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A Tangled Web: classic
Gay Penhallow was sitting next to Margaret and was not thinking of the jug at all. She did not want the jug, though her mother was wild about it. Spring was singing in her blood and she was lost in glamorous recollections of Noel's kiss—and equally glamorous anticipations of Noel's letter, which she had got at the post-office on her way up. As she heard it crackle in its hiding-place she felt the little thrill of joy which had tingled over her when old Mrs. Conroy had passed it out to her—his wonderful letter held profanely between a mail-order catalogue and a millinery advertisement. She had not dreamed of getting a letter, for she had seen him—and been kissed—only the night before. Now she had it, tucked away under her dress …
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1931
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5743 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Montgomery
2,077 books13.1k followersLucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
February 18, 2014
"I am ready to die. I've felt almost everything in life there is to feel - ay, I've drained my cup. But I mean to die decently and in order. I'm going to have one last grand rally. The date will be announced in the paper. But if you want anything to eat you'll have to bring it with you. I'm not going to bother with that sort of thing on my death-bed."
Not much can stir up old squabbles, grudges and festering resentments like the reading of a will, and I'm pretty sure Aunt Becky has that in mind when she orders all her relatives to gather before her. First, she insults each and every one by mocking their physical defects or penchants for writing bad poetry. For some, she brings up old missteps and embarrassments. One woman's crime? She once made jam from blueberries gathered in a graveyard. Horrors! Old Becky then proceeds to read off her will, leaving her furniture and other household items to those who want them least.
Why is everyone putting up with this crap? They ALL hope to be the one who inherits a rather ugly jug that has been in the family for ages. Who gets it? Well, the answer is in a sealed envelope to be opened and read...in about a year and a half.
What follows is a delightful comedy of manners and errors as each family member jostles to be the lucky owner of the jug. Men attempt to stop swearing. Couples come together and split apart. Confirmed bachelors decide that perhaps they should take wives. Secrets are revealed and old mysteries are solved.
Montgomery is best known as the creator of the beloved Anne of Green Gables, but she really proves her mettle as a writer with this sly comic masterpiece. The only reason I did not assign five stars is that I was a bit taken aback that the book ends with a racist joke. It was so out of the blue and so out of character for Ms. Montgomery, it was a like a slap in the face.
For shame, Anne Shirley's mommy. For shame!
Not much can stir up old squabbles, grudges and festering resentments like the reading of a will, and I'm pretty sure Aunt Becky has that in mind when she orders all her relatives to gather before her. First, she insults each and every one by mocking their physical defects or penchants for writing bad poetry. For some, she brings up old missteps and embarrassments. One woman's crime? She once made jam from blueberries gathered in a graveyard. Horrors! Old Becky then proceeds to read off her will, leaving her furniture and other household items to those who want them least.
Why is everyone putting up with this crap? They ALL hope to be the one who inherits a rather ugly jug that has been in the family for ages. Who gets it? Well, the answer is in a sealed envelope to be opened and read...in about a year and a half.
What follows is a delightful comedy of manners and errors as each family member jostles to be the lucky owner of the jug. Men attempt to stop swearing. Couples come together and split apart. Confirmed bachelors decide that perhaps they should take wives. Secrets are revealed and old mysteries are solved.
Montgomery is best known as the creator of the beloved Anne of Green Gables, but she really proves her mettle as a writer with this sly comic masterpiece. The only reason I did not assign five stars is that I was a bit taken aback that the book ends with a racist joke. It was so out of the blue and so out of character for Ms. Montgomery, it was a like a slap in the face.
For shame, Anne Shirley's mommy. For shame!
March 16, 2021
Although in L.M. Montgomery's 1931 (adult themed) novel A Tangled Web most of the various and diverse both living and yes also long and recently deceased depicted and featured members of the Penhallow and Dark clans (and with recently deceased I also mean family matriarch Aunt Becky Dark, née Penhallow) have made me want to generally giggle (and often quite derisively) and sometimes also scream more than a bit impatiently at the Penhallows and Darks and their behaviours, their antics (via the unseen but definitely not ever silent narrator with his/her sarcastic asides and delightfully humorous descriptions of a large, well-known but obviously also eccentric and woefully dysfunctional Prince Edward Island family), I also did end up (and surprisingly for me) rather emotionally invested in especially some of the love stories presented in A Tangled Web. For even though I am usually not that much of a fan of L.M. Montgomery's romances (and was at first kind of aghast that in A Tangled Web there are actually something like four different episodes of love and courting), I did find myself actively cheering especially when Gay Penhallow not only finally and totally rejects her fickle fiancé Noel Gibson but also realises that she indeed is truly in love with Roger Penhallow (and I also do very much appreciate that L.M. Montgomery does not cast all of the blame for what happened between Gay and Noel at Gay's selfish and malicious cousin Nan Penhallow stealing Noel's affections but that she clearly points out that Noel Gibson is a spineless, self important and shallow fool of a "man" who basically in the end deserves being dropped like a proverbially hot potato by both Nan and then Gay, who finally sees the light and refuses to take Noel back when he comes calling after Nan has finally had enough of him).
And even Peter Dark and Donna Penhallow's romance and indeed Jocelyn and Hugh Dark's story do tug at my emotions (and I am glad of the happy endings) although personally I have definitely found Jocelyn as a character at best a bit frustrating (that she simply left her husband Hugh almost at the altar so to speak when she took one look at Hugh's best man Frank and fell in love with him at first sight, as yes, this not only makes me rather personally angry and annoyed on Hugh's behalf but that L.M. Montgomery also focusses mostly on Jocelyn and only rather sparingly on Hugh when she has her narrator in A Tangled Web relate their story, it does kind of feel a bit uncomfortable and monotonous as in my humble opinion in the marriage fiasco between Jocelyn and Hugh, it is not really a case of that it takes two to tango since the fault really is to be or rather should be cast mostly at Jocelyn and at her stubbornness holding on to that silly dream of love at first sight, which yes in the end is thankfully destroyed, but it does take almost the entire course of A Tangled Web for Jocelyn to finally come to her senses and return to Hugh).
Now I have read in both reviews and literary analyses of A Tangled Web that Pennyciuk Dark asking family dressmaker, old maid (and often the object of family derision and pointed nastiness) Margaret Penhallow to marry him (and mostly in order to increase his chances of obtaining that coveted jar of Aunt Harriet's) is to be approached as being rather comical. But in my opinion, while I do find Pennyciuk a rather clown-like figure in and of himself, I personally happen to consider Margaret Penhallow more tragic and sad (and not in any derisive and critical manner whatsoever, as I actually do consider her as one of the characters in A Tangled Web that L.M. Montgomery has constructed and described with the most love and personal understanding simply because her family has cast Margaret aside, that the Darks and Penhallows all seem to see her as a nothing and a nobody). And while it has certainly made me chuckle a bit when Penny Dark is strutting around like a peacock and thinking that by proposing marriage to Margaret Penhallow, he is conferring some great honour to her, that she (although it is clear from L.M. Montgomery's narrative that Margaret Penhallow really does not at all desire Penny and really does not desire marriage either) feels obligated to accept Penny's proposal, this actually kind of makes me really sad and actually more than a bit personally enraged.
Therefore, when Margaret finally gets her own home, adopts abused orphan Brian Dark and basically lets Pennyciuk Dark know that him breaking the engagement is actually totally wonderful and not at all something that will in any manner be even remotely traumatic for her, this makes the Penny and Margaret "romance" (quotes are mine) the most personally satisfying one in A Tangled Web (but not really all that comical in my opinion, just satisfying), for L.M. Montgomery allows Margaret Penhallow to find her true happiness without adult love and traditional marriage (as Margaret is able to obtain a coveted and aesthetically lovely home, with an evocatively beautiful name, she adopts dreamy and by the entire clan nastily ignored and despised orphan Brian Dark, and she obviously does NOT need either a husband or even an adult male love interest to obtain ultimate contentment and joy).
