The Blue Castle Read-Along Week 8

Hello, fellow readers!!  How dost thou findest thyselves this day??  It looks like we are nearing the end of this book......which is a little sad.  But for now, it's getting rather exciting, isn't it??  

Katherine's Thoughts

     Oh, Huzzah! Valancy is now Mrs. Barney Snaith!  I just love how they both ask upon the wedding day:

"Have you changed your mind?" 

"No, have you?"

"No".

And then Barney's, "What a nice way to get married!" Barney was saying as he put Lady Jane in gear. "No fuss and flub-dub. I never supposed it was half so easy."  Such a good line!

I love Cousin Georgiana!  While she does side with the rest of the Stirlings, she still keeps up a relationship with Valancy and though troubled by Valancy's reckless decisions, shows her kindness.  Unlike, Georgiana, we find the Stirling's quite aghast over Valancy's nuptials.  It really is quite amazing how unanswered questions and gossip surrounding a person can "convince" you of someone's supposed shameful character, namely Barney's.

  Barney and Valancy make such a unique couple.  Their ultra-simplified "courtship" and "proposal" really makes you stop to admire their ease and certainty in making a decision of this nature so effortlessly!  After seeing other movie/book plots drag couples over mountains and valleys of anguish, misunderstanding, and anxiety before they finally "get together", L.M. Montgomerey's straightforward approach to get her couple hitched and "happily ever after-ed" is quite refreshing!  Now married, they are still living with this simple philosophy and are quite overjoyed with it.

It will be quite intriguing to see how things progress with the Stirling Family.  I wonder if they will bring Valancy back into their good graces, or whether she's doomed to always be estranged from them.  I wish there would be a part where they'd see Barney for the good fellow he really is and how much he cares for their daughter.  Hmm, we shall see.

Grace's Thoughts

Wow, this is a lot to cover! What have you gotten us into, Katherine????

The Wedding!!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!! So simple, yet so romantic!!!! I am seriously considering eloping. Not that he's asked... or that there is a he... you know... it's just good to be prepared... ehem, where were we? 

Barney and Valancy's banter on the way home is so cute, they are just perfect for each other! And to think, living on an island and having it all to yourselves!!

You know the book could almost end right here and be alright:

"Valancy looked--and looked--and looked again. There was a diaphanous, lilac mist on the lake, shrouding the island. Through it the two enormous pine-trees that clasped hands over Barney's shack loomed out like dark turrets. Behind them was a sky still rose-hued in the afterlight, and a pale young moon.

Valancy shivered like a tree the wind stirs suddenly. Something seemed to sweep over her soul.

"My Blue Castle!" she said. "Oh, my Blue Castle!"

They got into the canoe and paddled out to it. They left behind the realm of everyday and things known and landed on a realm of mystery and enchantment where anything might happen--anything might be true. Barney lifted Valancy out of the canoe and swung her to a lichen-covered rock under a young pine-tree. His arms were about her and suddenly his lips were on hers. Valancy found herself shivering with the rapture of her first kiss.

"Welcome home, dear," Barney was saying."

But it didn't end thank heavens and we get to see the Stirling's reaction to their union! I think it's perfect timing that cousin Georgiana was coming to tell Valancy about a proposal when she breaks the news. I like Cousin Georgiana best of the Stirling relatives because she seems to be concerned for Valancy's welfare and not just her own reputation. Not that he sounds like a catch at all, but maybe Cousin Georgiana should try for Mr. Beck. 

Oh, such a wonderful smack to that awful Olive's vanity and pride!! Oh blessed revenge!! 

And everyone else's remarks are simply hilarious! 

The description of Valancy's married life just sounds like such bliss, don't you think? I can just picture Valancy tidying up the little house and gallivanting all through the woods. It sounds "S'wonderful!" 

I have read several books and heard quite a few stories about young couples who begin their life together very simply and just living to love and serve each other, celebrating each and every little victory and advancement and it sounds so wonderful! 

I love Barney's nickmane for Valancy "Moonlight" 

L.M Montgomery has such a gift for describing things so that you feel right there with the characters seeing and smelling right along side them. 

Her description of the forests and the changing seasons are just breathtaking! 

I really want to visit Canada and prowl around! 

I love that Valancy finally got her dust pile and YES! Barney hates Redfern's Liniment too!!

You know Barney's dislike of John Forester seems a bit too personal... hmmm me thinks the man doth protest too much!

I do believe Barney is slowly falling in love with Valancy, but doesn't quite recognize is yet, awwww!

Your Thoughts

Well, what did you all think? What are you thoughts about this nuptial turn of events? Are you as fond of mushrooms as our dear heroine? Would you like to live on an island?

 Chat with us below!!

Love

 Katherine and Grace