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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I love L.M. Montgomery, it's no secret. The fan-girl reverence I feel for this childhood author comes only third to the devotion I have for Laura Ingalls Wilder and Carolyn Keene (whom, yes I know is not an actual person, but just let me have my little fantasy.)
So it is with no small dismay that I must rate a book of Ms. Montgomery's so poorly, but truth be told I did not enjoy it at all. There were so many weak-willed, disagreeable, contrary, or silly characters that I couldn't even keep track of everybody. The few characters I managed to care about weren't fleshed out as much, due to the enormity of the literary ensemble. The entire tone of the book felt too breezy and gossipy for me, especially in contrast to her other novels such as Blue Castle. Worst of all? That wretched Nan never even got a proper comeuppance. I wanted to see her crushed, instead she was just a little flattened. Oh the injustice of it.
Still, if out of the dozens and dozens (and dozens) of books I've read by L.M. Montgomery this is the first I've disliked, then that's rather great statistically speaking.
So it is with no small dismay that I must rate a book of Ms. Montgomery's so poorly, but truth be told I did not enjoy it at all. There were so many weak-willed, disagreeable, contrary, or silly characters that I couldn't even keep track of everybody. The few characters I managed to care about weren't fleshed out as much, due to the enormity of the literary ensemble. The entire tone of the book felt too breezy and gossipy for me, especially in contrast to her other novels such as Blue Castle. Worst of all? That wretched Nan never even got a proper comeuppance. I wanted to see her crushed, instead she was just a little flattened. Oh the injustice of it.
Still, if out of the dozens and dozens (and dozens) of books I've read by L.M. Montgomery this is the first I've disliked, then that's rather great statistically speaking.
A Tangled Web is one of L.M. Montgomery's stand-alone books. It took a little getting used to because the book follows so many people, and it was hard to keep them all straight at first. But after a few pages, the characters came to life, and I wanted to know their stories.
I like this book. Still, it has always been a contender for my least favorite book by my favorite author. And oh, that last line. It did not age well.
Still, on my latest reading of the novel I realized something: this would make a great TV mini-series. Think Downton Abbey style where a large cast of characters have their interweaving stories told. The series format would give the story time to unfold and seeing the characters visually would help distinguish all of them. Many of the descriptions which seem tedious when described would come across beautifully as part of the appearance and behavior of a character. The novel stays with each character briefly enough that not a lot of depth would be lost by the format change.
Elaborate period pieces are popular these days. So pretty please universe? 🙂
Still, on my latest reading of the novel I realized something: this would make a great TV mini-series. Think Downton Abbey style where a large cast of characters have their interweaving stories told. The series format would give the story time to unfold and seeing the characters visually would help distinguish all of them. Many of the descriptions which seem tedious when described would come across beautifully as part of the appearance and behavior of a character. The novel stays with each character briefly enough that not a lot of depth would be lost by the format change.
Elaborate period pieces are popular these days. So pretty please universe? 🙂
L.M. Montgomery was very very good at several things, and one of those was keeping a secret from her readers, building suspense until she finally decides to reveal all – which is always done in a satisfying manner. And she never does it better than in A Tangled Web – through the petty jealousies and deep passions and squabbles and allegiances of the tale of the Darks and the Penhallows runs one of the best tantalizers I've ever seen: why did Joscelyn leave Hugh the night of their wedding and refuse to ever return to him? I don’t know if the reality of what happened quite lives up to the anticipation – but it’s believable, in its way, and arranging for the situation to be resolved requires some excellent plotting. And the anticipation is delicious. I love the character Oswald Dark – what a being he is. Were I to indulge in fan-fiction about L.M.M., I think I’d center on him. But … there is a fly in the ointment, which I'd forgotten until I came to it - how could I forget that last line of the book? Avoid if possible. It’s an unnecessary stain on a lovely book, and a true sign that while a lot of things have changed for the worse since L.M.M. wrote, not everything has. Even given the ointment's fly, this is one of my favorites among L.M.M.'s books. Five stars despite that line.
This book was so-so. Honestly, I skimmed through a lot of it and set it aside several times, so it's a 2.5 star read rounded up. I was surprised at how little I liked it, because I have very much enjoyed other of LM Montgomery's works. I think the biggest factor was the wide cast of characters. The book jumped plotlines too frequently for me to become overly attached to anyone. And few of the characters were particularly likeable to me.
I enjoyed this book very much, right up until the last paragraph. Unfortunately, the racial slur there dampened the enthusiasm I had had for the previous 299 pages.
slow-paced
funny
lighthearted
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so lovely and chalk FULL of scandal and gossip. as always, a beautiful portrait of Prince Edward Island, graveyards, oceans, and woods. cats too!
unfortunately, on the very last page the n word is used in an instance of surprising and last minute racism. a very weird way to end the story, and truly heartbreaking.
unfortunately, on the very last page the n word is used in an instance of surprising and last minute racism. a very weird way to end the story, and truly heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes