Draft fanart for my new fanfic
Hi all, how are you doing? Do you know today is the 21st day and the 21st week of the 21st year of the 21st century? 😉 Also, Stear’s birthday is coming up (May 25). I like both Stear and Archie a lot, so happy birthday, Stear!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been revising my longest fanfic “Love Never Fails”. I finished up to chapter 45, but I decided to take a break and started planning for my new fanfic. Below is a part of the illustration of a particular scene. As you can see, this is Albert with long hair (when he was amnesiac), but I’m not done yet. I’d like to ask you all for suggestions. Does it look terrible with watermark everywhere? I also put the name “Albert” in case someone steals my drawing and name him “Terry” again, LOL. 😀
Before I end this short post, I’d like to thank Fay for sharing this post with us from El Portal de Sakura about the interview of Keiko Nagita back in 1999. This is my first time reading about this interview too. I must say I’m extremely glad that Nagita sensei could continue writing as much as she wanted back then, including the introduction of a new character Terry. Otherwise, the story of Candy Candy would have been too short and not as intriguing.
Interestingly, Nagita sensei in the interview mentioned Albert adopted Candy as a 養女 to the Ardlay’s family. Though the author did not say he was her 養父. The terms mean adopted (foster) daughter and adoptive (foster) father respectively, and since Candy used “Ardlay” as her last name ever since the adoption, she was not merely a foster daughter. In the Candy Candy Final Story Epilogue, Candy did ask Albert about this, and he admitted he was her 養父 even though he had forgotten about it and was undoubtedly upset. He specifically indicated he did not want her to address him as such.
I agree with many of you that legally Albert was not old enough to adopt Candy, not to mention he was a bachelor, but how do you explain why she could use his family name? Do you think it was the author’s mistake or oversight? Or do you think Albert somehow used a fake identity (as an old man) to adopt Candy? I’d like to hear your thoughts.
In where I live we are suddenly blessed with a large supply of vaccines, so I finally got my first dose. Of course I will still wear masks and practice social distancing. How about you? At any rate, please take care and stay safe! 😉 Hope you like my new drawing of Albert. 🥰
Ciao carissima! Sei una delle poche autrici del fandom di Candy che scrive storie davvero originali e ben fatte, con una cura nelle descrizioni dei sentimenti dei personaggi e delle situazioni che pochi hanno. E sei anche eccezionale a disegnare: questo Albert con i capelli lunghi è bellissimo, ispira senso di protezione e tenerezza e sono davvero tanto, tanto curiosa di leggere una tua nuova fanfiction! Anche io scrivo su Candy e tu, assieme a poche altre, sei una delle mie fonti d’ispirazione. Grazie, spero davvero di leggerti presto ancora!
Grazie mille @moira78 ❣️😘
So glad to know you’re writing as well! Thank you for the positive feedback to my drawing of Albert! 💕 I’m in the last stage of polishing my fanart and the first chapter of fanfic. I hope you won’t be disappointed. 🤗
Hi! This new drawing of Albert is wonderful. I really like the colour you’ve selected for his eyes. You’ve done stunning work with his facial expression as well.
I’ve been wondering what Candy meant when she found Albert’s eyes to be as blue as the morning sky. If I correctly recall, she had described Albert’s eyes as being blue as the morning lake too. I think that was in the first section of the novel shortly after Albert had rescued Candy from drowning. That type of blue wouldn’t be a dark hue but a lighter shade perhaps. What do you think?
Looking forward to the final draft of your work!
Thank you @Leda for your positive feedback to my new drawing of Albert 🥰 So glad to hear that you like his eyes and facial expression 🤗
I also wonder what exactly Candy meant but I assume it’s the sky-blue color (when it’s a sunny day with hardly any cloud), not light blue nor dark blue. Just my gut feeling though 😊
I would agree with you because Nagita uses two allusions in order to describe Albert’s blue eyes and both those descriptions relate to a shade of blue which is clear, peaceful and elegant such as a morning lake and a morning sky. The fact that she uses the word ‘morning’ could also symbolize a new beginning or starting afresh and anew. Candy’s relationship with Albert appears to always be in a state of flux and there are constant layers added to their already existing intricate and intimate relationship. Whilst Terry belongs to Candy’s traumatic past, Albert has been significant and has constituted a constructive influence throughout Candy’s life and he becomes even more so during her adulthood. By the end of the novel, there is definitely a ‘further on’ into their relationship which goes way beyond friendship. Candy is experiencing a rebirth in her life when it comes to Albert and she says so in her own words when she writes to Albert in the epilogue that she feels reborn after the time they spent together during their trip to Lakewood.
