We were a small group again this month, Beth, Betty, Carla, Marg and Michèle. Michèle had homemade blinis with smoked salmon, a lovely garlicky dip and vegetables and olives. Dessert was chocolate cupcakes with blue icing.
We discussed Carla's book choice, The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery. L. M. Montgomery, as she was known in the publishing world wrote 20 novels, almost all for young adults, numerous short stories and poems. She was best known for her series of books Anne of Green Gables and those that followed all set in Prince Edward Island. They are still widely read in many countries throughout the World. The Blue Castle is one of a very few adult novels she wrote.
The story is set in small town Ontario, one of the only books she wrote not set in P.E.I. It is about a single woman of 29 years old who lives with her mother and aunt and feels stifled by their criticism. After receiving a life changing medical diagnosis she decides to free herself of family and we follow her life through work she takes on and love. Ms. Montgomery also, as in her other books, describes the surrounding nature in a way that we can easily visualize, lush woods and serene lakes.
The novel was unanimously enjoyed by everyone present and those who sent us their comments. It was felt that it described well the often claustrophobic lives of unmarried women in the early 20th century, and struggles they had to live an independent life when it was possible. Many felt that this is essentially a romance novel but with an interesting plot and great characters. Once Valancy breaks from her family, she learns to problem solve on her own, she does not allow others to dominate her and she learns to love.
It is a well written story, characters are well developed and dramatic. The story ends well with Valancy finding herself with her favourite author as her lover. Several of our members especially enjoy a story that ends well.
This book is filled with "quotable" quotes and this is one that is particularly popular:
‘”John Foster says,” quoted Valancy, “If you can sit in silence with a person for half an hour and yet be entirely comfortable, you and that person can be friends. If you cannot, friends you’ll never be and you need not waste time in trying.'”
Thank you Carla for proposing this wonderful summer read.
