Book Review -- Kilmeny of the Orchard



 

Book: Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery

Enjoyment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Source: e-book from Project Gutenberg (the first book read on my Nook™!)

Challenge: L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge sponsored by Reading to Know

Eric Marshall has accepted a teaching post in the quaint village of Lindsay, with the intent of staying but the few brief months to finish the term of the previous head master. While exploring the surrounding country side, Eric discovers an abandoned apple orchard that so betwixts him, he lingers to enjoy its beauty. After but a few minutes his meditative state is startled by the strings of a violin, played beautifully by an enchanting mistress who is also enjoying the orchard. As Eric approaches this young maiden, she is so started by his presence she runs in fear back to her family’s farm. Eric is immediately mesmerized by this young woman and is determined to find out her identity. What he learns is that Kilmeny Gordon, an orphan who lives with her aunt and uncle, is not what she seems: A woman with immense talent and beauty but without the ability to speak. Eric is determined to woo Kilmeny and is convinced that his love will conquer her muteness.

This was a delightful novel. L. M. Montgomery’s works are wholesome stories about love and survival.

I liked that this book was from a male perspective, where most of Ms. Montgomery’s works are written in the female voice.

She is superb in describing the flora and fauna of Lindsay and the surrounding areas. She also meticulously weaves a story about Kilmeny’s mother and her marital misfortune, that it is believed to have cursed Kilmeny and her future.

Another vintage contribution by L. M. Montgomery.