Well said, @Leda! It’s so true the word “morning” symbolizes a new beginning, and indeed Candy and Albert’s relationship kept evolving over time, especially after her breakup with Terry. She wasn’t aware of Albert’s significance in her life until after she had lost him. Her trip to blindly look for him in Rockstown speaks volumes of her strong feelings for her “friend”.
You’re so right that Candy herself wrote that she had experienced a rebirth (or felt something renewed) after spending a day with Albert in Lakewood. I suppose she alluded to the unforgettable moments in the forest when she realized Albert had shared the same anguish concerning Anthony’s death.
Hello @Ms Puddle and @Leda!
You are both right about those references and they are surely found in the text. In the Epilogue, Candy is so overwhelmed with emotion after having spend some quality time together with Albert that she wants to see him again. She had mentioned beforehand that she wanted him all to herself. Even though Albert is trying to maintain a bit of ‘protocol’ in his letters to Candy, she’s not following suit. Nevertheless, Albert did actually suggest that Candy always be her genuine self when writing to him so he shouldn’t be complaining if she goes a bit overboard with her emotions and enthusiasm. LoL
The theme of (emotional) rebirth seems to be recurrent within the novel and it reaches its pinnacle in the Epilogue when Candy and Albert share that beautifully warm embrace at Lakewood. The love between them is far more complex than the innocent love Candy had for Anthony and the passionate one she had for Terry. Candy’s love for Albert is far more intricate and the ever-growing relationship between Candy and Albert is by far more nuanced and meaningful.
Yes @Michelle! I totally agree with you that Candy’s relationship with Albert is way more nuanced and meaningful. They inspired and helped each other to grow.
Like you said, Candy was indeed quite straightforward in her letters to Albert and undeniably wanted Albert’s full attention. She was acting like his girlfriend 😉 and could not help mentioning him again and again in her mental letter to Anthony. 😛 I suppose she asked Anthony to watch over her because she was looking forward to her future with Albert but also expected obstacles. Yet she remained optimistic because Albert had implied he would fight like his late sister. 💕
It’s no wonder that some Terrfans have been pressuring various editors to remove the Epilogue or place that scrap-note by “T.G.” after this section. Too bad for them, the author of this novel does not align with their nonsensical mentalities.
That said, it’s obvious that Candy and Albert were developing romantic feelings for each other and Candy isn’t even trying to conceal her attraction to Albert’s physical appearance. She swoons over his beautiful blue eyes, she constantly admires his youthfulness and she loves the sound of his gently voice when he speaks to her and whilst he’s singing that traditional Scottish song whilst driving to Lakewood.
I agree with you that Candy is behaving like Albert’s girlfriend or fiancé’ in the Epilogue. Her behaviour is not indicative of a mere friend or relative but of a woman who wants to be with the man she loves in a sexual and romantic way.
Apparently, nobody is saying that Candy didn’t feel such an attraction for Anthony and Terry but both those male characters belong to Candy’s distant past and Albert is comfortably situated within her present life and she wouldn’t have it any other way.😉
There’s a typo in my comment above and I meant to say “gentle voice”..
My sentiments exactly, @Michelle! I only have one more point to add about Candy’s reaction to Albert’s singing. I don’t know the official translations but in Japanese she described herself using the word that can be translated as spellbound, entranced, bewitched, fascinated, etc. Enough said, isn’t it? 😉
That’s the case. In the official translations, Candy is described as being “mesmerised” and/or “enchanted” by Albert’s singing voice. His voice is described as being gentle and calm. Without any doubt, Albert’s voice has had an effect on Candy because throughout the novel she’s always surprised and excited to hear his voice. For example, in London Candy immediately recognized Albert’s voice even though his appearance was different.
I’ve attached a link to a video showing Chris Hemsworth and how eerily similar he is to the manga version of Albert (with the shorter hair). His voice has that gentleness which would probably match Albert’s voice based on the descriptions in the novel.
