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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
Although it has its charm, this book shows none of the astounding understanding of human nature of LMM's more enduring works.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautifully written, as ever, though full of sexist and racist tropes that make for rather uncomfortable reading nowadays. Alas, definitely a product of its time.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Definitely not my favourite Lucy Maud. There’s an overt colonial tone in Eric’s quest to civilize and court the elusive Kilmeny (he seemed more interested in her lack of exposure to the town and youthful innocence than in her personality?) There were also very few direct interactions between Kilmeny and the town (everything we initially hear about her is presented as ancient gossip) which was a strange choice by Montgomery who normally loves to use villages as foils and complements to her protagonists. Even though I didn’t love it, the book was a lovely read and redeemable.
Afterthought: this book was almost entirely from Eric’s point of view and I think that contributed to my dislike… it was uncomfortable to hear Lucy Maud’s writing patterns framed as masculine.
Afterthought: this book was almost entirely from Eric’s point of view and I think that contributed to my dislike… it was uncomfortable to hear Lucy Maud’s writing patterns framed as masculine.
I'm going to be honest. I love LM Montgomery. Love love love. Anne, Emily, Jane, *Valancy*... and Kilmeny of the Orchard confused me until I learned that it was pretty much the first thing she really wrote, when she was a teenager. It was only printed after Anne, Emily, etc became popular.
You can see the lack of maturity in her writing at this point. Both her hero and heroine are perfection in human shape, with unbelievable levels of attractiveness and talent. Except of course for the indelible stain of sin because of what happened before either of them were born dun dun DUUUNNNN!!! But don't worry, the only solution which is completely impossible will happen within the next week. And it totally works and everything's fine the end.
There are also other issues. It doesn't hold up well. I can't recommend this. Thankfully, LM gets better. She got it out of her system, guys. I did give her an extra star because she does have some beautiful nature descriptions. She's always been good at that.
I'm going to go read Anne or Emily again.
You can see the lack of maturity in her writing at this point. Both her hero and heroine are perfection in human shape, with unbelievable levels of attractiveness and talent. Except of course for the indelible stain of sin because of what happened before either of them were born dun dun DUUUNNNN!!! But don't worry, the only solution which is completely impossible will happen within the next week. And it totally works and everything's fine the end.
There are also other issues. It doesn't hold up well. I can't recommend this. Thankfully, LM gets better. She got it out of her system, guys. I did give her an extra star because she does have some beautiful nature descriptions. She's always been good at that.
I'm going to go read Anne or Emily again.
As always, Montgomery's descriptions of the natural world are resplendent. That is what has earned the 2-stars I've given this book. Her characters, however, are cardboard cutouts of perfection, glorifying each other and struggling with pseudo-superstitious hurdles on their path to love. The sentiments of this story may have been bold when it was written, with its casual acceptance of the worthiness and love-ability of someone with a physical/psychological/societal disability. However, these beliefs are, today, so commonplace as to render the problem incomprehensibly moot for many readers.
Complete and utter romantic sap, and I cried at the end. Sometimes you just need an unrealistic, glorified love story to chase away the doldrums.
I love Montgomery, she’s probably my favorite author. However, I don’t like that “foreigners” are always seen as dark, sinister, untrustworthy foes in all her stories. A bit racist but I suppose typical of her era and community? I don’t know, but interesting.
I love Montgomery, she’s probably my favorite author. However, I don’t like that “foreigners” are always seen as dark, sinister, untrustworthy foes in all her stories. A bit racist but I suppose typical of her era and community? I don’t know, but interesting.