Down the Memory Lane
Easter weekend is coming up, and I will have a day off tomorrow. Other than attending the online Good Friday service, I don’t have any concrete plan. How about you? Last year around this time I did not foresee that the pandemic would last this long. 🙁
I have lots on my mind lately, but let me get straight to the point. Due to some recent enthusiastic feedback to my first fanfic Love Never Fails, also the longest one ever, I suddenly felt like re-reading a random chapter (about half-way through the story). I could hardly believe that I didn’t stop after that chapter and literally got hooked until I finished reading the epilogue. One possible reason is that I only remembered the major scenes or turning points but have forgotten some minor details already. Though I was quite embarrassed to spot some obvious mistakes here and there, and some sentences were even garbled (words were missing for unknown reason), I was hit by nostalgia and recalled the late nights when I was writing pages after pages or drawing various fanarts for this story. For example, this was the montage that I did years ago.
For those who have read Love Never Fails might know that I have added at least a handful of my characters to enrich the story; now that I look back, I think my favourite original character is Anna Gibson. In my imagination she looks like Zooey Deschanel in “500 days of Summer”. Needless to say, I love Candy and Albert as a loving couple as well as other CC characters, including Terry (I made him slightly different, lol). 🙂 What struck me the most however, was that in the story some characters had been seriously affected by the Spanish flu, also known as the 1918 influenza pandemic. Back then, when I wrote about people wearing masks because many were dying every day, it never crossed my mind that there would be another pandemic in less than a decade, and I myself have to wear masks whenever I go out. 🙁
Anyway, I don’t want to spoil too much about my fanfic in case some of you have not read it yet. At any rate, even with vaccinations rolling out since early this year, the surge of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world is alarming to say the least. Let’s remind ourselves to stay vigilant about protection measures and practice personal hygiene.
After walking down the memory lane, I was inspired to draw again. Yes I was bogged down earlier but it’s about time I pick up my drawing pad. What’s more, I felt the urge to write again. I’ve got some ideas since last year, and yet I’ve been putting it off. Not only it’s time-consuming to write, but it also can be draining sometimes. While weighing my options, I decided to publish one more post about Nakayoshi Magazine. Many thanks to CandyAlbert for her contributions!
Some of you are aware that the Candy Candy manga was first serialized in Nakayoshi Magazine in April 1975, and the series ended in March 1979. CandyAlbert has kindly shared a set of images published in March 1975, served as teasers about a new manga series, Candy Candy, illustrated by Yumiko Igarashi. Unlike my previous posts, I won’t translate everything but will provide a summary instead.
The following one is the most important, I think. The bolded words, starting from the left, are “Big News!”, “Candy Candy”, and “Large Scale Sweet Romance”. The words right beside the Scottish boy can be translated as “Igarashi sensei is highly motivated to present to you the long-awaited new serialization.” The bubble next to it says “full of happy and sad romance!” (The word for “tears” is used here actually).
By the way, don’t you think Prince on the Hill looks different from the one shown in the manga? Which one do you prefer? 😉 IMHO his kilt is too short, almost like a mini-skirt. 😀 The small prints beside little Candy can be paraphrased as “Precocious Candy. Tomboyish Candy. Dreaming of love, what’s the path of freckled Candy after leaving the orphanage?”
The next two pages mentioned similar things about Candy, this time with the beret looking hat that goes with a kilt. Both pages announced that the new series in Spring would be captivating (or fascinating). In the picture on the right hand side, can you find the smiling girl with short, straight black hair? I think Igarashi drew herself and said “Hi, good day, starting next month, I will do my best to (give you) a wonderful serialization. Nice to meet you.”
I think Igarashi sensei had indeed showcased her talents in presenting Candy Candy story to her readers. One example is her perfect illustration of Georges. If you click the above link the CC fan said his unofficial birthday is coming up (so he’s about 20 years older than Candy), and this fan said Igarashi’s Georges was very cool, which I couldn’t have agreed more. Many of you simply call him George, but his name, written in Japanese katakana, is ジョルジュ, which is the French name Georges. After all, Albert’s late father first met him in France.