Hi @Michelle let me fix the link later today
Thank you @Michelle for your confirmation, so the translations are awesome! Appreciate the YouTube link as well. It works on the web browser but not on mobile, but I fixed it already. I’m swooning over Chris Hemsworth now lol 😍
Remember Candy wrote in her long letter to Albert after his confession that his voice had been soothing (forgot her exact wording) and something about her prince’s diction too. His voice evidently had an effect on her. 🥰
Impressively accurate find @Michelle! This video is pure gold! If Albert were a real person, he would definitely look like Chris Hemsworth. I’ve also noticed that in this particular video, Hemsworth is wearing a black shirt which is similar to the one Albert wore in some occasions. In the manga and anime, Albert is drawn as wearing black t-shirts or fine shirts and he looks amazing either way. Irrespective of his casual or formal business attire, Albert is absolutely stunning, elegant and classy.😎
Yes, @Anita, Chris Hemsworth looked so charming and cute in this video. I totally agree with you about Albert too, and no wonder Candy could not help falling for him. 😃☺️
Awesome video of Chris Hemsworth and how he would have been the perfect cast for Albert if Candy’s story was ever turned into a movie or series!
He’s got all those personality and physical traits ascribed to Albert: classy and not nasty sense of humour, calm voice, impressive physique, sandy-blonde hair, sky-blue eyes and brilliant smile. Chris Hemsworth is also a strong advocate for women’s rights and he always treats women with the utmost respect. This personality trait is also indicative of Albert who never abused Candy-physically or psychologically-but always respected and appreciated her as an equal.
When it came to upgrading her men, Candy certainly knew the tricks of the trade. Who could blame her for falling head-over-heals in love with Albert?😊
Awesome video of Chris Hemsworth and how he would have been the perfect cast for Albert if Candy’s story was ever turned into a movie or series!
He’s got all those personality and physical traits ascribed to Albert: classy and not nasty sense of humour, calm voice, impressive physique, sandy-blonde hair, sky-blue eyes and brilliant smile. Chris Hemsworth is also a strong advocate for women’s rights and he always treats women with utmost respect. Such a personality trait is also indicative of Albert who had never physically or psychologically abused Candy but respected and appreciated her as an equal.
When it came to upgrading her men, Candy certainly knew the tricks of the trade. Who could blame her for falling head-over-heals in love with Albert?😊
Yes I totally agree with you, @Irana93!! I’ll share this video in my new post in case anyone has missed it 🥰
Many thanks for considering my post, Ms Puddle!
I should thank you @Irana93 and @Michelle❣️
You’re welcome, Ms Puddle.😊
No matter how hard certain fans try to downplay the significance of the epilogue, it’s undoubtedly a gamechanger in the entire story. If we focus exclusively on what it written and confirmed in the text without outlandish conjecture and bias, it’s crystal clear that Candy is moving on in her life with Albert. Terry is reduced to irrelevancy after then end of the second section of the novel and the readers never get to know about his feelings as they did in section two where his role was pronounced albeit limited. In Albert’s case, however, his role is always significant throughout the story and his importance in Candy’s life reaches its culmination in the epilogue where much of their reciprocal emotions and attraction are clarified. The fact that the aforesaid TG-note is prior to the epilogue and not afterwards speaks volumes that Candy and Albert are proceeding together in life and most certainly as a romantic couple, hence, putting the past behind them. There is a constant ‘further on’ in their relationship and their bond becomes stronger and stronger until the very end of this story.
Well said, @Anita!! I couldn’t agree with you more 👏 I also want to point out that by the time Candy wrote her unsent letter to Terry (after she decided not to accept his mother’s invitation to watch Hamlet) Candy was already over Terry and could talk about him and Susanna at ease. This happened even before Albert’s confession to be her prince.
It’s interesting to see Candy’s emotional and psychological transformation via her letters. Apparently, she is no longer resentful and in grief over her separation with Terry because Albert has clearly won her heart. This transformation didn’t occur overnight but underwent a gradual and often arduous trajectory. Nonetheless, Candy managed to over come her grief with Terry as she had overcome her grief with Anthony.
Let’s face it.. When a someone speaks favourably of one’s rival (as Candy does by describing Susanna as a ‘wonderful person’), that person has clearly moved on and is over and done with the past. Candy is no longer resentful when it comes to Susanna being with Terry because she has fallen head-over-heels in love with Albert. This is the reason why Candy doesn’t respond to that TG-note because neither that piece of scrap paper nor Susanna’s death can change the romantic feelings Candy has for Albert. By that time, she may have already been a couple with Albert and perhaps even married.
