista (almost anti-perfume) friend once sniffed it on me as it went through its paces and said–“Wow, it really changes! I thought you were just making that part up. It's like taking a walk in the forest.”
Which Anne would like, no? I can imagine her wearing it when she's calmer and all grown up, but remembering the drama of her youth.
Perfect! Thank you! And re: Diana–I think you were probably following the author's wishes, there LOL. But I always wanted that glorious mane of black hair. I grew up surrounded by mean blondes.
It's Anne herself who makes the observation about her looks vs. Diana's…
I thought Rachel Lynde made that observation, because she usually finds the 'Diana type' prettier..(I might be wrong- Anne might have said that as well)
yep, in some of the later books, Captain Jim and then Jem always pick a bunch of mayflowers for her in the spring. The first time Captain Jim gets her some she says something to the effect that nobody understands how much she longs for mayflowers in the spring, not even Gilbert..lol..I think I spend too much time re-reading old favorites. I have a pile of 'to be read' books glaring at me..:)
yes, it does come out the same…:-). [It was only when I used to talk aloud to the imaginary Anne that people would probably have thought I was crazy..lol ]
have you read the Emily trilogy (L.M Montgomery). I really like the second book of that series- Emily Climbs. L.M Montgomery is supposed to have preferred this trilogy (in terms of writing craft). Emily is not as NICE as Anne but she seems to have more layers. It would be interesting to pick fragrances for her and Ilse..
(sorry 'bout the tangential rambling..:))
I did not read the Emily books, but as an adult I did read LMM's journals. VERY depressing.
Ahtx, I think you're right — LMM didn't adore Diana either, although she tried to give her a fair shake.
Oh, Captain Jim! Now I want to read them again, LOL…
I did not read the Emily series, but as I said above, I did read LMM's journals after they were published. She had a very sad life.
Yup I read your comment above (re: Emily series) right after I'd posted…
love Captain Jim too..:) I just finished another round of re-reading the series some time ago- now am re-reading harry potter..
I don't think I've read her journals, though I've read bits about her..
I'm tempted to read her journals now, but don't want to if its sad..
(I've read that she didn't marry the person whom she fell in love with etc..)
DH just cannot understand my re-reading childhood favorites. But whenever I need to do some 'escapist' reading there are nothing like childhood favorites..lol
Oh, it would absolutely be Laila by Geir Ness.
Diorissimo is perfect for Anne when she is grown up and married to Gilbert, as a refined doctor's wife. I can also imagine her wearing it as she pretends to be the Lady of Shalott adrift on a raft!
oh, now you piqued my curiousity about her! I loved the books when I read them (ahem! MANY years ago!), but I, too, am stumped on the perfumes…
Sad AND dreary. You can see why the Anne books were an escape.
Yes, exactly!
I third/fourth that lilac would suit Anne perfectly, so En Passant would be great on her. Also that Parfumerie Generale one with the long romantic name that Anne would adore:
Ether de Lilas Blanc Sur Feuillage Tendre…
It reminds me of her 'White Way of Delight'!
Farah, I think you win, hands down. Anne would absolutely buy that PG just based on the name!
Seriously, you'd be happier just re-reading the Anne series. I mean, the journals are fascinating in an odd way, but she did not have a happy or exciting life.
I loved the Emily series as well! What do you think she and Ilse would wear?
hmm..fun! I think Ilse would wear Black Aoud..for its shocking, unusual beginning which hides a very deep red rose
Emily- I can see wearing Ellie D sometimes layered with a musc fragrance? (for fun!). I actually can't think of the perfect fragrance for her..can you?
I can also see Emily wearing Hypnotic poison for some reason..:)
I agree, that was a great call based on the name. Alas, as lilac scents go, I much prefer En Passant to Ether de Lilas.
What a fun poll this is! I love the Anne of Green Gables series.
I offer this quote: '”Beyond Willowmere came Violet Vale–a little green dimple in the shadow of Mr. Andrew Bell's big woods. “Of course there are no violets there now,” Anne told Marilla, “but Diana says there are millions of them in spring. Oh, Marilla, can't you just imagine you see them? It actually takes away my breath. I named it Violet Vale. Diana says she never saw the beat of me for hitting on fancy names for places. It's nice to be clever at something, isn't it? But Diana named the Birch Path. She wanted to, so I let her; but I'm sure I could have found something more poetical than plain Birch Path. Anybody can think of a name like that. But the Birch Path is one of the prettiest places in the world, Marilla.”'