In addition, CandyAlbert also sent me the following preview (only occupied the top half of the page), published nearly four years later in February 1979. It was about the very last installment of the manga series that was coming up soon. The titles can be loosely translated as “This smiling face, only next month! Goodbye, Candy. Finally the end! Immortal masterpiece (sweet romance).”
The small prints were about Neal’s forced engagement and that Candy was desperate to make her earnest request of Granduncle William to call it off.
Do you see a dark figure dressed in Scottish costume, carrying a bagpipe and standing on top of a hill? Isn’t it interesting that Prince on the Hill is shown in this preview as well as the first announcement of the new series? 😉
If I’m not mistaken, none of these teasers or previews displayed the author’s name, neither her pen name Mizuki nor her real name Nagita, only Igarashi’s name. I wonder whether it was a common practice…? 🤔
Thank you all for reading, and if any of you find any typo or mistake, please kindly let me know. I think I will not publish another post about Nakayoshi, for the next little while anyway, unless it’s irresistible. 😛 I want to spend more time on entertaining my imagination such that I can look back in the near future with a big smile on my face.
Before I go, I’d like to share the Facebook page Los hilos Invisibles de Candy Candy and El Portal de Sakura. The Facebook page has interesting posts, and the latter, recommended by Hope, is a translation of Keiko Nagita’s interview about Candy’s three loves.
Bye now, my friends! Remember, social distancing remains one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves. Take care and stay safe!
The reviews you have been receiving for your fanfiction are predominantly positive and you’re definitely held in high esteem among the CC community.
Looking forward to reading more of your amazing stories!
Thank you so much @DanielleV 🥰 for your encouraging words and support. I consider myself blessed to have friends like you 🤗
That’s very kind of you to say, Ms Puddle. Your open-mindedness and rationality are indispensable assets. You always use textual evidence and logic for your analysis and never conjecture or wishful thinking. These traits along with your talent in fanart and writing make you so highly respected and noteworthy in the CC community.
Awwwww… I’m blushing now, @DanielleV ☺️😊 Thank you very much. 🥰 I’ll do my best and keep up.
Hi Ms Puddle,
I’ve finished reading your fanfiction (“Love Never Fails”) and I ought to admit that your writing talent is impressive. It’s not hyperbolic to say that you have managed to give far more depth to the CC/CCFS characters than the author herself. Maybe one day there will also be illustrations to accompany your stories and perhaps those drawings will be by you.:-)))
Thank you so much and take care!
Agreed! That would be awesome.👍
Thank you @Lynn 🤗
It sure would, Lynn!
Thank you very much for your positive review to my longest fanfic, “Love Never Fails”. 💕 You made my day, @DanielleV, and I can’t help blushing on your comment… ☺️
As I said in my post, while rereading the chapters I was embarrassed to find mistakes here and there, and I could have done a better job in some sections, but overall I am quite happy with the plot and development. Back then, when I was still writing, some people didn’t appreciate the drama as much, and I felt quite discouraged by their feedback or reviews. Anyway, I’m so glad I didn’t stop because of them and managed to finish it.
All in all, I’m delighted to hear you like it, DanielleV. 🤗 I’ve changed some characters slightly because I think they deserve happiness too. Also, I’ve already drawn more than a handful of fanarts for this fanfic, so it’s unlikely that I’ll draw another one for this story. 😉
Hi Ms Puddle,
I wanted to reply to your message but it didn’t get attached to this thread but above in the comments section.
Just to let you know..
No worries about that, @DanielleV. I forgot to mention that I have posted my fanarts for Love Never Fails on my blog, and my drawing style has changed over time. Perhaps I should tag them properly so that anyone interested can find them easily. 👍😊
That’s great! Thanks!
Hi Ms Puddle!
I’m so pleased to read your new post. This is such a wealth of material that you’ve got surrounding the various versions of Candy Candy. It goes to show that this story progressed far beyond the author’s control which is a bit of a mixed blessing. If the legal conflicts between Nagita and Igarashi hadn’t ensued, perhaps this “progression” would have been positive without the infamous negative repercussions.
