The Blue Castle

Most of lm Montgomerys books are very similar in the story line. This one was very different and entertaining. I find it a great read, very enjoyable. A little more on the scandalous side for the time it was written, making it even more interesting.

I have always loved this book. It has always struck a chord with me because I can really understand Valancy. When I was a very young teen is the first time I read this book and I have always understood how she felt growing up. I also understand about living so much in your own mind that you are often misunderstood and thought of as odd. I love this book and the way that she wrote it made me feel like I was part of the story.

The historical aspects are fascinating and make for good story telling. We have all known a Valancy and have great sympathy with her struggles and enjoyment in her triumphs. Also, there are some good "they got what they deserved" moments. Enjoyable from start to finish with plenty of surprises.

L.M. Montgomery's works interested me at an early age. I first saw the Anne of Green Gables movies and years later read "Anne of Avonlea". I loved the atmosphere and the characters and wanted to know more of Anne. After reading the series, I knew I had to read more by this author. "The Blue Castle" caught my eye one day just because of the name. I read it right away and as soon as I was done I HAD to read it over again! I was completely enchanted, as I am DELIGHTED to see that others are too.
Valancy's mother and aunt really got on my nerves and the entrance of Barney Snaith just driving by intrigued me to no end. Valancy in one of those enlighted spirits who is weighted down by her stodgy, judgemental relatives. She feels she is just doomed to waste away into old-maidenhood or maybe fall over dead. She has no hope of being married and considers herself plain with a "too-small nose". She dares not dress or do her hair as she wishes and can't even speak out of turn when twitted even though she is 29 years old! She hates the house, she hates her room, she hates her life, she hates the strict schedule she forced into as if she is still a child. She even is still called "Doss", her hated childhood nickname. A trip to an "unapproved" doctor turns all this around and she rebels against her family's oppression. After finding that a childhood schoolmate is dying, Valancy goes to nurse her where she becomes friends with the aforementioned Barney. Barney drives a beat-up rattle trap car "Lady Jane Grey" and mostly keeps to himself on his own little island, leading Valancy's nasty family to refer to him as "jailbird", criminal, drunk, etcetera. Valancy feels just the opposite. She buys a bright, stylish dress, takes trips "about the town" with Barney and is rescued by him from the rowdy Chidley Corners dance. Not wanting to go home after her friend dies and not wanting herself to die as an old maid, Valancy makes another wild decision. This decision will lead to a life better than her imaginings and the ending will surprise you completely! You don't see it coming so DO NOT spoil the surprise by reading ahead!!! It is delightful, heartwarming and creates a splitting smile across your face when the entire plot is revealed. I CANNOT reccommend this highly enough!!! It is TOPS on my list of single books.
This is a book that teaches you to live for yourself and to try whatever you feel you are called to do. Be yourself, live your life to the fullest and don't let anyone tell you who to be or how to act! It is for a bit older audience though, late teens and up. It's a book you will read over and over again and NEVER be tired of! The Blue Castle is just proof of why L.M. Montgomery's books have been popular and celebrated for so long. They never go out of date or style, the stories are a timeless kind! You'll find, to use an "Anne" term, that you are "kindred spirits" with Montgomery and all her characters!

This book is an exquisite combination for thinkers, nature lovers, and humorists. It displays human nature and rivets one from the very beginning with Valancy's life story, the descriptions of Canada's north and the story of one who expects to die. It's a satisfying and poetic read with dashes of humor, common sense and romance.

This book is an exquisite combination for thinkers, nature lovers, and humorists. It displays human nature and rivets one from the very beginning with Valancy's life story, the descriptions of Canada's north and the story of one who expects to die. It's a satisfying and poetic read with dashes of humor, common sense and romance.

I love pretty much everything Montgomery wrote - even her recycled short stories show something new and interesting about her as a writer.

That said, what a shame that The Blue Castle lives under the shadow of Anne! This book is a rare joy, the main character flawed and still lovable, strong, smart and kind without being too sugary. The hero (or perhaps anti-hero?) is surprizingly intriguing, and the minor characters a delight. The book combines humor, romance and Montgomery's amazing gift of world building in the best possible combination.

The heroine was a delightfully put-upon spinster living with her demanding mother and sour aunt who finally got up the gumption to "get-up-and-go." The combination of this author's style and the time period means the book is sweet - but in the nicest way. I was cheering for the heroine from the beginning and, of course, it ends well. A delightful read.

In my opinion, one of Montgomery's best works, and that's saying something. My original was basically disintegrating and pages were falling out. I was a little sad it didn't come in traditional soft back size like most of her books I have do. I felt like I was reading a book for pre-teens.

the labels "predictable" etc do not apply do Montgomery's delightful prose; practically everything is clear from the beginning, as the novel's charm does not lie in its cliff-hangery, but in the simple tale of human nature. It is a "must" read as the antidote for the brutality and cynicism of today's life. I literally take L.M. Montgomery to heal myself from the wounds which our world inflicts. Do the same - at the rate dependent on the depth of your despair - one a year is the minimum and there is no danger inherent with "exceeding the recomended dose". You will feel better, I guarantee!

