As with all literary labels, though, “romance” isn’t really that precise:all around the territory of the card-carrying Harlequin-style “romance novel” there’s a vast borderland populated by everything from chick-lit to Victorian marriage-plot novels, all of which have at least some key elements in common with romances, even if it’s only a structural similarity. There’s a way in which that was absolutely true: I had never read anything marketed or labeled explicitly as a “romance novel” (a Harlequin, say). By purchasing an item through a link, I will earn a small percentage.Once upon a time I had never read a “romance novel” - or so the story went. The only problem is that it doesn't fit nicely on my bookcase with my other LMM titles.ĭisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I actually enjoyed reading the larger size book. The last thing I want to mention is that this edition of The Blue Castle was rather large, nearly 8x10-about twice the size of the other LMM books I have. Basically, the copyright page said the author's name and the year 2012 and nothing else! (I can't say exactly what it says since I have already loaned the book to a friend.) I find that rather apalling I even wonder if it is legal.

Next, I was horribly disappointed that the publisher (, a self-publisher.eek) did not make any mention of the original work. I thought it was bad when I saw it on-line, but in person it's actually pixel-y. (Though I love my Kindle Fire, I don't prefer to read books on it.) First, I have to say that I think the cover art is awful. I bought the edition pictured above from Amazon, because it was the only one that would arrive in time to read. They are all linked to my thoughts, but Pat of SB is the only complete review.Ī note: The Blue Castle was first published in 1926. In addition to The Blue Castle, this past year I also read Jane of Lantern Hill, Pat of Silverbush, and Mistress Pat, all by L.M. Though her family did not show her love, she really didn't love them through her actions either. More than that, I didn't really connect with Valancy as much as I have other characters from LMM. For the first time, I understood Carrie's comments about LMM's works being predictable. Though she keeps the problems a secret from her family, she seeks employment (well below her family's status) to escape the loneliness and home problems. Health problems provided Valancy with courage. Unfortunately, he diagnoses her with a life-threatening heart problem. She secretly goes to a doctor (not the family's doctor since he is family) to inquire about how she has been feeling. They show no love to the poor woman which leaves Valancy lonely. The Blue Castle tells of Valancy, a 29 year old woman is still controlled by her family and treated as a child in a harsh environment.

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