On a different note, have you received the vaccine yet? I’ve heard that in Canada it’s easier to have access to it due to the advanced health care system. Is this true?
Hope you are fine and well!
🕊️❤️🌞
Thank you @Aurora for your encouraging words to my new post. 🤗
My sentiments exactly concerning the popularity and progression of Candy Candy. Sometimes I wish the legal battle had never taken place, and Igarashi could continue illustrate for Nagita-sensei, especially her novel CCFS. Sigh…
Nope I haven’t yet received the vaccine because as of now, only the seniors (those in their late 70s and 80s?) or high-risk groups (healthcare providers, teachers, etc.) are eligible. For example, my friends, a physiotherapist and a few healthcare workers, have recently got their first doses.
Take care and stay safe!
I see.. So the Canadian government functions exactly as every other government worldwide concerning vaccine prioritization. It would make sense for first responders and healthcare workers along with the immune compromised and elderly to receive the vaccine asap.
Yes, @Aurora. Let me clarify. My previous reply meant seniors in their late 70s or older. It gradually opens up to people in early 70s, late 60s, etc. I think it makes sense that people in the high-risk groups should be prioritized.
I think that with the Biden-Harris administration, the US is also moving steadily and effectively in getting the population vaccinated. Canada and the US appear to be doing a good job but the same cannot be said for the UK and the EU.
I read news articles about that too, @Aurora. Let’s hope that by summer most high-risk groups around the world will have been vaccinated.
It depends on how willing the public is to get vaxxed. Many people are alarmed by the news reporting various unpredictable reactions and side-effects. It’s a bit like that saying-out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Sigh… It’s true, @Aurora. That being said, I have relatives and friends who got vaxxed recently, and thankfully none have experienced any side effects.
I’m glad that your loved ones are safe for the time-being. The issue with this vaccination is that social distancing and mask-wearing will still be required because a few people who had been vaccinated became infected with the virus later on. The only difference is that once vaccinated, the virus isn’t as dangerous as it would have been if not having received the vaccine. At least this is what scientists have been claiming so far..
Hi @Aurora, I wish my relatives and friends are safe for the time being, but the rampant spread of Brazilian variant in where I live is terribly alarming. I hope that the government can impose stricter measures in order to protect us residents. 🙁
I understand your concern. It’s rather difficult for governments to impose stricter measures due to the political cost and possible public demonstrations or protests which may ensue, hence, making the matters even worse than they already are.
You’re right about it, @Aurora. As of now, Canada is one of the only countries who fight three known variants at the same time. Many have blamed the politicians or the lack of strict policies. As a result, we have record breaking number of confirmed cases every day 😭
Anyway, I’ll continue to stay home as much as possible. Take care, Aurora!
These variants have wreaked havoc worldwide. Hopefully, we will all get vaccinated and develop immunity (at least to a certain degree) against this lethal pandemic.
Stay safe!
On a different note, I had been reading some recent interviews involving Igarashi and she appears to be far more reconciliatory. Perhaps her low-key attitude could be indicative of her intention to ease the long-term tension with Nagita. However, the cynical side of me considers that she’s simply hungry for more cash.
You might be right, @Aurora. Based on her track records I won’t rule out the possibility. Let’s see if these two talented ladies could one day cooperate again. 🤞
It would be forthcoming if they did decide to collaborate again.
This montage of your fanart is amazing!
In the novel, Candy already had begun to feel differently for Albert and that can be found in section 3 where Candy confesses to herself that she does not perceive Albert as a father-figure or brother but as a man. She has also become a fully grown adult woman y then so her feelings would be far more complex and nuanced. Such intricate feelings are a stark contrast to the more simplistic emotions experienced during childhood and adolescence.