And finally, of course, L.M. Montgomery's A Tangled Web has at its main core that coveted (and described by the narrator as being pretty distinctly ugly) jug of Aunt Harriet Dark's and who will (about a year and a half after Aunt Rebecca Dark's death) finally receive it as an heirloom. And personally, I have to admit that even though the by all (or most) Darks and Penhallows desired and wanted jug is I guess the thread that holds all of the different strands and episodes of A Tangled Web together, I have found the family's almost religious obsession with said intimate object rather annoyingly strange (but I guess it kind of does underline just how into their various and almost sacred family traditions the Penhallows and the Darks are and how a family heirloom can be considered an absolute treasure even if it is aesthetically horrid and visually off-putting).
But for me, with the ending of A Tangled Web, when Oswald Dark (who is obsessed with the moon and is considered not all there so to speak even by his eccentric clan) takes Aunt Harriet's jug and smashes it, I not only laughed (and continue to laugh) out loud, I actually consider this to have been what the clan should have done with that silly jug in the first place. And therefore, with regard to going against family tradition and taking an active role against this, I for one very much believe that Oswald Dark is indeed the only truly and completely sane member of the entire family and I even also sometimes wish that he had thrown that jug and destroyed it right at the beginning of A Tangled Web and perhaps even in Aunt Becky's hallowed presence (but of course, then there would not have been the need for a story, but indeed, seeing that jug in smithereens really does make me smile with both appreciation and going against family tradition glee and makes A Tangled Web an entertainingly, satirically delightful four star reading experience).
And even Peter Dark and Donna Penhallow's romance and indeed Jocelyn and Hugh Dark's story do tug at my emotions (and I am glad of the happy endings) although personally I have definitely found Jocelyn as a character at best a bit frustrating (that she simply left her husband Hugh almost at the altar so to speak when she took one look at Hugh's best man Frank and fell in love with him at first sight, as yes, this not only makes me rather personally angry and annoyed on Hugh's behalf but that L.M. Montgomery also focusses mostly on Jocelyn and only rather sparingly on Hugh when she has her narrator in A Tangled Web relate their story, it does kind of feel a bit uncomfortable and monotonous as in my humble opinion in the marriage fiasco between Jocelyn and Hugh, it is not really a case of that it takes two to tango since the fault really is to be or rather should be cast mostly at Jocelyn and at her stubbornness holding on to that silly dream of love at first sight, which yes in the end is thankfully destroyed, but it does take almost the entire course of A Tangled Web for Jocelyn to finally come to her senses and return to Hugh).
Now I have read in both reviews and literary analyses of A Tangled Web that Pennyciuk Dark asking family dressmaker, old maid (and often the object of family derision and pointed nastiness) Margaret Penhallow to marry him (and mostly in order to increase his chances of obtaining that coveted jar of Aunt Harriet's) is to be approached as being rather comical. But in my opinion, while I do find Pennyciuk a rather clown-like figure in and of himself, I personally happen to consider Margaret Penhallow more tragic and sad (and not in any derisive and critical manner whatsoever, as I actually do consider her as one of the characters in A Tangled Web that L.M. Montgomery has constructed and described with the most love and personal understanding simply because her family has cast Margaret aside, that the Darks and Penhallows all seem to see her as a nothing and a nobody). And while it has certainly made me chuckle a bit when Penny Dark is strutting around like a peacock and thinking that by proposing marriage to Margaret Penhallow, he is conferring some great honour to her, that she (although it is clear from L.M. Montgomery's narrative that Margaret Penhallow really does not at all desire Penny and really does not desire marriage either) feels obligated to accept Penny's proposal, this actually kind of makes me really sad and actually more than a bit personally enraged.
Therefore, when Margaret finally gets her own home, adopts abused orphan Brian Dark and basically lets Pennyciuk Dark know that him breaking the engagement is actually totally wonderful and not at all something that will in any manner be even remotely traumatic for her, this makes the Penny and Margaret "romance" (quotes are mine) the most personally satisfying one in A Tangled Web (but not really all that comical in my opinion, just satisfying), for L.M. Montgomery allows Margaret Penhallow to find her true happiness without adult love and traditional marriage (as Margaret is able to obtain a coveted and aesthetically lovely home, with an evocatively beautiful name, she adopts dreamy and by the entire clan nastily ignored and despised orphan Brian Dark, and she obviously does NOT need either a husband or even an adult male love interest to obtain ultimate contentment and joy).
And finally, of course, L.M. Montgomery's A Tangled Web has at its main core that coveted (and described by the narrator as being pretty distinctly ugly) jug of Aunt Harriet Dark's and who will (about a year and a half after Aunt Rebecca Dark's death) finally receive it as an heirloom. And personally, I have to admit that even though the by all (or most) Darks and Penhallows desired and wanted jug is I guess the thread that holds all of the different strands and episodes of A Tangled Web together, I have found the family's almost religious obsession with said intimate object rather annoyingly strange (but I guess it kind of does underline just how into their various and almost sacred family traditions the Penhallows and the Darks are and how a family heirloom can be considered an absolute treasure even if it is aesthetically horrid and visually off-putting).
But for me, with the ending of A Tangled Web, when Oswald Dark (who is obsessed with the moon and is considered not all there so to speak even by his eccentric clan) takes Aunt Harriet's jug and smashes it, I not only laughed (and continue to laugh) out loud, I actually consider this to have been what the clan should have done with that silly jug in the first place. And therefore, with regard to going against family tradition and taking an active role against this, I for one very much believe that Oswald Dark is indeed the only truly and completely sane member of the entire family and I even also sometimes wish that he had thrown that jug and destroyed it right at the beginning of A Tangled Web and perhaps even in Aunt Becky's hallowed presence (but of course, then there would not have been the need for a story, but indeed, seeing that jug in smithereens really does make me smile with both appreciation and going against family tradition glee and makes A Tangled Web an entertainingly, satirically delightful four star reading experience).
August 15, 2021
2021:
I have the same reaction to this as before. Each time I am more impressed and enchanted, although it's a rather colder, darker world than some of other LMM novels. I was more annoyed this time by the clan trying to get Gay to marry Roger. Although I love his character--he is one who has few lines but makes a big impression--I almost want Gay to not end up with him just to spite the clan. Sure, we should listen to and consider our family's opinions on who we marry, but at the same time it's ultimately up to us, and a lot of happy marriages are not approved by the families. So I'm very irritated that the clan ended up being right. Why couldn't Noel have seemed like an okay or even upstanding guy to everyone but then turned and jilted Gay, surprising the common opinion of him?
The racism of the Sams also bothers me more now than in the past. I guess that kind of ignorance was funny then, but it isn't now. And maybe LMM was trying to show how ignorant and wrong those attitudes were, but it didn't come across that way. I really could do without those parts. The Sams are funny enough already.
What an amazing book, though. LMM showcases her incredible range of character creation.
******
Superb. Absolutely superb. The characters live and step right off the page, leaving me thinking about them after I've closed the book. I like Gay (though she's a weensy bit pathetic and one-track minded) and Roger and Margaret-and even Drowned John, though I wouldn't want to meet him in reality.
