Reviews

I had a little bit of trouble getting into the book because I was also starting Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds, and both take place in the early 20th century and are about skinny, unattractive “spinsters” who are in defiance of their family and want to finally live after years of inertia. And both have cardiac issues. In the case of Valancy, she finds out she has a year to live and she is prompted to take action even if it means ruining her reputation forever. What wonderful twists and turns in this book. Truly enjoyable.

kellyrenea's review against another edition

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5.0

Book 4 of 2023: The Blue Castle by Lucy Montgomery

Valancy Stirling, a young woman of twenty-nine, has spent her entire life living in the shadow of her overbearing mother and gossipy extended family. She has never dared to defy their low expectations of her or attempted to gain independence and had long abandoned any hope of marriage. But when she receives a devastating diagnosis, Valancy decides it’s time to take control of her life and live it to the fullest. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Valancy encounters a cast of quirky, vividly drawn characters who help her kindle a newfound passion for life.

I adored The Blue Castle! I cannot believe this was the first time I have ever read the novel, but I had never heard of it before joining my book club. My recommendation to everyone is to read this fabulous book - you will not be disappointed.

My favorite quote from the book:

“I’ve been trying to please other people all my life and failed,” she said. “After this I shall please myself. I shall never pretend anything again. I’ve breathed an atmosphere of fibs and pretences and evasions all my life. What a luxury it will be to tell the truth! I may not be able to do much that I want to do but I won’t do another thing that I don’t want to do. Mother can pout for weeks—I shan’t worry over it. ‘Despair is a free man—hope is a slave.’”

hannahdiane's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thebookgirly's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

callienicole's review against another edition

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5.0

Well, if I needed proof that L. M. Montgomery was delightful outside of the Anne series, this book did it. I loved this one! It was charming and funny, and far-fetched and perfect.

Valancy is an "old maid" at 29 years old. With a very controlling mother and extended family, she is not allowed to do anything she likes for fear of reproach and public disgrace. That is, until she finds out that she has a heart problem and has a year left to live. She decides that it's terribly wrong to die when you haven't had a chance to live, and she goes about "living".

While I wouldn't say I always approved of her attitude (she is terribly pessimistic and disrespectful toward the beginning of the book), I wouldn't say you would read this book for an example of how to be. Valancy's attitude doesn't change until her circumstances do, so not a great positive role model in that respect. No, if you read this book, you read it for the pure fun of a funny, far-fetched story. It's very reminiscent of a modern rom-com, only written 100 years ago. I loved every minute of it! If you need something light and fun, try this one!

meek's review

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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