Sorry for the typo but for some reason a letter is missing from my comment. I meant to say “by then” and not “y then”.;-)
Thank you @Gabriella! So glad you like this montage that was done years ago. To this day I still like it a lot myself. 💞
Yes in section 3 Candy’s feelings for Albert was undeniably evolving, and she knew it was different if he had merely been a family member. I don’t think she had ever used the word “father” in her thoughts, but only when teasing him. Please correct me if I’m wrong. 😉
You’re right, Gabriella, that by then an adult woman’s feelings should be far more complex, and that’s probably why Candy decided to “leave” Albert by going back to the orphanage for good.
You’re absolutely right. Candy never used the word “father” when referring to WAA or to Albert and this is seen in all the versions of this story-anime, manga and novels (old and new).
You’re also accurate concerning Candy teasing Albert when using that word. In her letter to George. she even admits that she enjoys aggravating and trolling Albert by calling him an old man or a father. Yet, Candy explains that she knows all this is not true and that Albert is way too young to be a father for a teenager and young adult.
Yes, @Gabriella. Apart from teasing him as an old man, she actually admired his youthful appearance. More than once she mentioned in her letters to others that Albert looked younger than his age. 😊
That’s right. In the novel Candy admires Albert’s physical beauty and intelligence much more than in the manga and anime together.
That’s right, @Gabriella. Candy was quite open about her admiration and appreciation of Albert in her letters to others.
Candy only used “father” in one of her letters to Albert, right, @Gabriella? In that particular letter she complained that he hadn’t spent much time with her, and the readers can easily tell it was one of her tactics to make him react. 😆
Candy was definitely teasing Albert and anyone with a brain can understand this. She didn’t call him “father” but she said sth along the lines “..you’re supposed to be my father, isn’t that right?” but she was obviously being cheeky about it. There’s further textual evidence which confirms that Candy is joking when calling Albert a father or an old man and this can be found in her letter to George. She recognizes that she’s overdone it with her teasing of Albert but she’s also more than willing to continue provoking him a bit longer. She’s even encouraging George to follow suit.
It’s worth pointing out that the professional translators of the Arechi Manga edition of the CCFS (CCHD) have clarified that there is no paternal or fraternal relationship between Candy and Albert. They continue their explanation by stating that Candy and Albert are flirting and joking in their letters of correspondence, hence, placing their relationship on a different level. This clarification on behalf of the official translators can be found on the Arechi Manga YouTube channel. This interview is in two parts and it’s worth watching as those professional translations have provided thorough and unbiased explanations.
I couldn’t have agreed with you more, @Gabriella! Though I don’t think she encouraged Georges to do the same like her. 😉 She just tried to justify her actions in her writing.
So glad to hear that Arechi Manga and the official translators are not biased and didn’t bend under pressure from some crazy fans. 👍👍👏👏
I had the impression that she said albeit not overtly so. Anyway, I won’t insist but recheck my sources (Italian and Spanish translated novels) instead. If I’m right about this, it should be found in Candy’s letter to George in the third segment of the novel.
Correction-
Meant to say:
I had the impression that she had said that albeit not overtly so.
Hi @Ms Puddle and @Gabriella,
I think Candy wanted to include George in her trolling of Albert. If I correctly recall, she believed that Albert “deserved” to be trolled after being such a nuisance to George during his rebellious adolescence and early adulthood.
Apparently, this was all tongue in cheek and Candy quickly admitted that she found Albert to be very youthful-looking and intelligent for his otherwise young age. Her attraction to Albert is so evident in her letter to George but this is also noticeable in her letters to others as well-even in her unsent letter to Terry.😉
Thank you @Gabriella and @Sarah. I’ve reread Candy’s letter to Georges and do not get the impression that she wanted to include Georges in her trolling of Albert. Interesting… 🤔 I might be wrong though. After all, I’m not a professional translator.
In my interpretation, Candy justified her actions as her revenge to Albert, who was troubled and exasperated. She even quoted his words in her writing to Georges, “Forgive me nooooowww~~~” (something along this line).
In the official translations, it seems Candy did not quote Albert directly, am I right?
Sarah, it’s so true Candy was joking, and her admiration for Albert was palpable. I have reasons to believe that, before writing this letter, she had some time alone with Albert. He had told her a lot about Georges, with his eyes moistened too. 😉
Haven’t found the time to re-check my sources but I’ll take your word for it, Ms Puddle. Besides, you’ve also got the novel in its original language which is important because certain meanings inevitably get lost in translation.