So I put Anne in L'Artisan Verte Violette. Diana I almost put in Cuir de Russie (birch tar and all), but couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead, I put her in Passage D'Enfer, but we mustn't tell her mother the translation of the name.
Aragorn…*BIG SIGH* … definitely wears Yatagan
…and I will stop at that point and return to the subject: Anne would wear something with violets, Gilbert some nice clean cologne.
I read this series again a year or two ago. It is wonderful! Agree with those who would put Anne in En Passant. And Diorissimo or, perhaps, Happy (cheerful and bright, yes?) for the more mature Anne.
I agree with En Passant for Anne. (I'm a longtime fan and a legacy — my mother read Montgomery as a girl, in the 30s, and then schemed to import the series[es] from Canada so that my sisters would have a chance to read them.) Anne loved the scents of nature and would wear something light and ladylike — her beauty is often described as “ethereal”, so something short-lived would suit! Apple blossom is often mentioned in the books; I haven't tried CBIHP Gathering Apples but I daresay it's reminiscent of Prince Edward Island. I also recall the sweet grass that the girls would gather along the shore and make into baskets to hold their mementos; so I suggest Vetiver or Sel de Vetiver; maybe Anne would give it to Gilbert rather than wear it herself, but then snuggle up to him…
Would that be Ilang Ivohibe? : )
Or Eau de Charlotte? Or Chevrefeuille even?
Doh, doh and double doh! The long name is in the post! Is a splitting headache any kind of excuse?
Yatagan fits perfectly!
Thanks for the lovely quote! And I can't work Diana up to Cuir de Russie either…
I do hate to put her in apple blossom since I don't like it myself, but you're probably right — it's what she'd like.
There are several references in the books to Gilbert giving Anne lilies of the valley that she wears in her hair, so I can see her wearing something like the C&E lily of the valley. Also he brings her bluebells every spring, so the Lilia Bella strikes my fancy there. I can't really see her ever wearing anything other than a light soliflore – definitely the apple blossom, there are specific references to her wearing that when she dresses up (IIRC Matthew gives her a bottle).
Gosh, ya'll have good memories! I'm realizing now how many years it's been since I re-read them — no memory at all of the lilies of the valley.
Après L'Ondée, I'm absolutely sure!
Oh, I can definitely see that! Somewhat dark/mysterious…although, towards the end the series got so dreary, I might put Emily in something more melancholy, like Passage d'Enfer. Black Aoud is perfect for Ilse!
As many have already said, apple-blossom scent is mentioned in the books…as well as “apple-blossom wallpaper”, etc. So, I suspect Anne may have worn a scent that would always make her wistful for Green Gables. She was sentimentally romantic, like that :). I could imagine her in a high-quality lavender oil, “Helianthe” by L'Atelier Boheme, dusk reminiscent like “A La Figue” by Satellite, perhaps something reminiscent of hay, like “Eau D'Polder” L'essence de Maestenbroek or something spicy-sweet like “Isvaraya” by Indult or “POTL LetE”. Oddly enough, I could even imagine her in something dreamy, but quirkily edgy, like “Alien”. Diana would wear something sweet, floral but subtle, like “Flower” by Kenzo or Vera wang's “Princess”; Gilbert MUST wear “Gris Clair” by Serge Lutens or “Antico Caruso”, Profumum.
Thank you so much for reminding me of my favourite childhood book series! My best friend and I (have known each other since we were 4 years old) even vowed to visit PEI one day together (we were already in college at that time). Loved so many suggestions for perfumes and tending to Diorissimo for the grown-up Anne myself.
K
Hey, somebody ought to do a “Eau d'Polder” sort of scent for Prince Edward Island, right? With apple blossom and whatever else.
I always wanted to visit PEI too — maybe I will some day!
Now this got me thinking of that failed attempt Anne did at dying her hair black – I can't help thinking she would have been a goth if she had lived 80 years later, what with all the high-strung romanticism, her taste for anachronistic clothes and her constant feelings of being misunderstood – so why not?
I haven't read the books in over 15 years, but I remember Anne as rather a tempestuous character, with lots of drama and mood swings. I liked the books very much, but sometimes I thought she seemed like such a pill! I agree with whoever said that Anne herself would insist on wearing something much too grown-up, with a romantic name, and I think you'd need something with a fair bit of melodrama to personify her.
LOL — she probably was a pill! But I never saw her that way when I was a young reader, and not sure I read the books critically even now.