All the 'damning' does get a little old-it's almost like LMM was trying to show that she could write something 'realistic' and 'grown-up'- but it doesn't interfere with my delight in the story, nor does the racism of the Sams (though it's a little disconcerting). It's without doubt one of my favorite LMMs.
The thing I like most about A Tangled Web is that when I read it I feel that no matter who I am or what my circumstances are, everything will turn out alright and the dreams I have may come true. There are so many characters in it with their hopes and desires, and I love how she ties up their threads. There's such a broad spectrum of humanity that I think everyone could find herself in at least one of the characters.
I guess every LMM book brings me to feel that everything will be okay, giving me lots of hope and optimism, and that is why I'll revisit her work again and again.
* The cover drives me mad-is it Donna and Peter or Gay and Roger?? I can't figure it out. The woman looks a little dark to be Gay, but on the other hand she has a sad expression that tells of keen suffering, as would fit Gay. Anyone reading this have a guess?
I have the same reaction to this as before. Each time I am more impressed and enchanted, although it's a rather colder, darker world than some of other LMM novels. I was more annoyed this time by the clan trying to get Gay to marry Roger. Although I love his character--he is one who has few lines but makes a big impression--I almost want Gay to not end up with him just to spite the clan. Sure, we should listen to and consider our family's opinions on who we marry, but at the same time it's ultimately up to us, and a lot of happy marriages are not approved by the families. So I'm very irritated that the clan ended up being right. Why couldn't Noel have seemed like an okay or even upstanding guy to everyone but then turned and jilted Gay, surprising the common opinion of him?
The racism of the Sams also bothers me more now than in the past. I guess that kind of ignorance was funny then, but it isn't now. And maybe LMM was trying to show how ignorant and wrong those attitudes were, but it didn't come across that way. I really could do without those parts. The Sams are funny enough already.
What an amazing book, though. LMM showcases her incredible range of character creation.
******
Superb. Absolutely superb. The characters live and step right off the page, leaving me thinking about them after I've closed the book. I like Gay (though she's a weensy bit pathetic and one-track minded) and Roger and Margaret-and even Drowned John, though I wouldn't want to meet him in reality.
All the 'damning' does get a little old-it's almost like LMM was trying to show that she could write something 'realistic' and 'grown-up'- but it doesn't interfere with my delight in the story, nor does the racism of the Sams (though it's a little disconcerting). It's without doubt one of my favorite LMMs.
The thing I like most about A Tangled Web is that when I read it I feel that no matter who I am or what my circumstances are, everything will turn out alright and the dreams I have may come true. There are so many characters in it with their hopes and desires, and I love how she ties up their threads. There's such a broad spectrum of humanity that I think everyone could find herself in at least one of the characters.
I guess every LMM book brings me to feel that everything will be okay, giving me lots of hope and optimism, and that is why I'll revisit her work again and again.
* The cover drives me mad-is it Donna and Peter or Gay and Roger?? I can't figure it out. The woman looks a little dark to be Gay, but on the other hand she has a sad expression that tells of keen suffering, as would fit Gay. Anyone reading this have a guess?
September 18, 2016
I have made the decision that the Darks and Penhallows are my favorite LMM clan and a Tangled Web may just be my favorite stand alone LMM book.....yes, I believe that I shall now declare that it is now my favorite stand alone LMM book-- we have to change our favorites as we change, you know :-)
I started out reading this book on the heels of "Magic for Marigold" and "The Blue Castle" just to simply study the clan dynamics. I do love Marigold's clan a lot and I detest Valancy's clan in "The Blue Castle." I realize that I love Marigold's clan with a child's eyes because that's how we see Marigold's clan-- with a proud child's adoration.
I love these Darks and Penhallows with an adults eyes. They are complex and messy and real. I love the stories of the clan in this book and I found myself wishing that I could jump in this book and live among them and be one of them. They all had a love hate relationship with the clan but in the end, they couldn't have survived without each other. They lived in the most beautiful place in the world during a time when life was much slower and they all knew each other and each other's ancestors etc. and stories.
Oh and LMM's nature descriptions are so beautiful and healing!
For some people in the clan such as Jocelyn and Margaret, this clan knowledge and nosiness proved to to cause them years of loneliness and depression until they decided to just go for what they really wanted no matter what people thought (once they figured that out for themselves).
For people like Gay, the clan always protected and supported her and as much as she didn't like it-- they always knew what was best for her.
Oh and sweet dear young Brian-- the neglected clan orphan child. I love thee.
It's amazing how certain stories speak to us at different times in our lives. I really need to re-read this book more often. I actually did not ever adore this book as I do now, today, this weekend-- September 17-18, 2016. I set out to study the clan dynamics and found myself healed of some things that I've been confronted with lately. Yes, it's vulnerable to confess such a thing in a book review but I do this more for myself than others since this is more my reading journal than a review for others. I actually never think of others when I review books-- I'm selfish that way haha ;-)
I can identify with so many stories and people in this book! I spent all day yesterday consumed by it-- a perfect rainy day read that spoke to me on many levels at this moment in my life. Thank you once again, LMM, for giving me your counsel and wisdom right exactly when I needed it.
I started out reading this book on the heels of "Magic for Marigold" and "The Blue Castle" just to simply study the clan dynamics. I do love Marigold's clan a lot and I detest Valancy's clan in "The Blue Castle." I realize that I love Marigold's clan with a child's eyes because that's how we see Marigold's clan-- with a proud child's adoration.
I love these Darks and Penhallows with an adults eyes. They are complex and messy and real. I love the stories of the clan in this book and I found myself wishing that I could jump in this book and live among them and be one of them. They all had a love hate relationship with the clan but in the end, they couldn't have survived without each other. They lived in the most beautiful place in the world during a time when life was much slower and they all knew each other and each other's ancestors etc. and stories.
Oh and LMM's nature descriptions are so beautiful and healing!
For some people in the clan such as Jocelyn and Margaret, this clan knowledge and nosiness proved to to cause them years of loneliness and depression until they decided to just go for what they really wanted no matter what people thought (once they figured that out for themselves).
For people like Gay, the clan always protected and supported her and as much as she didn't like it-- they always knew what was best for her.
Oh and sweet dear young Brian-- the neglected clan orphan child. I love thee.
It's amazing how certain stories speak to us at different times in our lives. I really need to re-read this book more often. I actually did not ever adore this book as I do now, today, this weekend-- September 17-18, 2016. I set out to study the clan dynamics and found myself healed of some things that I've been confronted with lately. Yes, it's vulnerable to confess such a thing in a book review but I do this more for myself than others since this is more my reading journal than a review for others. I actually never think of others when I review books-- I'm selfish that way haha ;-)
I can identify with so many stories and people in this book! I spent all day yesterday consumed by it-- a perfect rainy day read that spoke to me on many levels at this moment in my life. Thank you once again, LMM, for giving me your counsel and wisdom right exactly when I needed it.
August 3, 2017
I loved this book. But hated the last line.
June 2, 2024
انقدر بهم چسبید که حد نداره:))
پیشنهاد میکنم بعد مدتی خوندن کتابای سنگین و ... یکم با قلم نویسندههایی مثل مونتگمری به ذهنتون استراحت بدین..
پیشنهاد میکنم بعد مدتی خوندن کتابای سنگین و ... یکم با قلم نویسندههایی مثل مونتگمری به ذهنتون استراحت بدین..
July 29, 2022
به امید توصیفات قشنگ رفتم سراغش بلکه حالمو خوب کنه...
