The Blue Castle: a novel
L. M. Montgomery
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Valancy at twenty-nine
What has Valancy Stirling's life been like before the letter from Dr Trent?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the Stirling family?
- What is the Blue Castle of her dreams?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
What has Valancy Stirling's life been like before the letter from Dr Trent?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the Stirling family?
- What is the Blue Castle of her dreams?
What changes when Valancy believes she has only a year to live?
Keep the conversation going
- Which of her first rebellions did you enjoy most?
- Why does she stop caring what her family thinks?
Why does Valancy go to keep house for Roaring Abel and nurse Cissy Gay?
Keep the conversation going
- How did the town react?
- What does she give Cissy, and what does Cissy give her?
What draws Valancy to Barney Snaith, despite the rumours about him?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does she propose to him?
- What did you make of his answer?
What does life with Barney on the island in Mistawis give Valancy?
Keep the conversation going
- How did you imagine the island?
- Is this her Blue Castle?
What did you make of the books by John Foster that Valancy loves?
Keep the conversation going
- When did you guess the connection?
- What do nature books mean to her?
How did you feel when Valancy learned about the mistaken letter?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does she leave Barney?
- Why does he come after her?
How did you feel about the revelation of Barney's true identity and the ending?
Keep the conversation going
- Is the ending too good to be true, or exactly right?
- What does the book say about courage?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.