Kilmeny of the Orchard

By L.M. Montgomery and Lucy Maud Montgomery

Book Overview

"Kilmeny of the Orchard" is a captivating romance by the beloved author L. M. Montgomery. Set against the lush, pastoral backdrop of Prince Edward Island, the story follows Eric Marshall, a young man who travels to the island to take over a teaching position for a friend. His life changes forever when he wanders into an old, secluded orchard and encounters the ethereal Kilmeny Gordon.

Kilmeny is a beautiful girl of mysterious origins who possesses a stunning musical talent but has been mute since birth. As Eric becomes drawn into her world, he must navigate the secrets of her family's past and the isolation imposed by her protective aunt and uncle. This lyrical novel explores themes of love, devotion, and the healing power of nature.

Known for its atmospheric prose and poignant characterizations, "Kilmeny of the Orchard" remains a classic work of early twentieth-century fiction. It offers readers a timeless tale of a young man's quest to win the heart of a girl who speaks through her violin and her eyes rather than through words.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025765559
• ISBN13: 9781025765556
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

One of the best by LM Montgomery

Everyone is familiar with Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series, yet not many realize she has many other books about other equally enchanting characters. Kilmeny of the Orchard is one example of that. Kilmeny is a sweet, mute girl who is the object of the wealthy Eric's desire. Raised in the lap of luxury, Eric has to figure out how to earn what he wants, her love. A lovely, old fashioned story.

A True Romance

I couldn't believe the review one person wrote about "Kilmeny" entitled ho hum! This is no action adventure book, but it is not intended to be. Read Indiana Jones or Left Behind if you want action. This is one of Lucy's best novels. With a male main character, is is unique among her other full length works. This story tells a beautiful tale of true love. Eric truly loves this girl for her character, not for superficial reasons. He delights in her beauty because there is character behind it. Kilmeny is the one who truly displays sacrificial love. As Lucy Maud so eloquently puts it, her love was so strong that it would not allow her to do him (Eric) what she believed to be a wrong. That is a pure love which is too scarce in our world today. But I guess if you don't want to read about a beautiful love story, deep emotion, moving triumphs, and men treating the women they love as they deserve, with tenderness and respect, then this book really is ho-hum. ;)

It was great!

This was a beautiful love story. Even thoug it was short, it was a wonderful. L.M. Montgomery never ceases to amaze me.The book gave me a happy feeling when I had finished it. I would recommend this book to any L.M. Montgomery fan.

Hauntingly beautiful scenes, but much too short

The scenes in which Eric and Kilmeny spend stolen moments among the lilacs in the twilight are almost hallucinatory. Kilmeny is a beautiful (if not very deep) character who truly is the perfect image to use in front of Montgomery's beautiful descriptions of the atmospheres and scenes of Prince Edward Island. My only problem with this book is that it is simply too short.

A must read for all L.M. Montgomery fans!!

This is one of the best romances I've ever read. It is about a mute girl, Kilmeny, who is very beautiful. Eric, the substituting schoolmaster, falls in love with her, but she won't marry him because she can't speak. Will Kilmeny's love for Eric overcome her muteness? You'll have to read the book to find out.