“If you can sit in silence with a person for half an hour and yet be entirely comfortable, you and that person can be friends. If you cannot, friends you’ll never be and you need not waste time in trying.”― L.M. Montgomery, The Blue Castle
I first read this book close to thirty years ago in my book club. Before that, I did not realize that L.M. Montgomery wrote books for adults. While written in 1926, it found new popularity after it was republished in 1990. I and everyone else in my book club really loved this book!
Valancy is 29 years old and the old maid of the Stirling clan. She is constantly looked down upon and belittled by her immediate and extended family members. She takes it in stride until the day she learns she has a heart condition and has only a year to live. That does it–Valancy decides to start living life on her terms despite the shock it gives her family and the small community she lives in. She starts to speak up for herself, expresses her opinions, and moves out of her family’s home. Valancy has dreamt for years of a blue castle and the man she would share it with. As she transforms from meek to adventurous, she may have a chance at that dream or a miscommunication could unravel everything.
If you love romance and have not read this book, don’t wait any longer!
Content Advisory: Terminal illness, shaming, emotional abuse, sexism