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A review by penguinna
Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Remember Anne of Green Gables? Good for you, because I can barely recall who she is. The previous book mostly focused on her family, and this one is even worse – even her children are almost never mentioned.
Rainbow Valley revolves around the children of the new minister in Glen St. Mary. John Meredith is a widower who couldn’t care less about his children. He doesn’t know where they are or what they’re doing; they’re always hungry and dressed in rags. He didn’t even notice when a homeless girl lived in his house for a month. The four children have no idea how to behave and end up punishing themselves for bad behavior while their father daydreams about god.
How do the children know their behavior is bad? Simple: gossip, gossip, gossip. Gossip makes up 90% of this book, leaving almost no room for a plot. The people of Glen St. Mary provide a perfect example of Othering – they believe they’re good and destined for heaven because they pray, attend church, and do charity, while the “others” are horrible because they don’t go to church often enough, don’t wear socks, or, worst of all, are Methodists or even atheists. Every single sentence is about praising god and forcing everyone to be “good” to ensure a spot in heaven, even if this doesn’t make anyone happy.
I understand that those were different times, and I made a genuine effort to read this book through the lens of the 19th century. However, my patience has its limits. Rainbow Valley is a book filled with hatred and judgment, where no one is accepted unless they are perfect Christians. People put themselves into religious frames, not allowing themselves to make mistakes and hating everyone who does. Even a child.
Additionally, the last few books about Anne have become a celebration of patriarchy, and I have so much to say about this that it deserves a separate post.
I couldn’t stand Rainbow Valley. It’s the worst book in the entire series, and also the worst book I’ve read this year. But the good news is that I only have one book left, and I really, really hope it’s going to be better.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
Rainbow Valley revolves around the children of the new minister in Glen St. Mary. John Meredith is a widower who couldn’t care less about his children. He doesn’t know where they are or what they’re doing; they’re always hungry and dressed in rags. He didn’t even notice when a homeless girl lived in his house for a month. The four children have no idea how to behave and end up punishing themselves for bad behavior while their father daydreams about god.
How do the children know their behavior is bad? Simple: gossip, gossip, gossip. Gossip makes up 90% of this book, leaving almost no room for a plot. The people of Glen St. Mary provide a perfect example of Othering – they believe they’re good and destined for heaven because they pray, attend church, and do charity, while the “others” are horrible because they don’t go to church often enough, don’t wear socks, or, worst of all, are Methodists or even atheists. Every single sentence is about praising god and forcing everyone to be “good” to ensure a spot in heaven, even if this doesn’t make anyone happy.
I understand that those were different times, and I made a genuine effort to read this book through the lens of the 19th century. However, my patience has its limits. Rainbow Valley is a book filled with hatred and judgment, where no one is accepted unless they are perfect Christians. People put themselves into religious frames, not allowing themselves to make mistakes and hating everyone who does. Even a child.
Additionally, the last few books about Anne have become a celebration of patriarchy, and I have so much to say about this that it deserves a separate post.
I couldn’t stand Rainbow Valley. It’s the worst book in the entire series, and also the worst book I’ve read this year. But the good news is that I only have one book left, and I really, really hope it’s going to be better.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books