Scan barcode
freddikb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I received this book in my December 2024 Literary Book Club box. The author was familiar to me- Ms. Montgomery wrote the Anne of Green Gables series- but I had never read The Blue Castle before. In fact, I knew basically nothing about it going into the story. Sometimes I think that works in my favor, and in this case it did.
Very quickly into it I became suspicious of two things: one was about the news Valency would receive, and two, how her family treated her. My first thought in regards to her family was, "Emotional abuse from family??" As I continued reading, I saw more evidence of that and my heart went out to her.
The story shows us Valency's growth as she is faced with some tough choices. I felt proud "watching" her grow into her own person. Are you curious as to what exactly the Blue Castle is? Well, you will have to read the book to find out.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Death, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
fullybookedpenguin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I adored this book! It is definitely a more mature read compared to the Anne series and yet you still find the familiar witty and whimsical writing.
Valancy is a fun character to follow and her quips and observations are lively and makes relating to her an exciting time.
Her family, the Stirling's are eccentric and hilarious to follow and learn about, but you also feel the cumbersome weight they apply to Valancy.
Barney is a wonderful male lead too!
There are some cheesy parts, but they are written so magically that I loved the cliches because they felt right for the story.
I know this book is lesser known but by far a favourite of L.M. Montgomery! Highly recommend~
Valancy is a fun character to follow and her quips and observations are lively and makes relating to her an exciting time.
Her family, the Stirling's are eccentric and hilarious to follow and learn about, but you also feel the cumbersome weight they apply to Valancy.
Barney is a wonderful male lead too!
There are some cheesy parts, but they are written so magically that I loved the cliches because they felt right for the story.
I know this book is lesser known but by far a favourite of L.M. Montgomery! Highly recommend~
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
essieruth's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Suicidal thoughts
melliebean28's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It had a very depressing start, but once it picked up oh boy did it whirlwind. Not much to say without ruining the story except that you must must must read this book!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death, Death, and Murder
kelleykamanda's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
3.0
Predictable and nothing particularly novel, but gentle, easy and nice nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Medical content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Death, and Sexual harassment
janenx01's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
My most favorite LM Montgomery book. The love story is a little corny, but I continue to read this over and over because her descriptions of nature are so sublime. I, too, want to live in a picturesque cabin on a island in a lake in the middle of a forest.
More adult than her Anne novels - there is sex mentioned! You've been warned!
More adult than her Anne novels - there is sex mentioned! You've been warned!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death
silver_valkyrie_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.75
2023 reread:
Still a sweet and funny (and scathing in all the right ways) read the second time through, cementing this book as an official favorite.
Original review:
This was a rather fabulous book about 'living like you were dying' as the song goes. Because of some of the peripheral parts of the story I might not recommend this for the very youngest end of 'young adult', but perhaps it should be required reading for every 16 (or so) year old.
Still a sweet and funny (and scathing in all the right ways) read the second time through, cementing this book as an official favorite.
Original review:
This was a rather fabulous book about 'living like you were dying' as the song goes. Because of some of the peripheral parts of the story I might not recommend this for the very youngest end of 'young adult', but perhaps it should be required reading for every 16 (or so) year old.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Child death
literelli's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, and Terminal illness
tessareads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Just a lovely read with beautiful descriptions of nature and well written, vibrant characters. Really want to go and live on a secluded Canadian island now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, and Death
Minor: Racism
Some comments made about Valancy's eyes to a modern audience come off racistplantbasedbride's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a magical, lovely, emotional, and heartwarming book! I feel my heart has grown three sizes upon finishing it. Glorious descriptions of the magnificence and fleeting essence of the natural world, vivid characterization, and a protagonist to fall in love with and root for with abandon.
The Blue Castle will undoubtedly become a new comfort read that I will keep with me always!
Trigger/Content Warnings: fatphobia, racism, use of “queer” to mean strange or odd, terminal illness, death of an infant
The Blue Castle will undoubtedly become a new comfort read that I will keep with me always!
Trigger/Content Warnings: fatphobia, racism, use of “queer” to mean strange or odd, terminal illness, death of an infant
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Fatphobia and Racism