Well said, @Anita! Indeed the evidence is undeniable. Candy has moved on when she could speak so calmly about Terry and Susanna, whom she used to dislike and blame. Those who have turned a blind eye to this should remember Candy had no reasons to lie to herself when she wasn’t going to send the letter to anyone.
About TG note, it also depends on when it was sent or whether Candy actually received it. 😉
Some people said by the time Candy learned about Susanna’s demise Candy was already married to Albert. I forgot why though… Have you heard?
It’s interesting that in Candy’s letter to Eleanor Baker, she refers to Albert as her ‘friend’ and not benefactor or ‘great patriarch’ or whatever else. At least this is how I’ve read it in the Spanish translation and, if I’m not mistaken, the same wording is used in the French translation too. I’ll have to check my Italian translation again at some point to see whether the term ‘friend’ or ‘benefactor’ is used. What about the original text in Japanese? Which word or wording is used in this case?
Hello @Myra, I’m happy to hear that in Spanish and French versions they have translated 恩人 (onjin) to “friend”. It’s a very tricky word because there’s no equivalent word in English (not sure about other languages). This term originated from a Chinese word, which can be translated to “benefactor” or someone who has helped (often the recipient feels s/he is indebted).
In Candy and Albert’s case, he means both to her. That being said, in her letter to Miss Baker, back then Candy had no idea about Albert’s identity, so Candy meant she was looking for a friend who had helped her so much. In the manga, when Candy was having a heated argument with Dr. Leonard, she also explained to the doctor that Albert was her onjin. (For example, he saved her life and helped her overcome her sadness to Anthony’s death, etc.)
I hope this answers your question, Myra. 🤗
Thank you for your response and clarifications. It would make sense, therefore, why certain translators use the word “friend” whilst others “benefactor”. Verbatim translation in this case is virtually impossible.
How about the phrase “love and gratitude” which is used by Candy when she expresses her feelings and appreciation for Anthony, Terry and Albert? To be more specific, Candy thanks Anthony (in her unsent letter) for his love and support; she does so, accordingly, in Terry’s case where she says that she feels grateful to Terry for having met him and also for the letters he had been sending to her even though she didn’t have the time to write as many letters to him due to workload. In a similar manner, Candy also expresses gratitude to Albert for everything he had done for her and she even signs her letter to him with the phrase “with love and gratitude”.
Thank you again for your time in responding to my questions concerning this novel.
Glad that it makes sense to you now, @Myra. 🙂
About love and gratitude, I’d like to address these questions in a new post. Do you mind?
Don’t mind at all. Thank you so much!
Hi @Myra, I checked CCFS volume 2 yesterday and couldn’t seem to find what you said about Terry? Candy did mention in her unsent letter to Terry that his letters always addressed to Freckled Tarzan and stuff like that. Where else should I look? Volume 1?
Hi @Ms puddle,
That part where Candy thanks Terry for having sent her letters even though she didn’t have time to write to him as often as she wanted is in the third section of the novel. Although she’s complaining that his letters were never romantic, she’s grateful that he wrote her, nonetheless.
I’ll check again and get back to you in due time.
Thanks @Myra that’s good at least now I know where to look 🤗
Glad to be of help. I’ll re-check my sources too from all the three official translations.
Hello again!
I’ve re-checked the Spanish version (the Italian and French one are at my eldest sister’s home for the time-being..) and you’ll find Candy’s expression of gratitude to Terry albeit for different reasons in her unsent letters to him, both of which are found in the 3rd section of the novel.
The first instance is where Candy thanks Terry for taking the time to visit Ms Pony’s Home and find the hill which she had been telling him about at St Paul’s.
The second instance is where she thanks Terry for having written many letters to her even though he had so many commitments. She complains a bit about his letters being devoid of any romantic element but she is grateful to him that his letters were always thoughtful and considerate.
Having re-read this section, I’ve noticed that Candy had also written many letters to Terry but he had never received most of them (presumably, due to Susanna’s act of theft).
The bottom line is that it is Terry who had the commitments but still managed to write to Candy and not the other way around as I had initially assumed.
