My Mom and I Loved “Anne of Green Gables”. After She Died, I Traveled to Prince Edward Island (Exclusive)

**A Journey to Prince Edward Island: Rediscovering Anne and Healing from Grief**

In an emotional and reflective piece, author Mallory Kass recounts her long-held dream of visiting Prince Edward Island, the enchanting Canadian province that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s iconic *Anne of Green Gables* series. The literary landscapes of Montgomery’s work, filled with whimsy and nostalgia, served as more than mere stories for Kass—they were a haven during her formative years. However, following the death of her mother, Kass found it increasingly difficult to reconnect with the world of Anne, feeling both a sense of loss and trepidation about confronting a reality mingled with grief.

Kass reveals that her fascination with Prince Edward Island began at just eight years old, after her mother introduced her to the *Anne* books. “Like a quirky outsider embraced by her community,” Kass found solace in Anne’s escapades, marking the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the series. Over the years, she revisited the beloved tales, each reading reminding her of childhood comfort, aspiration, and the intimate bond with her mother. Yet, as adulthood took its toll, Kass put off making the pilgrimage to the island, fearing that a reality check might dim the magic she associated with it.

The onset of grief in 2020 thrust Kass into a new chapter, characterised by profound emotional turmoil after her mother’s long battle with cancer. With her mother gone, she struggled to immerse herself in the comforting words of Montgomery. “I’d lost my mum—and I’d lost Anne,” she reflects, acknowledging a period where she could not even muster the strength to read the cherished books, feeling as though she had lost access to a world that had once nurtured her imagination.

Interestingly, while reading became a challenge, writing provided an unexpected avenue for healing. Kass immersed herself in the creation of a new novel, *Save the Date*, which eventually included a setting in Prince Edward Island, a place that had remained only a dream until that point. A panicked call to action drove Kass to book a last-minute research trip, as she felt the pressure of artistic integrity and a need to return to her roots.

Upon arriving at Prince Edward Island, Kass found herself in the midst of an off-season landscape, where the island lay hidden beneath a fresh blanket of snow. This was not the vibrant, bustling summer destination she had envisioned; instead, it was a serene and introspective environment that lent itself to quiet reflection. The familiar attractions associated with Montgomery’s novels were largely closed, and Kass, seven-and-a-half months pregnant, battled waves of anxiety about impending motherhood without her own mother by her side.

Yet, this unexpected solitude provided the perfect backdrop for Kass’s much-anticipated journey. As she navigated through icy roads, she discovered the lighthouses that had been staples of her imagination and gazed over the picturesque red sand beaches that Anne held dear. The desolate charm of the winter landscape felt transformative, allowing Kass to immerse herself without the distraction of tourist crowds.

At Green Gables Heritage Place, although the house was shuttered for the season, the expansive grounds remained open. Kass recalls a poignant moment standing before the iconic structure, pressing her palm against the door as memories rushed back. She wandered the velvety trails of the “Haunted Wood,” even as anxiety began to subside, the beloved characters of her childhood rekindling a connection with her mother that felt momentarily tangible.

“For a moment, it felt like my mother was listening,” Kass shared, describing how she spoke to her mother about her trip, her forthcoming child, and the emotions bound to the legacy of love they had created together. She also revealed her choice to name her son after one of Anne’s children, Walter, merging her own family with the world that had profoundly shaped her.

Returning to her inn, Kass wrote down every sensory detail from her visit—every sound, scent, and sight that had stirred feelings of joy, nostalgia, and anticipation. The act of writing became a cathartic release, allowing her to let go of some of the grief that had held her captive since her mother’s passing. Finally, she found the courage to reopen a dog-eared copy of *Anne of Green Gables*, finding that Anne, too, had been patiently waiting for her return.

Through this heartfelt journey, Kass not only found a way to honour her mother’s legacy but also rediscovered the magic of Anne amidst the chaos of life. In realising that she could carry that love forward into her future, she brings a fresh perspective to both her personal narrative and her creative pursuits. Readers can now find solace in *Save the Date*, which is available for purchase, echoing themes of love, nostalgia, and healing inspired by Kass’s transformative experience on Prince Edward Island.