She made a discovery that surprised her; she, who had been afraid of almost everything in life, was not afraid of death. It did not seem in the least terrible to her. And she need not now be afraid of anything else. Why had she been afraid of things? Because of life…. Valancy felt a curious freedom.
A few years ago, someone recommended that I read L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle. Like many, I have read and adored LMM’s Anne of Green Gables series, but I had never read any of her other novels.
Published in 1926, The Blue Castle is set in the early 1900’s (early enough that women still wear petticoats, and bobs are not yet in fashion). Valancy Stirling, 29, unmarried, stifled by an overbearing mother and live-in cousin, and generally abused by her relatives, has lived a predictable, boring life. She is told when to get up, when to eat, how to wear her hair, and is not allowed to be alone for more than five minutes at a time, lest she enjoy herself in idleness. Shy, Valancy has never had any real friends, always overshadowed by her popular and pretty cousin, Olive.
Valancy has two enjoyments: escaping to her imaginary Blue Castle and reading the books of John Foster. Both of these require stealth; because Valancy is not allowed to be idle, reading is looked on as a dangerous activity, and daydreaming is a cardinal sin.
Feeling an unusual palpitation in her chest, Valancy decides to go against her family and seek advice from a local doctor without consulting anyone. Valancy knows that her family will only make a fuss and tighten their control over her if they learn that her heart is bothering her.
Learning that she has a life-threatening condition, Valancy decides to live. She leaves her home, takes a position as a caretaker for the fallen and dying daughter (remember, pregnancy and consumption always go hand-in-hand 
) of the local drunk and proposes to the town scoundrel.
Life has a few surprises for Valancy, but it is the promise of death that makes them possible.
Overall, a sweet fun read. A sad story with a very happy ending and a very avant-garde heroine.
