A review by kellyrenea
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

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.’”