نمیگم بد بود، ولی در مقایسه با بقیه کتاباش هیییچ بود، هیچ:))
چیزی که منو خیلی اذیت کرد نوع عشق و عاشقی و ازدواجهاشون بود، آخه چیزیم نبود که بگیم «اون موقع عادی بوده»
شخصیتهای کتاب به وضوح اشاره میکنن به اینکه ازدواج دکتر ۳۱ ساله با یه جوون ۱۸ ساله درست نیست!
ولی خب کیوتیهای خودش رو هم داشت :*
نمیگم بد بود، ولی در مقایسه با بقیه کتاباش هیییچ بود، هیچ:))
چیزی که منو خیلی اذیت کرد نوع عشق و عاشقی و ازدواجهاشون بود، آخه چیزیم نبود که بگیم «اون موقع عادی بوده»
شخصیتهای کتاب به وضوح اشاره میکنن به اینکه ازدواج دکتر ۳۱ ساله با یه جوون ۱۸ ساله درست نیست!
ولی خب کیوتیهای خودش رو هم داشت :*
October 31, 2021
کوزه ای ارزشمند، نسل به نسل در دو خاندانِ در هم تنیده ی پنهلوها و دارک ها دست به دست شده. حالا که مرگ عمه بکی نزدیکه، زمان اون رسیده تا وارث بعدی کوزه مشخص بشه. گزینه های احتمالی بسیار زیادتر از اونی هستن که بشه پیشبینی درستی ارائه داد! از پیتر و دانا که بعد از سال ها نفرت، حالا عاشق همدیگه شدن گرفته تا جاسلین و هیو و گی و نن و نوئل و...
لوسی ماد مونتگمری، نویسنده ای کانادایی که همیشه با قلم خاص خودش جادو می کنه و قصه ای می نویسه که در برابر دیدگان خواننده جون می گیره.
کتاب های مونتگمری رو می شه به مدرسه آموزش نویسندگی تشبیه کرد! از توصیفات درست و دقیق گرفته تا نکات ریز در شخصیت پردازی های متنوع و...
امکان نداره که مونتگمری صحنه ای رو توصیف کنه و خواننده در ورای کلمات، اون صحنه رو نبینه. امکان نداره مونتگمری شخصیت هایی خلق کنه که خواننده نتونه درک و لمسشون کنه.
کتاب A Tangled Web پر از شخصیته. شخصیت هایی از دو خاندان شلوغ که با ازدواج های بین خاندانی و روابط مختلف به همدیگه مربوط می شن و شما برای درک و فهمشون باید حوصله به خرج بدید.
هر موقع که کتابی از مونتگمری می خونم، به معنای واقعی کلمه عاشق تمومی کرکترهای داستانش می شم، حتی اگه منفور باشن. این کتاب هم شخصیت های دوست داشتنی زیادی برای من داشت. از گل سر سبد، عمه بکی گرفته تا عمه But و پیتر و...
برخلاف باقی داستان های مونتگمری که شخصیت اصلی نوجوانه، در این داستان ما با طیف وسیعی از کرکترهای بزرگسال سر و کار داریم و همین جدیت کار رو نسبت به سایر رمان های مونتگمری بیشتر می کنه. اما همچنان طنز ظریف مونتگمری در لفافه ی واژگان مشهوده.
لوسی ماد مونتگمری، نویسنده ای کانادایی که همیشه با قلم خاص خودش جادو می کنه و قصه ای می نویسه که در برابر دیدگان خواننده جون می گیره.
کتاب های مونتگمری رو می شه به مدرسه آموزش نویسندگی تشبیه کرد! از توصیفات درست و دقیق گرفته تا نکات ریز در شخصیت پردازی های متنوع و...
امکان نداره که مونتگمری صحنه ای رو توصیف کنه و خواننده در ورای کلمات، اون صحنه رو نبینه. امکان نداره مونتگمری شخصیت هایی خلق کنه که خواننده نتونه درک و لمسشون کنه.
کتاب A Tangled Web پر از شخصیته. شخصیت هایی از دو خاندان شلوغ که با ازدواج های بین خاندانی و روابط مختلف به همدیگه مربوط می شن و شما برای درک و فهمشون باید حوصله به خرج بدید.
هر موقع که کتابی از مونتگمری می خونم، به معنای واقعی کلمه عاشق تمومی کرکترهای داستانش می شم، حتی اگه منفور باشن. این کتاب هم شخصیت های دوست داشتنی زیادی برای من داشت. از گل سر سبد، عمه بکی گرفته تا عمه But و پیتر و...
برخلاف باقی داستان های مونتگمری که شخصیت اصلی نوجوانه، در این داستان ما با طیف وسیعی از کرکترهای بزرگسال سر و کار داریم و همین جدیت کار رو نسبت به سایر رمان های مونتگمری بیشتر می کنه. اما همچنان طنز ظریف مونتگمری در لفافه ی واژگان مشهوده.
May 14, 2020
My second book by L.M. Montgomery. I enjoyed it, though not as much as her The Blue Castle.
March 31, 2017
I cannot believe I didn't like this book the first time I read it. It's full of everything good in an L.M. Montgomery story, from humor to romance to judgmental families. ;) I really, really, REALLY like this book. <3
February 19, 2022
4,75
ازون کتاباس که از تموم شدنش ناراحت شدم و موقع خوندنش واقعیت و اطرافمو از یاد برده بودم
واسه همین انقد واسم دلچسب و شیرین بود
توصیفاتش هم خیلی دل انگیز و گوگولی بودن
ازون کتاباس که از تموم شدنش ناراحت شدم و موقع خوندنش واقعیت و اطرافمو از یاد برده بودم
واسه همین انقد واسم دلچسب و شیرین بود
توصیفاتش هم خیلی دل انگیز و گوگولی بودن
February 22, 2022
L.M. Montgomery was very very good at several things, and one of those was keeping a secret from her readers, building suspense until she finally decides to reveal all – which is always done in a satisfying manner. And she never does it better than in A Tangled Web – through the petty jealousies and deep passions and squabbles and allegiances of the tale of the Darks and the Penhallows runs one of the best tantalizers I've ever seen: why did Joscelyn leave Hugh the night of their wedding and refuse to ever return to him? I don’t know if the reality of what happened quite lives up to the anticipation – but it’s believable, in its way, and arranging for the situation to be resolved requires some excellent plotting. And the anticipation is delicious. I love the character Oswald Dark – what a being he is. Were I to indulge in fan-fiction about L.M.M., I think I’d center on him. But … there is a fly in the ointment, which I'd forgotten until I came to it - how could I forget that last line of the book? Avoid if possible. It’s an unnecessary stain on a lovely book, and a true sign that while a lot of things have changed for the worse since L.M.M. wrote, not everything has. Even given the ointment's fly, this is one of my favorites among L.M.M.'s books. Five stars despite that line.
February 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book much more than I ever dreamed I would. It masquerades as a vintage melodrama, but is chock full of essential life lessons - especially about the nature of true love.
When I see racial epithets in old books, I usually manage to skim over them as a product of their time, but the one in this book was the equivalent of a bucket of cold water thrown over my head. I'm still recovering from the shock.
Otherwise, this is a rollickingly funny and poignant story of finding hope in spite of crushed dreams.
When I see racial epithets in old books, I usually manage to skim over them as a product of their time, but the one in this book was the equivalent of a bucket of cold water thrown over my head. I'm still recovering from the shock.
Otherwise, this is a rollickingly funny and poignant story of finding hope in spite of crushed dreams.
November 24, 2024
Not my favorite by LMM, but it was a fun read. The plot itself was pretty basic, but the interconnected story threads were numerous and difficult to track. But some of those supernumerary storylines were quite enjoyable and engrossing. Maud seems to have been examining the contrast between what we wish for, what we get, and which is the most desirable. It's definitely worth considering and pondering!