Nevertheless, the interesting aspect and uniting feature regarding this epistolary exchange is that both Terry and Albert had never written letters to Candy which bore any romantic element. Yet, that does not mean that they didn’t have feelings for her. On the contrary they did but it’s simply not displayed on a piece of paper. Nonetheless, Candy knows what’s in their hearts and that’s what matters.😉
Thanks @Myra! It must be wonderful to be fluent in multiple languages 👍👏
Thanks again for the details. That’s similar to what I read too so I was wondering if I have missed something… 🤣
About the letters to Candy from Terry or Albert, you have raised very good points! I think back then people were more reserved or conservative? However, when comparing the letters in CCFS to the ones in the old CC novel, Albert was actually more expressive or honest about his feelings. ☺️ For example, when asked why he had hidden his recovery from Candy, in the old novel he (evasively) said he would let her imagine why but in CCFS he wrote the reason clearly.
Thank you for the info!
Learning Italian and Spanish was a piece of cake but French and German are by far more challenging.
Concerning the old novel, it’s interesting how Albert’s role and impact on Candy’s life are reinforced in the 2010 novel. Candy also seems to be very expressive in her letters to Albert and she doesn’t have any misgivings in confessing to him that she misses him dearly and yearns for those days when they had been living together at the Magnolia.
Was Candy as expressive in the old novel as well?
Hi @Myra, it’s awesome to know a handful of languages 👍👏
About the old novel I think Candy was also expressive, some even said more expressive or suggestive. For example, remember she wrote that she was a nymph from a forest? 😍
Isn’t that the scene (in Candy’s letter to Albert) where she’s picking flowers near the riverbed and intending to add them in her letter to Albert? She seems so flirty in that scene. But then again, she’s overtly flirty in almost all her letters to Albert in both the old and the new novel.
Yes, that’s the one, @Myra. So true about Candy’s flirty behaviour, lol 🤣
I’ve also got a couple of questions regarding translation. In the Spanish translation of the novel, POTH is described as being of towering height (presumably Candy would see him as exceptionally tall given that she was only 6 years of age at the time) with golden-blonde hair which gently fell on his temples. His smile is described as being radiant making his facial features shine as bright as the sun. At least this is the way in which Candy perceives POTH during their first encounter.
Pony’s Hill was the place which they first met, right? Isn’t this the same place where Albert confessed to Candy after many years that he was her POTH all along? How are all these aspects described in the original text?
Thanks, in advance.
Hi @Sarah, like I said to @Myra, I’ll also address your questions in a new post. I’m sure many will be interested too. 🤗
Thanks!
Dear Ms Puddle,
Thank you again for sharing your lovely fan-art with us. I cannot wait to read your new fan-fiction. I am certain it will be most intriguing.
Regarding your queries about Nagita and whether or not she had made certain errors or omissions in her novel, I think the answer had already been given by the author herself. In the novel as published in the year 2010, Nagita includes an author’s note where she specifies that her novel is incomplete and “far from perfect”. She tersely explained that for various reasons the end product of her “Candy Candy Final Story” project could not be reached and she is apologetic about that to her readers. In the Italian translation of the novel, Nagita was rather mortified that her book turned out to be so expensive because she considered that the desired result was not attained. Therefore, it would make sense if certain moot points, or errors in narrative technique or other details emerged. For some reason(s) which only the author herself knows, these errors were neither emended nor rectified. It seems that Nagita suggests her readers simply make do with the notion that Candy is “happy” with her “beloved man”, whomever he may be, when reaching the end of the story. Nagita also made it perfectly clear that she has no desire nor intention to write anything else about Candy.
At some point when I will have a bit a free-time from work, I will get into further detail regarding the aforementioned imperfections and possible errors in Nagita’s novel. It remains debatable, nonetheless, whether these issues actually constitute a result of literary imperfections or flaws or perhaps deliberate omissions and ambiguities, hence, perpetuating such a long-term controversy amongst the readers.
Speak to you again soon and take good care of yourself.
Lynn
Hi @Lynn, I think you posted two similar comments so I’ll reply to this one only. First of all thank you so much for encouraging feedback to my new fanart. It’s still a draft and hopefully I’ll be able to post the final version with my fanfic ❣️
Thank you for reminding me of Nagita-sensei’s own words about her novel. These are good points indeed. It’s just that the adoption is part of the main plot in the story, so I brought up this question in my post.
I’m looking forward to reading your analysis and interpretation of the novel’s imperfections or errors one day, but of course, no rush 🤗
For an informal draft, your fanart looks amazing. I’m sure the final version will be superb.
