‘The Blue Castle’: An Inspired Romance of Imagination
STORY | Being sheltered and smothered is the only life Valancy Stirling knows. Her mother dictates what she should do, be called (she detests being called ‘Doss’ by her mother and unusual relatives alike!), say and wear, and it’s made Valancy a pale, unattractive sickly girl. Now, she’s all grown up, and at 29, she’s past marriageable age.
DISCUSSION | When I Enjoy Books that Leave Me with a (Good!) Hangover
After she receives devastating news, Valancy is through being her mother’s pet, and living with relatives who belittle her. She decides she’s ready to live. She moves in with one of the villager’s everyone likes to gossip about as a companion and nurse for is ailing adult daughter. In the process, Valancy finds freedom, a kind of healing, and perhaps even her own love story.
THE BLUE CASTLE by L.M. Montgomery | Book Review
REVIEW | Penned by L.M Montgomery, her more popular works may be the Anne of Green Gables novels, but one of her beloved novels includes The Blue Castle. A quirky little story about unique characters and interesting prose, this novel is one of the cherished favorite by many of the bookworm friends in my small circle. So much so that their love of the book inspired me to pick up a copy a long time ago. Like normal, the book sat around for quite some time, until finally, one random Saturday, I picked it up and read about two chapters.
“She had always envied the wind. So free. Blowing where it listed. Through the hills. Over the lakes. What a tang, what a zip it had! What a magic of adventure!” – L.M. Montgomery, The Blue Castle
The story inside the whimsical creative cover design (though there are multiple versions, I read the Sourcefire version) is one of whimsy and charm. The heroine is unique, and slowly, as she asserts her own sense of independence, we experience this change along with her, and what this freeing emotion and new way of life looks like. This is where the novel most shines. It’s in Valancy’s journey; in the realizations she comes to, and makes of her life. It’s in how she goes about finding her “muchness,” as Alice of Wonderland would say.
Though I never read the novel, this one reminds me of the film I Capture the Castle. It has that kind of vibe going for it. Visually, I get the sense this is the same kind of imaginative experience; if you like films like This Beautiful Fantastic, Cold Comfort Farm or yes, I Capture the Castle, this is the ideal novel. It’s got some sweet moments, a brilliant journey for its heroine, some twists, and of course, elements of romance, too.
The story feels relevant in some ways, and in others, it’s naturally more “outdated,” but one thing is for sure, those who enjoy Montgomery’s books or anything that has a sense of playful zaniness will find a visit to The Blue Castle a timeless, ideal way to enjoy a weekend read.
‘The Blue Castle’: An Inspired #Romance of Imagination. A review of the L.M. Montgomery novel. #BookReview Share on XABOUT THE BOOK
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Publisher: Sourcefire Books
Publication Date: 1926
Source: Bought
Genre: Fiction; Romance
Find the Book Elsewhere: Goodreads
Rating: ★★★
Content: There’s nothing in this novel to note apart from some minor suggestive remarks, and thematic elements in how characters are perceived and/or treated.
What a great review! I love The Blue Castle. I need to read it again. :)
So glad you enjoy this novel, Kathy; and thank you for reading! :)
Really lovely review. I’ve always wanted to read this one, not even sure why. I still haven’t but I hopefully will at some point.
Thank you, Melanie; I hope if you read this one, you enjoy! It’s taken me far too long to read this classic. :)
I’m so glad you finally got to read and enjoy this story. Valancy’s journey is the best part of the book. That discovery of herself and her true identity is what makes this book stand the test of time. Of course, Barney isn’t bad either.
I am too, Brittaney. Glad it’s finally on my “read” shelf. :) Valancy’s journey is the best. I like that she finds LIFE in the story and is able to experience the freedom of making some choices. :)
What a wonderful review! I loved this book.
SO many of my blogging friends adore this book. It’s been on my shelf for quite some time, so I’m glad I finally read it. Thank YOU for reading, Lydia. :)