At twenty-nine Valancy had never been in love, and it seemed romance had passed her by. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she found her only consolations in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle. Then a letter arrived from Dr. Trent, and Valancy decided to throw caution to the winds. For the first time in her life Valancy did and said exactly what she wanted. Soon she discovered a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.
The Blue Castle
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From the Publisher
"At twenty-nine Valancy had never been in love, and it seemed romance had passed her by. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she found her only consolations in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle. Then a letter arrived from Dr. Trent, and Valancy decided to throw caution to the winds. For the first time in her life Valancy did and said exactly what she wanted. Soon she discovered
About the Author
Dr. Collett Tracey teaches Canadian literature at Carleton University. She brings her interest in Canadian modernism and women's writing to her introduction.
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in Clifton (now New London), Prince Edward Island on November 30, 1874. Raised by her maternal grandparents, she attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown and obtained her teaching certificate. She later studied literature at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She eventually married Ewan Macdonald, a Presbyterian minister, and had 3 sons with him. She published 12 books in total and died in Toronto in 1942.
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By "smithie2"
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Ok, now WHY didn't this woman write more adult novels? She is very good at them! I loved this book, and I couldn't understand why it wasn't as popular as the Anne, Emily, or Pat books.
As opposed to how Montgomery conforms to what society expects of women in the Anne and Emily and Pat books, she does the opposite in this one. Valancy PROPOSES TO THE GUY! I love how she goes from being this docile creature who takes crap from everyone, into this shameless woman who DOES WHAT SHE WANTS! And she goes and becomes a nurse for a girl with an illigitimate child, these are social outcasts! And the guy she marries! He is a HUGE social outcast. I love how proudly and shamelessly she goes about it. This novel may not have been popular in it's time but it sure has to be made into a movie today. And there should be sequals to the movie. The same way books were written about Laura Ingalls Wilders daughter, should there be books written by someone who is alive today about Valancy. Oh Maud, if you could come back and see how we love her now! I wish Emily had learned from her and pursued what she wanted more in life. Maybe then she would have been happier.
As opposed to how Montgomery conforms to what society expects of women in the Anne and Emily and Pat books, she does the opposite in this one. Valancy PROPOSES TO THE GUY! I love how she goes from being this docile creature who takes crap from everyone, into this shameless woman who DOES WHAT SHE WANTS! And she goes and becomes a nurse for a girl with an illigitimate child, these are social outcasts! And the guy she marries! He is a HUGE social outcast. I love how proudly and shamelessly she goes about it. This novel may not have been popular in it's time but it sure has to be made into a movie today. And there should be sequals to the movie. The same way books were written about Laura Ingalls Wilders daughter, should there be books written by someone who is alive today about Valancy. Oh Maud, if you could come back and see how we love her now! I wish Emily had learned from her and pursued what she wanted more in life. Maybe then she would have been happier.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By agtpeach
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The Blue Castle is a perfect example of marketing gone very, VERY wrong. Those silly publishers who gave this wonderful book such a tawdry cover and shallow synopsis have done L. M. Montgomery and Valancy Stirling a huge disservice. This isn't a conventional romance, but an inspiring story of a woman who takes control of her life and discovers a beautiful world living her dream, her Blue Castle. The positive reviews may sound a little over-enthusiastic, but women and girls have reaffirmed this book as an all-time favorite time and time again. Everyone I know who has read this wishes they had gotten to it sooner and/or laments its undeserved obscurity. My sister and I fight over our copy, stupid cover and all, since we both feel compelled to read it a few times a year.
Here's why: Valancy Stirling is an Everywoman - all of us can relate to her helplessness and apathy, her joys and triumphs. In Valancy's case, her intimidating, suffocating family and poverty have instilled fear from a young age, when she was an insignificant little girl. After a lifetime of negative comments, she finds herself a hopeless, though respectable, old maid at the age of 29, unloved and unwanted even by her own mother. Then Dr. Trent tells her she has a terminal heart condition, and Valancy throws all caution to the winds, deciding to really *live* for her last few months.
