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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
Wow, I never thought I would truly dislike a Montgomery novel, but I did dislike this one rather a lot. As others mentioned, there is nothing relatable about these characters, and the story is unrealistic, even by Montgomery's standards. I don't think I would have even recognized it as hers if I hadn't known. I absolutely love most of her books and even the ones that aren't my favorite I have usually enjoyed, so I'm a little stunned by how little I found to like about this book.
This was such a sweet, quaint little novella. Definitely not Montgomery's best work, but it put a smile on my face and was a quick read. A typical romance, in which the career-driven hero who isn't searching for love falls for the mute girl purely because of her beauty and innocence. Yes, it's shallow, but remember that this was published in 1910! Sadly, because of the predictability of the story and the obvious racism expressed towards the adopted Italian son, I don't think that this story will fare very well in the 21st century. While it was a nice escape from the real world, the only truly outstanding parts of this novella were the descriptions of the scenery. Even when using a tired and overused plot, Montgomery is able to make it her own with her signature descriptions of Prince Edward Island. I'd recommend this book to serious fans of Montgomery, but warn that it isn't a patch on the Anne books, or even her short-stories. Don't come to this book expecting too much and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised, and you'll hopefully close the book with fond feelings towards old-fashioned romances and even more of a desire to visit PEI! 7/10
I enjoyed this novella but found Eric a bit of a strange character. He was obsessed with looking at Kilmeny, but he did mostly respect her. He was a very vain and shallow character and sometimes his comments about Kilmeny were a bit weird and creepy. He gave me some vibes of Dean Priest, from the Emily of new moon series, who I am not a fan of (to say the least).
The story was sweet and engaging, but there wasn’t a lot of depth. Kilmeny was a fascinating character and I liked how she differed from other LM Montgomery heroines that I have seen in her novels. She was endearing and kind, and I found her backstory interesting. However, she was basically just a quiet, beautiful girl. She had none of the personality of Anne or Emily. Despite my critiques, I found this a quick and easy read and, as always, love LM Montgomery‘s beautiful, lyrical writing.
The story was sweet and engaging, but there wasn’t a lot of depth. Kilmeny was a fascinating character and I liked how she differed from other LM Montgomery heroines that I have seen in her novels. She was endearing and kind, and I found her backstory interesting. However, she was basically just a quiet, beautiful girl. She had none of the personality of Anne or Emily. Despite my critiques, I found this a quick and easy read and, as always, love LM Montgomery‘s beautiful, lyrical writing.
Genre: historical fiction? romance (good romance, not bodice ripping romance)
Summary: Eric Marshall is a well-to-do, polite college graduate who substitutes as a country schoolmaster for a sickly friend. In the quaint town of Lindsay, Eric chances upon the achingly beautiful Kilmeny in an abandoned orchard. Of course, it's summertime and beautiful outside. Eric falls madly in love. The only fly in the ointment is the fact that Kilmeny is a mute. She can hear perfectly and even laugh out loud sometimes(really?) but she can't speak. Kilmeny loves Eric too, over the course of their meetings, but she refuses to marry him unless she can speak. Eric has a doctor friend who meets Kilmeny and decides that her affliction is all psychological, she will speak if she has the occasion to. One day, Eric is about to be attacked by a jealous, Italian born servant boy of Kilmeny's household, and to warn Eric, Kilmeny learns to speak. All is well, and everyone lives happily ever after.
Response: Despite my sarcastic tone in describing the plot, I really did enjoy this book. I always love Montgomery's work. I am a huge Anne aficionado, but my admiration stems more from just love of Anne Shirley. I love Montgomery's impossible love of life, her descriptions of nature, and just the utter romance and sentimentality of it all. It's a beautiful little book about a beautiful little love story. So what if the plot seems a little forced and old fashioned? It's part of its charm. I will always love Montgomey, I think. Her books are the kind that is good to read all year round, all cozy in a book nook somewhere warm with a great view. Her books make me want to be philosophical and hopelessly romantic and to really enjoy life and love.
Summary: Eric Marshall is a well-to-do, polite college graduate who substitutes as a country schoolmaster for a sickly friend. In the quaint town of Lindsay, Eric chances upon the achingly beautiful Kilmeny in an abandoned orchard. Of course, it's summertime and beautiful outside. Eric falls madly in love. The only fly in the ointment is the fact that Kilmeny is a mute. She can hear perfectly and even laugh out loud sometimes(really?) but she can't speak. Kilmeny loves Eric too, over the course of their meetings, but she refuses to marry him unless she can speak. Eric has a doctor friend who meets Kilmeny and decides that her affliction is all psychological, she will speak if she has the occasion to. One day, Eric is about to be attacked by a jealous, Italian born servant boy of Kilmeny's household, and to warn Eric, Kilmeny learns to speak. All is well, and everyone lives happily ever after.
Response: Despite my sarcastic tone in describing the plot, I really did enjoy this book. I always love Montgomery's work. I am a huge Anne aficionado, but my admiration stems more from just love of Anne Shirley. I love Montgomery's impossible love of life, her descriptions of nature, and just the utter romance and sentimentality of it all. It's a beautiful little book about a beautiful little love story. So what if the plot seems a little forced and old fashioned? It's part of its charm. I will always love Montgomey, I think. Her books are the kind that is good to read all year round, all cozy in a book nook somewhere warm with a great view. Her books make me want to be philosophical and hopelessly romantic and to really enjoy life and love.
The hero of our story is strappingly good looking, smart and clever while the heroine is beyond beautiful, angelic and magical, we all have our flaws. :P
It's a short read and it's cute, two things in its favor.
It's a short read and it's cute, two things in its favor.
I knew I had read this book when I was a young teen but couldn’t remember the storyline exactly. What a sweet and gentle story. Eric , Kilmeny’s Aunt Janet and Uncle Thomas were such lovely people.
Beautiful old fashioned writing:
“Anguish wrung his soul until his strength went from him and youth and hope turned to gall and bitterness in his heart. “
Easy to read, a love letter to nature and the orchard and innocence.
Beautiful old fashioned writing:
“Anguish wrung his soul until his strength went from him and youth and hope turned to gall and bitterness in his heart. “
Easy to read, a love letter to nature and the orchard and innocence.
Saccharine sweet, but also problematic, with racist stereotypes and a rather ableist plot. The writing and descriptions were be beautiful, reminding me of some of my favorites passages from [b:Anne of the Island|77392|Anne of the Island (Anne of Green Gables, #3)|L.M. Montgomery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435829564l/77392._SY75_.jpg|535245], but both main characters are also perfectly perfect and thus very bland.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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:
Complicated