As far as the adoption issue is concerned, both the author and the official representatives (the author’s agent, editors, translators) involved in redacting and publishing this novel have already made it perfectly clear that there is no legal adoption involved because Albert is unmarried and way too young to adopt a teenage female who is merely a decade younger than him. This has been clarified by the author and editors over and over again. Carles Miralles, the editor-in-chief of Arechi Manga, has also publicly explained this along with the translators employed for the Spanish edition of this novel. He has also posted this announcement on the official Arechi Manga YouTube channel. If certain deranged and disturbed fans want to keep munching onto this same old ‘padre adoptivo’ empty rhetoric ad nauseum, it’s their problem and they should deal with it asap.
The bottom line is that Albert is nothing more than a mentor or unofficial guardian for Candy until she reaches a point in her life where she can take care of herself. Besides, Albert never wanted to be anyone’s mentor or guardian. He only did so due to the desperate pleadings of Anthony, Stear and Archie. What Albert did was out of sheer philanthropy and pity for Candy and not because he wanted to become a parent. It’s impossible anyway for him to become a legal adoptive parent since he’s unmarried and only in his early twenties at the time.
Furthermore, we should all focus on what this new novel by Keiko Nagita is stating and not alleged reports dating back such a long time ago. Much has changed since the previous century and Nagita’s new novel is what should be used as a focal point.
That said, it is clearly stated in this new novel that Candy was never properly adopted by anyone which is a stark contrast to the adoption proper legally materialized in Annie’s case. Keiko Nagita pronounces this distinction in her novel. Moreover, Candy explains that Albert is not a man she regards as a father or brother and neither do any of those two want to be perceived by the other as a relative or friend (friendzone). It is clear that Albert does not want Candy to be perceived as his little sister (he says so in the third section of the novel) and, in turn, Candy also makes it clear that she has never perceived Albert as a brother or mere friend but as a man for whom she has complex and deep emotions. She even wonders and feels insecure whether Albert feels the same for her (again, this segment is found in the third section of the novel).
Last but not least, when Candy and Albert discuss the pseudo-adoption (in the Epilogue) they are just joking and only an imbecile would not understand the mutual jest and exchange of well-intent humour between them. Again, the editor and translates of the Arechi Manga enterprise specify that the letters in the Epilogue make light of this adoption issue and both Candy and Albert are clearly joking and fooling around. Already so much has been said about this and all the relevant official authorities involved in the making and editing of this novel have made this point crystal clear. Therefore, the case is closed and nothing further is to be said about it.
Kind Regards,
Lynn
P.S. There’s a typo in my final paragraph where I meant to write “..the editor and translators..”.
Yes @Lynn the other ladies have also quoted Arechi Manga representatives and the relevant sections in CCFS. You’re so right CCFS should be used as the new focal point. Thank you all for the replies and contributions! 🤗
Thank you @Lynn 💕 I certainly hope you won’t be disappointed 🤗
No worries, Ms Puddle, I definitely won’t.😎
Dear Ms Puddle,
Thank you again for sharing your lovely fan-art with us. I cannot wait to read your new fan-fiction. I am certain it ill be most intriguing.
Regarding your queries about Nagita and whether or not she had made certain errors or omissions in her novel, I think the answer had already been given by the author herself. In the novel as published in the year 2010, Nagita includes an author’s note where she specifies that her novel is incomplete and “far from perfect”. She tersely explained that for various reasons the end product of her “Candy Candy Final Story” project could not be reached and she is apologetic about that to her readers. In the Italian translation of the novel, Nagita was rather mortified that her book turned out to be so expensive because she considered that the desired result was not attained. Therefore, it would make sense if certain moot points, or errors in narrative technique or other details emerged. For some reason(s) which only the author herself knows, these errors were neither emended nor rectified. It seems that Nagita suggests her readers simply make do with the notion that Candy is “happy” with her “beloved man”, whomever he may be, when reaching the end of the story. Nagita also made it perfectly clear that she has no desire nor intention to write anything else about Candy.
At some point when I will have a bit a free-time from work, I will get into further detail regarding the aforementioned imperfections and possible errors in Nagita’s novel. It remains debatable, nonetheless, whether these issues actually constitute a result of literary imperfections or flaws or perhaps deliberate omissions and ambiguities, hence, perpetuating such a long-term controversy amongst the readers.
Speak to you again soon and take good care of yourself.
Lynn
How are you @Ms Puddle?