June 8, 2022
برای من که اصلا طرفدار جمعهای بزرگ و شلوغ و خانوادگی نیستم، خوندن این کتاب یه تجربه جالب بود. می پرسین چرا؟ خیلی واضحه، چون انگار به یه مهمونی بزرگ دعوت شدین اما حواس هیچکس متوجه شما نیست. هرجایی که بخواین، هر گوشه و کناری میتونین سرک بکشین و همچنان توی اون مهمونی باشین. (کاش همه مهمونی ها همچین قابلیتی داشتن که هر وقت ازش خسته میشدی میتونستی مثل کتابت فقط ببندیش و بری سراغ کارهای دیگه😔)
کتابهای کلاسیکی که ازشون بوی زندگی میاد واقعا جواهرن. و اگه یه نفر قرار باشه تا همیشه منو بندهی قلم خودش بکنه، کسی نیست جز بانو مونتگمری. انقدر این زن، زیبا و ملموس و شیرین از زندگی و طبیعت و احساسات آدمها مینویسه که من رسما با هر خطی که از کتابهاش خوندم یه "دور خودت و قلمت بگردم" هم نثارش کردم.
کلاف سردرگم داستان عمه بکی و کوزهی قدیمی معروفشه که خیلی خیلی قدمت داره و نسل به نسل توی خاندان بزرگ پنهلوها و دارکها چرخیده. عمه بکی بداخلاق نه تنها کوزهی معروفی رو داراست، بلکه ضیافتهایی که برگزار میکنه هم حسابی جنجالین و تا مدتها خاطرهی اون ضیافت توی ذهن مهموناش زنده میمونه.
با این حال چی میشه اگه توی آخرین ضیافت، عمه بکی اعلام کنه که قراره به زودی از دنیا بره و این کوزه به کسی ارث میرسه که... ؟
و بله، اسم شخص مذکور توی نامه مهر و موم شده ای به یکی از اعضای سپرده میشه تا بنا به شرط عمه بکی بعد از یک سال رمز گشایی بشه.
داستان حول محور شخصیت خاصی پیش نمیره و ما آدمهای مختلفی رو داریم که داستان زندگیشون به موازات هم پیش برده میشه. آدمهایی که دلشون میخواد وارث کوزه عمه بکی باشن و خب، به خاطر همین کوزه قدیمی و رنگ رو رفته باید دید که دفتر زندگی شون رو چطور دستخوش تغییر میکنن.
اگه از من بپرسین از یه جایی به بعد دیگه نقش اون کوزه برام کم رنگ شده بود و چیزی که اهمیت داشت نحوه تصمیم گیری شخصیتها برای صلاح زندگیشون بود: مفهوم عشق، جدایی، وصال و تلاش.
از هر خط این کتاب، خود خود کلمه ی "زندگی" بیرون میزد.
کتابهای کلاسیکی که ازشون بوی زندگی میاد واقعا جواهرن. و اگه یه نفر قرار باشه تا همیشه منو بندهی قلم خودش بکنه، کسی نیست جز بانو مونتگمری. انقدر این زن، زیبا و ملموس و شیرین از زندگی و طبیعت و احساسات آدمها مینویسه که من رسما با هر خطی که از کتابهاش خوندم یه "دور خودت و قلمت بگردم" هم نثارش کردم.
کلاف سردرگم داستان عمه بکی و کوزهی قدیمی معروفشه که خیلی خیلی قدمت داره و نسل به نسل توی خاندان بزرگ پنهلوها و دارکها چرخیده. عمه بکی بداخلاق نه تنها کوزهی معروفی رو داراست، بلکه ضیافتهایی که برگزار میکنه هم حسابی جنجالین و تا مدتها خاطرهی اون ضیافت توی ذهن مهموناش زنده میمونه.
با این حال چی میشه اگه توی آخرین ضیافت، عمه بکی اعلام کنه که قراره به زودی از دنیا بره و این کوزه به کسی ارث میرسه که... ؟
و بله، اسم شخص مذکور توی نامه مهر و موم شده ای به یکی از اعضای سپرده میشه تا بنا به شرط عمه بکی بعد از یک سال رمز گشایی بشه.
داستان حول محور شخصیت خاصی پیش نمیره و ما آدمهای مختلفی رو داریم که داستان زندگیشون به موازات هم پیش برده میشه. آدمهایی که دلشون میخواد وارث کوزه عمه بکی باشن و خب، به خاطر همین کوزه قدیمی و رنگ رو رفته باید دید که دفتر زندگی شون رو چطور دستخوش تغییر میکنن.
اگه از من بپرسین از یه جایی به بعد دیگه نقش اون کوزه برام کم رنگ شده بود و چیزی که اهمیت داشت نحوه تصمیم گیری شخصیتها برای صلاح زندگیشون بود: مفهوم عشق، جدایی، وصال و تلاش.
از هر خط این کتاب، خود خود کلمه ی "زندگی" بیرون میزد.
August 11, 2022
من این کتاب رو در یک روز خوندم و از خوندنش لذت بردم. اما واقعیت اینه که سبکش با چیزی که از نوشته های لوسی مونتگمری میشناختم فرق داشت. در عین حال که انتظار ظهور یک شخصیت قوی و خاص مثل آنه یا امیلی رو داشتم، در کمال تعجب دیدم که از این سبک متفاوت که شخصیت های مختلفی حضور داشتن و مسیر داستانی خودشون رو طی می کردن هم بدم نیومد!
طبیعتا به دلیل تعداد زیاد شخصیت ها و حجم کم کتاب، فرصت پرداخت عمیق به ماجراها نبود ولی در همین حدی که بود رضایت بخش بود. بین امتیاز سه و چهار مردد بودم که درنهایت به دلیل ترجمه ی عالی و پانوشت های مفید تصمیم گرفتم امتیاز چهار بدم!
طبیعتا به دلیل تعداد زیاد شخصیت ها و حجم کم کتاب، فرصت پرداخت عمیق به ماجراها نبود ولی در همین حدی که بود رضایت بخش بود. بین امتیاز سه و چهار مردد بودم که درنهایت به دلیل ترجمه ی عالی و پانوشت های مفید تصمیم گرفتم امتیاز چهار بدم!
October 18, 2016
I didn't really have any expectations for this one. For unknown reasons the unread book never appealed to me and it is one of the last Montgomery novels I read.
Yet I really liked A Tangled Web. I was intrigued from the very beginning and found myself caring for many of the characters.
It was quite an unusual setting for a Montgomery novel to have that many storylines, but for me, it worked well. I enjoyed reading it and I was pleasantly surprised.
Yet I really liked A Tangled Web. I was intrigued from the very beginning and found myself caring for many of the characters.
It was quite an unusual setting for a Montgomery novel to have that many storylines, but for me, it worked well. I enjoyed reading it and I was pleasantly surprised.
April 28, 2012
It all begins with garrulous Aunt Becky and the infamous Dark jug. She may be dying but the old matriarch of the large Dark and Penhallow clan is determined to throw one last "levee" - and stir up her extended family with her plan for bequeathing the heirloom. Dating back to when the first Darks came to Prince Edward Island in the early 19th century, the Dark jug has been in the family ever since, and with it comes a certain prestige for the owner. Over the generations, the Darks and Penhallows have intermarried time and again, and now they gather in Aunt Becky's rooms to hear what's to become of this jug, and who will get it.
But sharp-tongued Aunt Becky's not about to make things easy for them. She announces that the new owner of the jug will be announced a year from October, and that Dandy Dark is trusted with the secret - or perhaps he will make the decision on her behalf, so everyone should be on their toes.