Thanks again!
Hi! I’ve read that specific letter and you’re right-Ms Puddle. I’ve got all 3 official translations and there doesn’t seem to be any discrepancy.
Thank you @Myra for checking this particular letter in all translations 🤗
You’re right @Ms Puddle. Those illustrations seem different. Were they by Yumiko Igarashi or by someone else?
Hi @Anita, I do believe Yumiko Igarashi was the one who did these illustrations because her name appeared in all the previews. However, I can’t explain why Prince on the Hill looks somewhat different than the one in the manga. Which one do you prefer? 😉
I prefer the original ones like you do, Ms Puddle. These alternative versions seem to be way below par for what is considered to be Yumiko Igarashi’s standards.
Hi @Anita, this reminds me of an interview in Taiwan, in which Igarashi admitted she had pressure drawing Candy Candy. If one reads the manga starting from the first volume, one can tell her illustrations are improving at a rapid rate. 👍👍
That’s very interesting and thank you for sharing this information as it explains quite a lot about Igarashi’s progress as a manga artist.
Hello! Good to know that you have some time off even though it’s not much. It’s better than nothing though. Do you continue to work at home due to social distancing or have your returned to the office?
***you**
Thanks @Sarah. Good Friday is a stat holiday in Canada, so here I am, enjoying my day off. 😉 Yes I’m still working from home, at least till the end of June. By then we will be notified whether to continue or be given a choice: back to office full time, WFH full time, or go hybrid mode.
How about you?
I’ve been working back at the office for quite some time now… We’re all trying to maintain social distancing and appropriate hygiene (bottles of antibacterial gel all over the place, surgical masks, etc) but this virus could still get us when we least expect it. Can’t wait to finally get vaxxed but it will probably be until the next year before my age range will be in the queue.
Oh I see, @Sarah. But I thought in US more people would have got vaccinated by summer? I know in Canada the goal is to get most people vaccinated this fall. Though I heard that many seniors were hesitant when it’s their turns, and some rather not get it.
Apart from hesitancy, there’s also rising concern surrounding a specific vaccine which is alleged to have incurred some severe side-effects. I’ll stress the word “alleged” because further scientific research and confirmation is required.
I think I know which vaccine you referred too, @Sarah. I also heard that the risk is higher for those under 65 years old. 🤔
Exactly!
Albeit a cliché’, “history repeats itself” when it comes to the debacle surrounding this global pandemic. Similar (comic-)tragic mistakes and criminal negligence had been committed during the early 1900s (1918 Spanish Flu/HIN1 Virus) and the same unlimited stupidity is still going on in our modern times too with regards to asinine conspiracy theories, lack of hygiene and complete disregard for human welfare. At least back then people didn’t know any better. Yet, people should have grown to become wiser and more intelligent in the 21st century but that’s sadly not the case. Only the contrary, a severe portion of the human population seems to be getting dumber and dumber..
Facts!
It appears that history is teaching but people aren’t learning.
Yeah, some people just fail to ever learn and keep on repeating such grave errors. There is some light at the end of the tunnel, however, and it’s the rapid advancement of scientific research. Back in the 1910s-1920s, there was no way a vaccine could be distributed to the public so quickly as in the 21st century. This imminent threat of global pandemics could prompt governments and lucrative funding bodies to sponsor relevant biomedical research and technology. Money shouldn’t be invested in weapons and other useless stuff but in biomedical science, education and public healthcare.
Right on, @Lynn! If only the governments had invested more on biomedical research and development rather than weapons, the world would have been an entirely different place… 🥺
To be fair, the Obama administration had focused heavily on funding the biomedical sciences but these policies kept on getting filibustered by GOP political representatives.
Hi @Lynn, unfortunately I couldn’t have agreed with you more. Indeed, not only history repeats itself, but people nowadays appear a lot more obstinate and would rather buy those conspiracy theories than listen to experts’ advice. Their distrust or unwillingness to comply with new rules or restrictions is beyond me. 🙁
Agreed!
