A Tangled Web is the story
of two intermarried families, the Darks and the Penhallows, and is a satire
of family interactions. The humor of the story begins immediately
when Aunt Becky, the clan's matriarch, announces her secret inheritance,
which will give to one of the family members an heirloom jug. At
times very segmented, this main storyline has many offshoots and subsets
of stories of different family members and their actions all stemming from
desire for the jug. Unbelievable at times in its exaggerations of
human behavior, this story is sure to generate many laughs.
Personal Comments:
This story is amusing in many ways. Why would anyone actually want this
ancient jug in the first place? The whole concept on which the book is
based is unnatural. The crucial moment is a let down. Montgomery
tricks the reader in a single swoop. But the read is a good one.
I enjoyed this story up to the final line, which really disappointed me. It's
sad when you realize an author you enjoy so much falls out of the idealized category
you have placed them in, and you realize they are no better than anyone else. They
may be a wonderful writer, but they may disgust you all the same with a xenophobic
remark that you unfortunately had to read. Heed my warning, if you don't
want any illusions shattered, just drop the book before reading the last chapter
and enjoy the rest of the book without the disappointment you will likely incur
if you are anything like me.
Last Updated 03.08.07
© An L.M. Montgomery Resource Page and TickledOrange.com