And so they all are. Drowned John and Titus Dark stop swearing, knowing that Aunt Becky wouldn't give the jug to someone who curses all the time. Tempest Dark decides to finally start his history of the clan that he's been talking about doing for years. And perpetual bachelor Penny Dark thinks maybe he should get married, if he wants to get the jug, and casts his eye upon the spinsters in the clan.
Meanwhile young, pretty Gay Penhallow is caught up in love with Noel Gibson, while her sophisticated and seductive cousin Nan decides to steal him away. Peter Penhallow suddenly and violently falls in love with widowed Donna Dark, whom he has hated since they were children - only he's been travelling through Africa and South America so much he hasn't seen her since, or not until Aunt Becky's infamous final levee. Joscelyn and Hugh Dark, separated on their wedding night for reasons unknown, still yearn for things they cannot have. And forty year old spinster and dressmaker Margaret Penhallow too yearns for things she feels she can never have: a beautiful little baby to adopt and the little old house she calls Whispering Winds.
At the centre of it all is the jug, and Aunt Becky's final surprise.
According to the inscription on the inside of my copy, I got this book for my birthday in 1993 from my brother (meaning, my mum picked it out for him to give to me), when I turned 14. As far as I can remember I only read it once, but I did love it. I'm always wanted to re-read it, and now I finally have I can say that I still love it. Allowing so much to go by meant that it felt like visiting old friends I hadn't seen in a long time, but with all the surprises still intact: I couldn't remember what had driven Hugh and Joscelyn apart, I couldn't remember how Donna and Peter finally overcame her father, Drowned John's, refusal to let them marry; and I couldn't quite remember what happened to Gay Penhallow - though I was pretty sure she did end up with thirty-year-old Roger, the clan doctor (rest assured, it's not as Jane Austen as it sounds - Gay is no Mariane Dashwood).
There are of course A LOT of characters to keep track of, and at first they tend to blend one into another (for instance, there are two Penny Darks: one is the bachelor and the other is Joscelyn's sister-in-law), and it doesn't help that they go by the old naming conventions (e.g. "Mrs Frank Dark"); you'd think it would but it doesn't.
But Montgomery focuses on the main characters, and since the novel takes place over about a year and a half, we get to know characters, progress somewhat with their story, then come back to them later, so you do get very familiar with them - and like I said, they start to feel like your own crazy extended family! Montgomery is so good at writing these character sketches (one has only to read those scenes set around the dinner table at family gatherings in The Blue Castle to get a sense for it), that for all their eccentricities you have to wonder just how many of them were based on real people Montgomery knew.
The pacing is wonderful: brisk and rolling like gentle hills, here getting dramatic, then slowing down again for a spell, a breather, before dashing off into a new plot. Perhaps the most tragic character for me was little Brian Dark, whose mother, Laura, died when he was young, never revealing who the father was, so that Brian lives with his uncle Duncan Dark and his family, barely fed or clothed and given endless chores, mostly to look after the dairy cows. It broke my heart a little bit, especially now that I have my own little boy.
The story is told with Montgomery's usual insightful wit and honesty, and an artist's touch: she knew when to get in there and strip a character bare, and when to hold back and let things reveal themselves to the observant reader, on their own. I should add a warning for American readers: the final sentence does include the "n-word", which should be taken in the context of the period it was written in, as well as the character who uses it - don't let it put you off this author, who weaves magic with her words in the simplest, most unpretentious ways.
But sharp-tongued Aunt Becky's not about to make things easy for them. She announces that the new owner of the jug will be announced a year from October, and that Dandy Dark is trusted with the secret - or perhaps he will make the decision on her behalf, so everyone should be on their toes.
And so they all are. Drowned John and Titus Dark stop swearing, knowing that Aunt Becky wouldn't give the jug to someone who curses all the time. Tempest Dark decides to finally start his history of the clan that he's been talking about doing for years. And perpetual bachelor Penny Dark thinks maybe he should get married, if he wants to get the jug, and casts his eye upon the spinsters in the clan.
Meanwhile young, pretty Gay Penhallow is caught up in love with Noel Gibson, while her sophisticated and seductive cousin Nan decides to steal him away. Peter Penhallow suddenly and violently falls in love with widowed Donna Dark, whom he has hated since they were children - only he's been travelling through Africa and South America so much he hasn't seen her since, or not until Aunt Becky's infamous final levee. Joscelyn and Hugh Dark, separated on their wedding night for reasons unknown, still yearn for things they cannot have. And forty year old spinster and dressmaker Margaret Penhallow too yearns for things she feels she can never have: a beautiful little baby to adopt and the little old house she calls Whispering Winds.
At the centre of it all is the jug, and Aunt Becky's final surprise.
According to the inscription on the inside of my copy, I got this book for my birthday in 1993 from my brother (meaning, my mum picked it out for him to give to me), when I turned 14. As far as I can remember I only read it once, but I did love it. I'm always wanted to re-read it, and now I finally have I can say that I still love it. Allowing so much to go by meant that it felt like visiting old friends I hadn't seen in a long time, but with all the surprises still intact: I couldn't remember what had driven Hugh and Joscelyn apart, I couldn't remember how Donna and Peter finally overcame her father, Drowned John's, refusal to let them marry; and I couldn't quite remember what happened to Gay Penhallow - though I was pretty sure she did end up with thirty-year-old Roger, the clan doctor (rest assured, it's not as Jane Austen as it sounds - Gay is no Mariane Dashwood).
There are of course A LOT of characters to keep track of, and at first they tend to blend one into another (for instance, there are two Penny Darks: one is the bachelor and the other is Joscelyn's sister-in-law), and it doesn't help that they go by the old naming conventions (e.g. "Mrs Frank Dark"); you'd think it would but it doesn't.
But Montgomery focuses on the main characters, and since the novel takes place over about a year and a half, we get to know characters, progress somewhat with their story, then come back to them later, so you do get very familiar with them - and like I said, they start to feel like your own crazy extended family! Montgomery is so good at writing these character sketches (one has only to read those scenes set around the dinner table at family gatherings in The Blue Castle to get a sense for it), that for all their eccentricities you have to wonder just how many of them were based on real people Montgomery knew.
The pacing is wonderful: brisk and rolling like gentle hills, here getting dramatic, then slowing down again for a spell, a breather, before dashing off into a new plot. Perhaps the most tragic character for me was little Brian Dark, whose mother, Laura, died when he was young, never revealing who the father was, so that Brian lives with his uncle Duncan Dark and his family, barely fed or clothed and given endless chores, mostly to look after the dairy cows. It broke my heart a little bit, especially now that I have my own little boy.
The story is told with Montgomery's usual insightful wit and honesty, and an artist's touch: she knew when to get in there and strip a character bare, and when to hold back and let things reveal themselves to the observant reader, on their own. I should add a warning for American readers: the final sentence does include the "n-word", which should be taken in the context of the period it was written in, as well as the character who uses it - don't let it put you off this author, who weaves magic with her words in the simplest, most unpretentious ways.
January 2, 2022
Very much in the vein of the Montgomery short stories, but they fit the form of a novel because she’s telling about six of them at once, and they’re all intertwined. I think the jug is a contrivance, frankly () and that means the book feels inconsequential. Especially because Montgomery has told all these stories before.
I suppose this would be three stars - perfectly average - but it loses a star for the racist last page. It’s honestly shocking.
I suppose this would be three stars - perfectly average - but it loses a star for the racist last page. It’s honestly shocking.