This reminds me of a “joke” I heard a while ago. A shop or restaurant owner put up a sign that says something like this: “If you want me to explain why you have to wear mask, you have to pay me $X. If you want me to listen to your reasons why you’re not wearing a mask, pay me $Y.” 😆
😂😂😂😂😂
Good one, @Ms Puddle! 👍
LMAO!
I hope you do consider resuming fan-fiction writing, Ms Puddle, because your work is excellent. Apart from “Love Never Fails”, my personal favourites are “A Man in Love” and “Peculiar Relationship”.
You take good care of yourself too!
Thank you @Myra 💗 for your continued support and encouraging words! The fanfics you mentioned held special places in my heart. I’m seriously considering to pick up my “pen” again, but I will likely draw first. I have different ideas for the time being, and I will make up my mind hopefully soon. 😉
Take care!
Looking forward to that, Ms Puddle!
Thank you @Myra 🤗
If and when convenient for you, it would be awesome to see fanart with other significant CC characters such as George, Stear and Patty. I agree with the comments which liken George to the looks of Adam Driver. I think George would look a lot like Richard Armitage too. He’s got that tall, dark and handsome physique.
Thank you @Myra 💖 and yes I’ll highly likely draw other characters this year, if time permits. Since Candy’s birthday is coming up I might draw her yet again, but nothing set in stone. Please stay tuned 🤗
No pressure, Ms Puddle. Please, take your time and be certain that the end result will be brilliant!
Looking forward to it!
Thank you @Anita 😍
Have you ever considered drawing Susanna and Terry? Based on the manga and anime, Susanna seems to be slim and tall looking a lot like Gwyneth Paltrow, Gabriella Wilde or Elle Fanning.
You bet, @Anita. Both Susanna and Terry are in my priority list, but I haven’t decided whether to draw them both or just one of them. 😉 Great casting choices, btw 👍
Thanks, Ms Puddle! Your drawings are always top-notch and I can’t wait to see your new fanart but, of-course, when that’s of good time for you because we’re all so busy with our real life projects and daily tasks.
Thank you so much @Anita for your highly encouraging words. 🥰💕 Yes I’ve been busy, both with work and other responsibilities. However, I’ll see if I can squeeze some spare time. 🤗
I agree with you @Myra that Richard Armitage is also a great choice. Someone else posted a Japanese actor as well (April 5 is Georges’ unofficial birthday)
https://twitter.com/sumire69400241/status/1379074391443574788?s=19
Thank you, Ms Puddle! I’ve noticed on social media that there are posts related to George and his unofficial birthday. These alleged birthdays surrounding the various characters of Candy Candy derive from the manga, right?
Btw, your montage of your Candy-Albert fanart is so beautiful. Candy looks a lot like Taylor Swift in your drawings and Albert looks a lot like Joe Alwyn. It’s incredible how Taylor Swift’s “love and gratitude” speech at the Grammy Awards, which she dedicated heavily to Joe Alwyn’s continual support for her, is akin to Candy’s “love and gratitude” letter to her beloved Albert.
@Myra indeed Taylor Swift’s heartfelt speech at the Grammy Awards was quite touching. Thank you for your kind words about my montage and drawings. 🤗 I think Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn are more beautiful, and they do look great together! 💞
In fact, I’m so very glad you brought this up, Myra. I still remember how some fans claimed that just because Candy used the word “gratitude” in her last letter to Albert, he remained a father figure or brother to her. Now we just got an irrefutable example that proves gratitude is an important element in a romantic relationship. 💗
What matters is context when it comes to such words such as “love and gratitude”. A person can be grateful to a parent, sibling, friend but also to a lover or a spouse. That said, it would be wise for certain fans to refrain from their rubbish arguments and focus on what is actually stated in the text instead of their own wishful (and often distorted) thinking.