The only reason this book didn't receive the last star was for the typos. I thoroughly enjoyed this book-I read most of it in one day- and have already recommended it to several friends. If you begin reading the Blue Castle, and find it a bit infuriating, don't give up! Keep with it, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. The wit and character development is wonderful!

The Blue Castle is the first romance novel I ever read, probably when I was about 12. The copy I had was my mother's first edition, and sadly, I read it "to death"...meaning until it fell apart. 50 years have passed and it continues to enchant me. The heroine, Valancy, has a full and vibrant inner life that her horrifying relatives know nothing about. They see her as someone to feel sorry for and have no idea what she thinks of them. The whole story is wonderful and gives a most satisfying happy ending. This is the one book that I re-read at least once a year.

I loved this book. Watching Valency bloom and change. Truly a pleasure to savor the story, the wonderful descriptions of nature and the enjoyment of a simple life. How love changed her and a great HEA.

Having read this several times i would have to say it is one of my favorite books. A must read for any romantic or naturalist. It's a shame LM Montgomery only wrote one adult novel. She was one talented author .

L.M. Montgomery books never fail to disappoint especially The Blue Castle. A beautifully woven story of Valancy finding her voice and going after what she wants in life with a few bumps along the way. Wonderfully written book and one that must be added to any L.M. Montgomery fans book case.

An good solid story with an unusual protagonist. A 29 year old 'spinster' escapes from her oppressive family and finds enchantment in the simplicity of rustic Canadian surroundings. The beginning was slow going because she was torturously helpless and afraid, but it really is important to the rest of the book.

Basic messages of this book are still important for every young woman today ... "people-pleasing is corrosive. Learning to be honest makes it possible to grow as a human being. Loving someone encompasses trust and acceptance. Life without laughter is mere existence". Quoted from an author who received the book at age eleven and recommended it many years later, in her book "From the Orange Mailbox". I bought five copies on the strength of her recommendation, to read and then give to granddaughters as gifts for birthdays and high school graduations. Arley Clark was right!

If you liked Maureen McCullough's lovely little novel, "Ladies
of the Missalonghi", then you will like "The Blue Castle"... since it's essentially a reimagined retelling of the same story. A bit too similar, perhaps, to be accidental, but written beautifully and with poetic description.

Loved this book, great story. Started out a bit slow, but soon drew me in and became a story I just couldn't put down. I really liked the moral of the story that seemed to develop towards the end.
. . .

Valancy's life is something I could relate to, both in trying to please her family and then ultimately rebelling. The romance was sweet; the characters well-developed. Landscape and setting description was a bit much occasionally, but otherwise a wonderful story. It kept me engaged.

This is quite possibly one of my favorite books. The romance is sweet, but beyond that is just the hope and beauty that L. M. Montgomery always seems to infuse into her stories. I always put her books down with a feeling in my heart that the world is a lovely place to live, and I'm glad to be in it.

Just loved this book and will read it again - proves that a good story doesn't need to be padded out with the modern trend of at least two or three "intimate scenes". Sometimes it's just wonderful to have everything work out fine in the end. Always thought that all of LM Montgomery's books were for children and will now be looking for more of her adult books.

Every woman should read the Blue Castle just once in their lives. The wonder of the scenery, the innocence of the characters and and the story that is happening all around the world but people don't have the guts to get out and change their circumstances this shows that their can be a life away from a dreaded life. No one compares to Montgomery in writing technique she brings the scenery leaping out of the pages so you feel like you are in the story.

This is my favorite L.M. Montgomery book, which is saying a lot because I love the Anne series. The Blue Castle is very romantic, funny and touching. I read it as a teenager, and I read it again as an adult. It is truly a great book for all ages.

Lucy Maud Montgomery is one of my favorite writers.
I have read some of her work and loved the (Anne of Green Gables) series so i decided to look for more. I searched on Wifi and found 'the blue castle' and when i read the review and liked it so i bought the book.

For anyone whoever thought dreams are not for ordinary people. What a funny, tragic, true to life fairy tale. I can't believe this isn't better known! Leaves you feeling as good as the Anne stories.

A great read! The story is clever, humorous, and uplifting. Valancy is not your typical heroine and it is wonderful to experience her transformation from an incredibly obscure wallflower to a self-confident young woman.

This book was a wonderful surprise, such a fun read that it made the next few books I read seem poorly written. I hated to end it. You'll begin to wonder how it can turn out well, but I like happy endings and you'll be glad you read it.

I really really loved this book. I especially liked the fact that the main character is a little different than most. She doesn't really fit in and I appreciated that about her. The book also has a historical aspect to it that I enjoy along with the beautiful setting that is described.