Blake, or the Huts of America by Martin Delany

This book tells the story of Henry Blake, who was illegally enslaved, but eventually ran away to freedom and to begin agitating slave revolt both in the United States and Cuba. The book was published serially in 1861 and 1862 in two magazines, and the last several issues have been lost, so the ending is in flux. The story moves very quickly from place to place, and highlights as much of Blake's work in fomenting revolt as it does the sentimental story of his wife being sold away from him (and his eventual, successful efforts to win her back). There's a lot of poetry that emphasizes the emotions the enslaved people feel throughout the text.

World of Wonders by Robertson Davies

The third entry in the Deptford Trilogy returns to Dunstan as narrator, but this time he's telling the story of Paul Dempster, the boy born prematurely when Percy Boyd Staunton threw a snowball at Dunstable Ramsay which hit Mary Dempster instead, and who ran away at a young age to join the circus. There's much less recapitulation in this book because Dempster, known as Magnus Eisengrim now, had much less interaction with the Ramsay-Staunton set during his life, but it's really a magnificent story. It ties up loose ends (although in some cases, I like my speculation better than what Davies says happened). As a whole, I enjoyed the trilogy. I thought its strengths were its ability to revisit situations from several perspectives (still keeping it fresh) and its different takes on what it means to grow up. At times, I felt like it was slightly misogynist, but my overall impression was one of enjoyment.

The Manticore by Robertson Davies

The second book in the Deptford trilogy shifts its focus to Boy Staunton's son, David, who is undergoing a course of therapy in Switzerland following his father's death. This book tells us a lot about David, and could very well destabilize Dunstan's testimony in the first volume, although it doesn't seem to. I didn't like this book as well because I found the therapy sessions strange at times. Still, it was a pretty good conceit for going back over a lot of the same events--though it was helpful to see them in a new light.

Fifth Business by Robertson Davies

The first book in the Deptford Trilogy seems to be a memoir of Dunstan Ramsay, who is born in Deptford, and then grows up to be a schoolteacher. But, as you start to strip away the layers of mystery, you realize that the story's about Dunstan's conflicted relationship with Boy Staunton, who also grew up in Deptford and whose actions set into motion a chain of events that have lasting consequences for Dunstan. I was intrigued by the story's investigation of cause and effect, and the costs of holding on to blame and guilt. It's worth mentioning that the central question of the novel (although it's one that's not explicitly mentioned till the very end)--who killed Boy Staunton?--is not satisfactorily answered, although it's fun to work through some speculation on that point.

Anne of the Island by Lucy Maud Montgomery

This book continues Anne's story with her time at Redmond College. She slowly and unwittingly falls in love with Gilbert Blythe, makes new friends, and sets up housekeeping for the first time. While not exactly repetitive, this book,  I think, isn't doing quite so many interesting things with gender and fantasy as the first book.

Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery

This book tells of Anne's years teaching at the Avonlea school and helping Marilla save her eyesight and raise twins left on Marilla's hands by the death of her third cousin's wife. Anne's friendship with Gilbert Blythe grows stronger, and she keeps getting into memorable scrapes (such as selling her neighbor's cow, falling through the roof of a pantry, painting the town hall an ugly blue, and entertaining her favorite author on a cleaning day). Another fun addition to the series.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I really enjoyed re-reading this book. While Anne is a little over-the-top, I still really connected with her character. I was interested this time in the deft plotting of the book, which moves through six years with ease. I also was interested in Anne's friendship with Diana and her reactions to Gilbert Blythe. I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of the books in the series.