L. M. Montgomery, Rainbow Valley. Toronto: Doubleday Canada Ltd., 1996. Archival & Special Collections, University of Guelph (s0013Ab025).

Jem is 21 years old when the war breaks out. He dreams of being a hero and enlists the day after war is declared. Anne and Gilbert support his decision but Anne is heartbroken. Near the end of the war, he is reported wounded and missing. He eventually escapes from his prisoner of war camp and after a period of time in hospital in England, he returns home where he begins training to be a doctor.  

He is chastened by his wartime experience, aware of the evil that rests in the world, but remains full of hope and confidence for the future. He hopes that his sacrifice ensures that other children will be able to enjoy the same happy childhood that he and the other Blythe children enjoyed in Rainbow Valley. This special collector’s edition of Rainbow Valley shows the Blythe children playing with their friends.