Perhaps the dilemmas faced by the main character is similar to those of us who grow up in simple places without a guided future or the means to create the one that would seem to fulfill our dreams. Then the lesson of the story becomes that the way to find contentment is to at some point accept our lot in life and embrace the opportunities found therein ... a valuable lesson to learn sooner rather than not at all; and be forever frustrated.
I love Emily of Deep Valley so much! This is a beautiful tribute to it. I love that Mitali Perkins quote since I also feel much more like Emily than the characters in the Betsy-Tacy series. Emily's slow blossoming is the loveliest thing to read about. It reminds me of L.M.M. in a character like Valancy Stirling--a character finding depth in her own soul and beauty and meaning in the world. (Love the Sound of Music-inspired subtitle!)
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Its message is one I need to hear often. I'm over due for a Blue Castle re-read. I remember loving Valancy's journey to herself and the world around her. So chuffed that you caught the Sound of Music allusion! 😄 Don is such a cad and I can't think of that word without thinking of the song.
Perhaps the dilemmas faced by the main character is similar to those of us who grow up in simple places without a guided future or the means to create the one that would seem to fulfill our dreams. Then the lesson of the story becomes that the way to find contentment is to at some point accept our lot in life and embrace the opportunities found therein ... a valuable lesson to learn sooner rather than not at all; and be forever frustrated.
Thanks again for sharing!
Yes! That's exactly it. Once Emily narrowed her scope, she saw how much was around her already. She didn't need to leave to be fulfilled.
I must read this book forthwith! I hadn't heard of it before today but I'm beginning to think Emily must be one of the race that knows Joseph.
Oh, she truly is! I only read the first four Betsy-Tacy books growing up, but wow, I love all the other Deep Valley books too, this one most of all.
I love Emily of Deep Valley so much! This is a beautiful tribute to it. I love that Mitali Perkins quote since I also feel much more like Emily than the characters in the Betsy-Tacy series. Emily's slow blossoming is the loveliest thing to read about. It reminds me of L.M.M. in a character like Valancy Stirling--a character finding depth in her own soul and beauty and meaning in the world. (Love the Sound of Music-inspired subtitle!)
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Its message is one I need to hear often. I'm over due for a Blue Castle re-read. I remember loving Valancy's journey to herself and the world around her. So chuffed that you caught the Sound of Music allusion! 😄 Don is such a cad and I can't think of that word without thinking of the song.
Hahaha yes, such a cad!