Exactly! It’s their double standards mentality which makes their arguments even weaker than they already are. For example, they’re willing to jump for joy over a piece of scrap paper signed as “T.G.” but they’re unwilling to acknowledge the significance of an entire series of letters exchanged between Candy and Albert in a section which has been deemed by the author herself as highly important. Nonetheless, those who have actually read this novel understand the significance of the Epilogue and the intimacy between Candy and Albert. This is what the author wants and those desperate fans can only indulge themselves in their empty rhetoric and those alleged “blank pages”.😉
My sentiments exactly, @Lynn. In addition to the correspondence in the epilogue, in section 3 Candy couldn’t help writing about Albert in her letters to different people, including her ex, LOL 😆
It would be best for those dogmatic fans to accept that Keiko Nagita wants the ending of her novel to remain ambiguous. Nagita has clarified that the identity of “anohito” is not important to her. Besides, this story is not about some dude but about Candy and the ways in which she overcame challenges in life with dignity.
You’re absolutely right, @Sarah. The story is mainly about Candy and how she coped with hardships and obstacles. In the end she found true love, and the fans should be happy for her whoever Anohito is.
In fact, this reminds me that Nagita-sensei wanted her readers to see that both Candy and Terry got back on their feet after the Rockstown episode by focusing on their careers instead of dwelling in the past. That was why the author was extremely angry and made Igarashi revert her changes that the illustrator had made while the author was out of town.
In CCFS, while Albert had learned a big lesson and became a very hardworking businessman, Candy also worked hard both at the clinic and the orphanage. Even Terry had a successful career.
Well said, @Myra! It’s essentially pointless to quote or base one’s arguments out of context.
They’re either slow on the uptake or they simply know they’re wrong but keep on obsessing over their ludicrous arguments just like a dog keeps on chasing after its own tail.
Well said @Ms Puddle!
If Keiko Nagita wanted to create a story where Candy and Terry got back together, she would have focused on such a relevant narrative and not spending so much time on developing the relationship and the characters of Candy and Albert. It’s sheer common sense that all stories which focus on specific characters spend significant time and utilize essential textual material on key (main) characters.
In Terry’s case, however, he’s only relevant in some chapters of Section II of the novel and he ceases to be relevant and have a voice of his own Section III onward. On the other hand, Albert becomes more and more important in Section III and the Candy-Albert relationship becomes the focal point in the Epilogue.
There is not a writer or a story in the civilized world which would ever focus on characters in the most important sections of the narrative unless those specific characters were essential to the tale. The structure of this story gives weight and magnitude to Candy and Albert, hence, rendering them the key “players” in this story as a whole.
Excellent points, @Sarah! Well said indeed. 👏👏👏 I don’t have anything to add except that it doesn’t make sense, at least to me, that Anohito is Terry.
You’ve made an excellent point, Sarah, and it’s apparent that the evolution of Candy & Albert’s relationship is important to Nagita. Besides, she had already specified that the reason she had placed their letters of correspondence in the Epilogue was in order to establish impact.
Thank you @Ms Puddle and @Myra!
I have always enjoyed re-reading Love Never Fails and My Prince Charming! My favorites!! Not too long after the lockdowns started in March 2020, I was looking into past pandemics: Polio ( which I started asking older relatives about that virus, since some of them were kids or teenagers during that time) and the Spanish Flu; which I immediately remembered it from the Candy Candy story. Now, after learning more about it, has gassed another layer of feeling when I read the story, as Candy was a nurse, and all the real life/death going on around her was something that gave her the motivation and drive she had to do her job as a nurse (and to further her education to help others). I’ve never been a person to investigate elements of stories outside of the main storyline, but this instance made me think maybe I should since it adds so much more to the characters.
Thank you Tracy for your positive feedback! 🤗 The fact that my fanfic, My Prince Charming, is one of your favourites means a lot to me. Not only it’s my original story inspired by Candy Candy, but it’s based in Vancouver, BC. ☺️ Thank you for re-reading Love Never Fails too.
I agree with you that Candy could have been motivated to help others in need. Based on the CCFS timeline she must have experienced, albeit not necessarily first hand, how Spanish flu affected many people around her.