November 17, 2023
عاشقش شدم. قلم مونتگمری جادوییه. از زندگی مینویسه واقعا. داستان یک کوزهی نه چندان مهم که تغییرات خیلی مهمی رو توی زندگی مردم روستا به وجود میاره.
هر فصل درباره یه خونه و خونوادهست. تکامل شخصیتها رو دوست دارم. هر چند که پایانش کمی کلیشهای و قابل حدسه اما باز هم دوستداشتنی و جالبه. با شوخی و بامزگی هم تمومش میکنه مونتگمری. کامن سنس و شوخ طبعی بالایی داره. دوسش داشتم و اگر قصر آبی رو خوندید و دوست داشتید، این رو هم بخونید خوشتون میاد.
هر فصل درباره یه خونه و خونوادهست. تکامل شخصیتها رو دوست دارم. هر چند که پایانش کمی کلیشهای و قابل حدسه اما باز هم دوستداشتنی و جالبه. با شوخی و بامزگی هم تمومش میکنه مونتگمری. کامن سنس و شوخ طبعی بالایی داره. دوسش داشتم و اگر قصر آبی رو خوندید و دوست داشتید، این رو هم بخونید خوشتون میاد.
June 27, 2009
This is the L.M. Montgomery book for adults I was hoping to read. Keep in mind it was first published in 1931... but it is daring and witty, sarcastic and sentimental. This clever story of the Dark and Penhallow clans, whose family trees are more like shrubs, is a fun romp with the skeletons in their closets. It's a behind the scenes look at the best and worst of human nature among the clan and it's entertaining from start (or almost) to the end (not quite). The first section of the first chapter is a little off-putting and there is an unfortunate racial slur in the last paragraph of the book which leaves the reader with a nasty taste in their mouth which is sad for such a wonderful book. Granted there are so many characters in the book with such similar names that it gets very difficult to keep track of them all but the main characters are quickly well developed and stand out from the pack. A definite recommend to anyone who loves Victorian literature and L.M. Montgomery in particular.
July 24, 2020
This is the first Montgomery book that I started and kind of didn’t want to finish. I don’t know why–maybe it was the slurry of characters that you get hit with in the very beginning. But, it was just kind of overwhelming.
The premise was promising. I mean, a whole family, all very much invested in an heirloom jug that an aunt left one of them. And they won’t know who gets it for awhile. So, they all do their best to be on their best behavior–in the hopes of getting the jug.
What’s funny, is that the “race” for the jug, leads to a domino effect in so many of their lives–events that wouldn’t have happened if not for the jug.
So, by the middle of the story, I was invested. I couldn’t help but love some of these characters as they were changed and challenged.
This is one of Montgomery’s later works and you can tell by the way she wrote her characters. Not quite as whimsical–and a little more jaded.
But, I’m really glad I read this one. It ended up being one of my favorites, regardless of the rocky start.
The premise was promising. I mean, a whole family, all very much invested in an heirloom jug that an aunt left one of them. And they won’t know who gets it for awhile. So, they all do their best to be on their best behavior–in the hopes of getting the jug.
What’s funny, is that the “race” for the jug, leads to a domino effect in so many of their lives–events that wouldn’t have happened if not for the jug.
So, by the middle of the story, I was invested. I couldn’t help but love some of these characters as they were changed and challenged.
This is one of Montgomery’s later works and you can tell by the way she wrote her characters. Not quite as whimsical–and a little more jaded.
But, I’m really glad I read this one. It ended up being one of my favorites, regardless of the rocky start.
September 15, 2018
This is my favorite of all Montgomery's books. I love the whole Dark and Penhallow clans. I love all the little loves and hates and side stories. I love the ridiculousness of the jug. It's not perfect, in spite of my 5 stars. I do get tired of all the "damning" of things, as if it's the only way LMM could figure out how to make it aimed towards adults. The last line is almost unforgivable as well, even accounting for the differences of time and place. But oh the stories! So many different stories woven together in a tangled web. It's just awesome. And of course, the real question... Who should have gotten the jug?
August 30, 2019
Ahoy there mateys! I adore this author and featured her in me Broadside No. 18. So image me surprise when I read Matey Briana’s review of this book:
"Before Aunt Becky dies, she tells her clan that she’s going to leave a cherished heirloom jug to one of them–but they won’t know the beneficiary until one year after her passing. Even worse: she’s not going to tell them how she’s deciding who gets it, so they’ll have to be on their best behavior just in case she’s instructed someone still living to decide who gets it in a year. Shenanigans ensue as everyone competes for chance at the jug. It’s a ridiculous-sounding premise when you say it’s a novel about people fighting over a jug, but the book is magic and one of Montgomery’s strongest works. It’ also the only one written with multiple points of view."
The problem – nothing other than I had never heard of this book! Embarrassing but true. So I got a copy and read it. The blurb does sound ridiculous but this is a fantastic book which really does highlight the talent of L.M. Montgomery. I absolutely loved all the quirky characters and story. It was endearing and fabulous. I am so glad to have gotten to read this one. Literally the only downside (a big one) was the very last paragraph which used an awful racial slur that was so unnecessary. So the last thought of the book was distaste. But the rest of the book is a gem. Makes me want to reread the Jane and Emily books. Arrrr!
"Before Aunt Becky dies, she tells her clan that she’s going to leave a cherished heirloom jug to one of them–but they won’t know the beneficiary until one year after her passing. Even worse: she’s not going to tell them how she’s deciding who gets it, so they’ll have to be on their best behavior just in case she’s instructed someone still living to decide who gets it in a year. Shenanigans ensue as everyone competes for chance at the jug. It’s a ridiculous-sounding premise when you say it’s a novel about people fighting over a jug, but the book is magic and one of Montgomery’s strongest works. It’ also the only one written with multiple points of view."
The problem – nothing other than I had never heard of this book! Embarrassing but true. So I got a copy and read it. The blurb does sound ridiculous but this is a fantastic book which really does highlight the talent of L.M. Montgomery. I absolutely loved all the quirky characters and story. It was endearing and fabulous. I am so glad to have gotten to read this one. Literally the only downside (a big one) was the very last paragraph which used an awful racial slur that was so unnecessary. So the last thought of the book was distaste. But the rest of the book is a gem. Makes me want to reread the Jane and Emily books. Arrrr!
February 26, 2023
I'm going to enjoy this book a lot more the next time I read it. This time, I was so terribly worried about how some of the storylines were going to turn out that I simply had to finish it as fast as possible, which was not exactly relaxing. Next time, I will be secure in the knowledge of whose storylines turn out happily (and nearly all of them do), and I can just laugh at all the sarcasm and acidic wit, and at all the completely ridiculous human foibles they're aimed at.
The title makes me think of the old Sir Walter Scott quotation, "Oh what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive." Which I'm sure it's meant to. What's interesting is that most of the deception practiced in this book is self-deception. I laughed aloud quite a lot over this book. Montgomery reveals a sharp and biting wit similar to Jane Austen's as she lays bare the ridiculous things people are capable of thinking and doing. I suspect I will laugh more next time I read it, as I said, because I won't be so worried about what will happen to everyone!
The title makes me think of the old Sir Walter Scott quotation, "Oh what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive." Which I'm sure it's meant to. What's interesting is that most of the deception practiced in this book is self-deception. I laughed aloud quite a lot over this book. Montgomery reveals a sharp and biting wit similar to Jane Austen's as she lays bare the ridiculous things people are capable of thinking and doing. I suspect I will laugh more next time I read it, as I said, because I won't be so worried about what will happen to everyone!