Her repressed personality and spirit finally express themselves, often humorously and cheekily. She says what's on her mind, sees her relatives as the sillies they are, and very importantly, refuses to wear her hated red flannel petticoat. You will feel deliciously refreshed as Valancy lives on her own terms for once. The characters are well drawn with Montgomery's typically detailed hand, giving life to each of the distinctive citizens of Deerwood, from hilarious Roaring Abel to sweet Cissy to the fearsome Rev. Stalling, as well as many members of the upright, uptight Stirling clan. Also as important as the people is the marvelous Muskoka "outback," with its evocative descriptions in the John Foster books Valancy devours, and the lovely little island of Mistawis and its natural wonders.
Most readers will agree that The Blue Castle is an adult book. Considering L. M. Montgomery wrote *all* her books for an adult audience, this isn't strange. What makes this one more so isn't content so much as appreciation. Any adolescent will enjoy the book, but it takes those years after being a teen to truly empathize with Valancy's story. The Blue Castle is about disappointment and renewal, bitterness and second chances, rarely in the realm of an age of "firsts;" which is why this one markedly lacks the preciousness that is often found (appropriately) in the "younger" books like The Story Girl, the Anne of Green Gables, and the Emily of New Moon books. Give this book a try - you won't regret it. This is one to share and pass on.
By N. Isles
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a huge Maud Montgomery fan and I own most of the books she has written. I bought The Blue Castle sometime back in the 90's and I have read, and re-read it many, many times, and each time I enjoy it just as much as if I were reading it for the first time. You feel yourself become Valancy as she breaks away from her stiff family tradtions and branches out to become the person she really is inside. You live your life with Valancy and Barney in their snug little "blue castle" on Mistawis island. My mother also loves this book and I am ordering another copy for her for Mother's Day this year! I would highly recommend this book to other Lucy Maud fans. You won't be disappointed.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is Montgomery's best book.
So many people who are familiar with Montgomery's Anne series have never heard of this book, and what a shame that is. Read more
Published on April 17 2011 by Apostate Pinko
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring!
I have read all the Anne and Emily books, and enjoyed them. This was the first time I picked up one of LM Montgomery's "other" books, and I must say I was very pleasantly... Read more
Published on Aug 15 2009 by CanadianMother
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favourite L.M. Montgomery book EVER!!
I just adore this book! It's so funny! It's very different from any of L.M.'s other books. Valancy's awakening is hilarious to read. Read more
Published on July 25 2005 by Agnes Vanderveen
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite L.M.M. book
What can I say? This is my favourite book. I've read it over and over and have never tired of it. The characters are very real, and very relatable. Read more
Published on July 13 2004 by Sharona4ever
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most wonderful book in the world
I bought this book about 13 years ago because it was written by Montgomery who wrote "Anne of Green Gables".
Wow, what a wonderful book. Read more
Wow, what a wonderful book. Read more
Published on Mar 7 2004 by Asako
5.0 out of 5 stars
top 5 books of all time!
This book is one of my favorites-I return to it time and again, I love the story and know it by heart. Read more
Published on Feb 14 2004 by Gita
4.0 out of 5 stars
Everyone Has A Blue Castle
My mother gave me all of the Anne books for Christmas when I was ten. At twelve my family spent the summer in Canada and we visited Prince Edward Island. Read more
Published on Nov 19 2003 by A. Dyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very entertaining read!
I had never read a LM Montgomery book with an adult main character before. It was a charming experience! I highly recommend this book to all "Maud's" fans.
Published on Aug 16 2003 by BNL fan
5.0 out of 5 stars
I reread this book every year!
This book is fantastic! I received this book as a gift when I was 15 and now I am 21 and I enjoy it now more than ever. L.M. Read more
Published on Aug 5 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE this book!!!!!
I have always loved the Anne series by LM Montgomery, but until a few years ago, I had never read any of her other novels. Read more
Published on July 20 2003 by Jodi
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