Saturday, October 2, 2010

BOOK: The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery

The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery, 264 pages

Colourful Challenge; 4th CBC Challenge

Such a sweet story with a 1980s retro cover that would inspire no one to read it, unless you've been hanging around the internets. I've been reading some recent reviews of and references to The Blue Castle and it inspired me to reread it. (Plus, it finished off the Colourful Challenge for me.) Even though I knew the main twists in the story, my enjoyment could not have been higher. It was fun to read it again, looking for all the clues that were dropped.

The story: Valencey Stirling is a 29 year old, old maid. This was written in 1926 so that was the phrase of the day, and also, it means she has not fulfilled her role in life. Poor Doss, as her family calls her, is put upon and made fun of, while she comments in her head all the things she wishes she could say. When she receives a dire health prognosis, she decides to live like she hasn't been. Her family is mightily confused by her sudden backbone, and she is finally, blissfully happy. There is much more to the story, but if I told more, you might not have the fun of reading it too.

It's a romance, a feel good read, and although it's predictable, it's absolutely wonderful. Many LM fans like The Blue Castle best. Also, it's a musical written by Hank Stinson. If you ever get a chance to see this performed, please do.

 Get a head start on the 4th Canadian Book Challenge:
I picked up a copy (with the equally old fashioned cover) at our local Walmart, because we can do that on Prince Edward Island. Would someone like a copy? I so love this book, I'd like to send it to someone else to share the enjoyment and love of LM Montgomery and Valency Stirling. I'll take requests for a week in the comments (make sure I can contact you somehow) and then draw a name after October 9th..
Good luck!

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Comments (21)

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Cathy (your sister)'s avatar

Cathy (your sister) · 756 weeks ago

I finished this fairly quickly and did thoroughly enjoy it! And yes, thinking back, there were a number of "tells" that should have given a couple of the twists away, but I didn't realize until the end.

It was written in a way that made it easy to read, as most of LM's work is.
1 reply · active 756 weeks ago
Since I gave you my copy to read, I won't enter you in the draw. Glad you liked it. Next time it gets performed on PEI, we'll have to go.

The twists seem so obvious when you are done reading, but so enjoyable as they occur, it doesn't matter.
Oh, The Blue Castle is definitely my favorite Montgomery, although Anne and Emily both have a special place in my heart, too!
1 reply · active 756 weeks ago
I'm an Anne girl; I've read Emily but don't like those as much. But Valency is the best!
I'll be reading this soon (I have that second copy). I can't wait, I've heard good things!
3 replies · active 756 weeks ago
Hope you like it, it's very charming.
Just realized that I have a different copy but it's similar. What is with flowers and this book?
Once you read it, and John Foster's books which Valency reads, the nature aspect (and flowers) may make more sense. Plus, it's LM, you know her nature descriptions!
I have the exact same old paperback! I just love that "Canadian Favourites" series. I'm collecting them because I had them when I was a kid and they are just so "groovy" looking. No need to enter me in the draw.
1 reply · active 756 weeks ago
The Canadian Favorite covers have a retro charm of their own and I think a collection is cool.
It's such fun when, as you say, her family is so "mightily confused by her sudden backbone". I love watching that unfold! (You needn't enter me either, but it's a lovely giveaway as I understand that many people do have trouble finding this book!)
1 reply · active 756 weeks ago
She's so funny when she starts talking back to the 'family' and they are so shocked.
No need to enter me, as I already have a copy (maybe two!), but I just wanted to say how lovely it is to see this book getting love. It's probably my favorite LM Montgomery book, if only for the scene where she talks back to her family. :p
1 reply · active 756 weeks ago
That scene is hilarious! I was pretty sure you'd read this already. I was surprised how many recent reviews there have been.
I've read the Anne books and the Emily books and a couple of the others, but is it possible I've missed this one? How can that be?! I used to spend all my money at Waldenbooks buying the next L.M. when I was in late elementary school/early middle school -- she's definitely a favorite.
2 replies · active 755 weeks ago
I think this is referred to as the only book she wrote for adults.
Hi Sprite,
You are the only one who commented that hasn't read this book, so I'll send it to you. Can you send me an email with your mailing address? I'm raidergirl3@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
I'm so happy to see this book get more love! It is my favorite L. M. Montgomery, but I had NO idea it was also a musical! I really must try to see it at some point. And the (very old) copy of the book that I have has the cover shown at the bottom of your post - I just love it.
2 replies · active 755 weeks ago
You missed the musical? It was at Confed one fall, maybe an ACT production? and at The Guild I'm pretty sure, and maybe down East for a summer of show. This has all been a number of years ago now. I'm pretty sure you can get a video of it at the Library.

I'm doing my part to spread the love.
Oh how disappointing that I missed it!! I'll have to check the library - thanks :)
I bought this and am hoping to read it this weekend. I have high expectations!

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