April 17, 2022
To była dzika jazda od początku do końca, humor Montgomery i jej zadziwiająco ostry język są tu wykorzystane w pełnej krasie i zabiłabym za ekranizację tej powieści. Mini-serial najlepiej. HBO contact me, please.
Darkowie i Penhallowowie żenią się między sobą, przekraczając granice chowu wsobnego i kazirodztwa. Stanowią prowincjonalną arystokrację pewnego rodzaju, a przynajmniej za to się uważają. Głową rodziny jest ciotka Becky, wiekowa dama, która ma dość życia, urządza ostatnie spotkanie rodu i mówi wszystkim bez ogródek, co o nich myśli. A klan słucha w pokorze, bo każdy chce dostać w spadku jeden przedmiot - wiekowy, bezwartościowy dzban, który łączy się z mitem założycielskim rodziny. Becky nie żałuje sobie ostatniej złośliwości - tajemnica spadku zostanie wyjawiona rok po jej śmierci, co oznacza, że jeszcze przez rok każdy ma rzekomo szansę go dostać. Albo sprawa jest rozstrzygnięta i nieważne, co zrobią. Daje im szereg wskazówek i wytycznych (albo nie, bo może nazwisko już jest w kopercie), co do których powinni (lub nie) się stosować, żeby mieć szansę w tym wyścigu.
I zaczynają się kłopoty. Zasadniczo mamy bohatera zbiorowego w postaci klanu, ale kilka postaci dostaje więcej miejsca w fabule niż inne. Są to:
Jocelyn, która z nieznanych przyczyn porzuciła swojego męża, Hugo, w noc poślubną i wróciła do domu matki tak jak z niego wyszła - w sukni ślubnej i welonie.
Donna Dark - młoda wdowa, zakochana od pierwszego wejrzenia (z wzajemnością) w Percym, rodzinnym podróżniku, pochodzącym z gałęzi rodu zwaśnionej z jej własną (Romeo i Julia tej opowieści).
Stara panna Margaret, która marzy o własnym domu, ale jest biedna, chociaż bogata duchowo.
Gay, młoda dziewczyna, obiekt westchnień Rogera, lekarza rodziny i groomera, zakochana w Noelu Gibsonie, bezwartościowym w oczach klanu.
Wujek Pippin, który definitywnie nie jest hetero (w rej roli Alan Cumming).
Penny Dark, który też nie jest hero (asexual icon) i o tym nie wie (myślę Fred Armisen).
Mój ulubiony bohater, czyli Oswald Dark, nazywany Moon Manem, bo jest zakochany w księżycu.
Mały i Duży Sam, zawodowi comic relief.
Zabiłabym za drzewo genealogiczne dodane do książki.
Zasadniczo to komedia, wiele romantycznych wątków, zadziwiająco głęboka proza i od dawna nie byłam tak pod wrażeniem warsztatu i talentu Montgomery - chyba od czasu, kiedy pierwszy raz czytałam "Emilkę ze Srebrnego Nowiu". Genialna powieść, którą polecam wszystkim fanom komedii romantycznych, powieści dla panien i zjadliwego humoru.
Darkowie i Penhallowowie żenią się między sobą, przekraczając granice chowu wsobnego i kazirodztwa. Stanowią prowincjonalną arystokrację pewnego rodzaju, a przynajmniej za to się uważają. Głową rodziny jest ciotka Becky, wiekowa dama, która ma dość życia, urządza ostatnie spotkanie rodu i mówi wszystkim bez ogródek, co o nich myśli. A klan słucha w pokorze, bo każdy chce dostać w spadku jeden przedmiot - wiekowy, bezwartościowy dzban, który łączy się z mitem założycielskim rodziny. Becky nie żałuje sobie ostatniej złośliwości - tajemnica spadku zostanie wyjawiona rok po jej śmierci, co oznacza, że jeszcze przez rok każdy ma rzekomo szansę go dostać. Albo sprawa jest rozstrzygnięta i nieważne, co zrobią. Daje im szereg wskazówek i wytycznych (albo nie, bo może nazwisko już jest w kopercie), co do których powinni (lub nie) się stosować, żeby mieć szansę w tym wyścigu.
I zaczynają się kłopoty. Zasadniczo mamy bohatera zbiorowego w postaci klanu, ale kilka postaci dostaje więcej miejsca w fabule niż inne. Są to:
Jocelyn, która z nieznanych przyczyn porzuciła swojego męża, Hugo, w noc poślubną i wróciła do domu matki tak jak z niego wyszła - w sukni ślubnej i welonie.
Donna Dark - młoda wdowa, zakochana od pierwszego wejrzenia (z wzajemnością) w Percym, rodzinnym podróżniku, pochodzącym z gałęzi rodu zwaśnionej z jej własną (Romeo i Julia tej opowieści).
Stara panna Margaret, która marzy o własnym domu, ale jest biedna, chociaż bogata duchowo.
Gay, młoda dziewczyna, obiekt westchnień Rogera, lekarza rodziny i groomera, zakochana w Noelu Gibsonie, bezwartościowym w oczach klanu.
Wujek Pippin, który definitywnie nie jest hetero (w rej roli Alan Cumming).
Penny Dark, który też nie jest hero (asexual icon) i o tym nie wie (myślę Fred Armisen).
Mój ulubiony bohater, czyli Oswald Dark, nazywany Moon Manem, bo jest zakochany w księżycu.
Mały i Duży Sam, zawodowi comic relief.
Zabiłabym za drzewo genealogiczne dodane do książki.
Zasadniczo to komedia, wiele romantycznych wątków, zadziwiająco głęboka proza i od dawna nie byłam tak pod wrażeniem warsztatu i talentu Montgomery - chyba od czasu, kiedy pierwszy raz czytałam "Emilkę ze Srebrnego Nowiu". Genialna powieść, którą polecam wszystkim fanom komedii romantycznych, powieści dla panien i zjadliwego humoru.
October 9, 2016
This book is an absolute character soup with numerous banal subplots centered about the completely asinine question of who gets an old, ugly heirloom jug. Yet, it is brilliant. In appreciating art, I have always had a soft spot for those works that take things to such extremes that I am forced to love what I would normally hate. In A Tangled Web, L. M. Montgomery succeeds in layering so many different characters that they become part of the setting, and unlike in the similar character stews (like, say, in the works of Jane Austen) you are not only not expected to keep track of them all, but to do so would ruin the effect Montgomery wishes to achieve. The same is true with the jug; to question why the various Darks and Penhallows so covet it is to miss the point.
In short, A Tangled Web is well worth a read; the prose is exemplary and injected with just the proper amount of levity, so even after the book concludes with the telegraphed anticlimax, you are more than happy at having read it.
In short, A Tangled Web is well worth a read; the prose is exemplary and injected with just the proper amount of levity, so even after the book concludes with the telegraphed anticlimax, you are more than happy at having read it.
September 6, 2008
If you've ever read any of Montgomery's short stories, it'll help you to understand what I mean when I say this book is like a bunch of them interwoven together, and hence is better than if they were all separate. The book follows a large family clan through about a year with engagements, weddings, falling in love at first sight, *thinking* you fell in love at first sight, etc. Although it was hard for me to keep so many people straight, I really loved it. Montgomery did a clever job making the main characters from one story the incidental characters in another. Well done.
March 9, 2017
One of my absolute favorite L.M. Montgomery books. This story about two quarreling fictional families in Prince Edward Island was just amazing. I think it is probably why I loved family drama stories so much!
April 7, 2019
This book is hilarious! Even though I've already read it twice, I still keep laughing at the same places . In my opinion, this book is one of Montgomery's best works. It doesn't focus on one character, it looks at the same scene from all directions.
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