First published in 1926, "The Blue Castle" is one of the few stories for adults by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, famed for her "Anne of Green Gables" novels. It is the story of Valancy Stirling, a lonely and deeply unhappy "old maid", who has grown increasingly despondent living with her critical and controlling mother and extended family. Her only escapes are the novels of her favorite author and her fantasies of an imagined fairy-tale place she calls the "Blue Castle". As she approaches her thirtieth birthday, ...
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First published in 1926, "The Blue Castle" is one of the few stories for adults by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, famed for her "Anne of Green Gables" novels. It is the story of Valancy Stirling, a lonely and deeply unhappy "old maid", who has grown increasingly despondent living with her critical and controlling mother and extended family. Her only escapes are the novels of her favorite author and her fantasies of an imagined fairy-tale place she calls the "Blue Castle". As she approaches her thirtieth birthday, Valancy is diagnosed with a fatal heart condition and given only a year left to live. She decides to make the most of her time left and refuses to continue to live under the thumb of her judgmental family. She leaves to become a housekeeper for a gravely ill friend and there she meets and falls in love with Barney Snaith, a man with a mysterious reputation. Unafraid of scandal and her family's disapproval, Valancy risks everything for love and finds more adventure and happiness than she could have ever imagined. This rich and satisfying romance continues to captivate readers a century after it was first written. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
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Valancy Stirling has lived a rather quiet life for almost 29 years. She has no exceptionally wonderful childhood memories, as others might. Her adult life didn't carry much happiness for her either. Just the day-in and day-out motions of living with her mother and cousin. Of course, the glaring fact exists that she's becoming an old maid and no young man has taken an interest to her.
"As far as she could look back, life was drab and colourless, with not one single crimson or purple spot anywhere. As far as she could look forward it seemed certain to be just the same until she was nothing but a solitary, little withered leaf clinging to a wintry bough." (Chapter I)
"The Blue Castle" is the story of one young woman's breaking-out-of-a-shell moment. Far too long she had been pushed around, following commands kindly and precisely as requested, and continuously living without actually living.
The day of fateful decision lands on her 29th birthday. The day she finally decides to do something for herself, even if it does spring the first wedge she's ever had between herself and another person. As Valancy's daring acts increase, the relatives grow progressively surprised -- although deportment must always be sustained, even when disgraced and shocked by the words and actions of a young woman going "dippy". (This was my favorite part of the book, and I had many laughs over the dismayed reactions, and also at how steady that Valancy maintained her performances.)
"'Let us be calm,' said Uncle Benjamin. 'Let us be perfectly calm.'" (Chapter XV)
Suffice it to say, Valancy does not "be perfectly calm" and continues in her newly found freedom from the gripping drabness that she had always simply existed in... My, what great things she accomplishes too!
This is such a fun, sweet piece of literature to read. I sped through the book so fast, because I just couldn't stop reading. L. M. Montgomery spoke so vividly to me through "The Blue Castle". It's a new favorite of mine, and I'll definitely have to read it again someday!
julieCS
Jan 19, 2012
Lovely and wholesome
A sweet book with a lovely, old-fashioned story. Suitable for teens and adults who are hungry for good writing and a more wholesome approach than is usually found nowadays.