We haven’t spoken for a while.. I hope all is well with you. Have you been fully vaccinated yet? I have (Pfizer) and luckily I have had no side-effects. At least not yet..;-)
Please to read about your intention to resume fanfiction writing and drawing. You always produce excellent results in both sections. It’s not surprising at all that you’re such a highly respected contributor within the CC community. Your talent and class are always top-notch.
On a different note, I would like to ask you some questions concerning the old novel. Please take your time in responding to my queries because you (as all of us) have got our real life and real job to attend to.
Here are the questions:
1. Is the age difference between Candy and Albert specified in the old novel as it is in the new one?
2. Is the lion scene included or mentioned in the old novel?
3. Is the ‘sandwich scene’ included in the old novel? Does Candy mention that she and Albert had promised to share everything together as mentioned in the new novel?
4. Does Albert say that he doesn’t want Candy to look like his younger sister as he says so in the new novel?
5. Does Candy adulate Albert’s youthful physical appearance and beautiful blue eyes as she does in the Epilogue of the new novel?
6. Does Albert give Candy the diary in the old novel?
7. Do Candy and Albert spend time together at the Lakewood estate as described in the Epilogue of the new novel?
Thanks, in advance!
Hi @DanielleV, I’m fine. How about you?
I only have my first dose but might get my second later this month, I hope. Glad to know you did not have side effects! 🙏
Thank you so much for your kind words and positive feedback to my fanfics and fanarts ❣️ 💕 I don’t deserve the compliments but I will do my best 🤗
About your questions, do you mind if I answer you in a new post? I’m sure you’re not the only one with these questions.
Of-course! Please take your time.
I hope all goes well with your second vaccination.
Thank you again!
Hi @DanielleV, I suddenly remember that our friend @Fay has compiled the Old CC novel in an English doc after gathering pictures and translations from various sources:
https://www.docdroid.net/G2LxNSm/candy-candy-the-old-novel-pdf
I also posted this link on the Translations of CCFS page that contains Fay’s works.
I can answer most of your questions here then, based on what I recall (I haven’t read the entire novel either, just bits and pieces too):
1. Albert in his letter to Candy after his confession mentioned that Candy remembered her prince at Anthony’s age. That means Albert was around 15 or 16.
2. Albert in one of his letters to Candy did mention his recovery had happened around the time of the lion attack incident
3. I don’t remember about the sandwich scene. I’ll double check Fay’s doc when I have time.
4. As far as I know, I don’t think so.
5. Not as much in the old novel as in CCFS
6. I heard that of all the editions of the old novel, the diary was introduced in the last edition, but I wasn’t sure about that. Even then, there was no return of the diary scene, I was told.
7. The day trip to Lakewood is new in CCFS Epilogue. In the old novel based on their correspondence Albert didn’t come to the orphanage to take Candy anywhere
One thing I didn’t like about the old novel was Candy’s letter to Eliza and Neal. Candy threatened the siblings that she would use her power as the adopted daughter of Granduncle William. Sounds quite out of character to me. Oh well… 🙁
If anyone spots any mistakes or knows the answers to any of these questions please let us know. Thank you!
Thank you very much. Ms Puddle, for taking the time to answer my queries regarding the old novel. I’ll check out the link you have provided. Fay has done a remarkable job in compiling and translated these texts.
Btw, I agree with you about Candy appearing as out-of-character when threatening Eliza and Neil in her letter. Candy was very forgiving and tolerant to those who had abused her-physically and emotionally-in the past, including Susanna, Terry, Eliza and Neil.
Yes, @DanielleV, I agree. For this particular letter Candy was furious because the siblings had been opposing the engagement of Archie and Annie, but even then it’s out-of-character to me. 😐
You’re welcome ☺️ , @DanielleV. Yes Fay has done a lot for English fans and is still working hard on the translations of CCFS 👍👏
Wow! What an awesome drawing of Albert!
If I’m not mistaken, you used to prefer drawing Albert with shorter hair just like Igarashi had drawn him after he had decided to get a haircut during his stay at the house of Magnolia. Yet, this drawing of yours depicting Albert with longer hair is just as amazing. Albert looks gorgeous either way.
It’s so obvious that both Keiko Nagita and Yumiko Igarashi adored Albert via the ways in which he’s described in writing as well as in pictorial representation by author and manga artist, respectively. Keiko Nagita does have a soft spot for tall & slender, blonde, blue-eyed men and that is evident in her other novel ” Rainette, Kin Iro no Ringo” too.
Wish you all the best!
Similar themes and imagery can also be found in another obscure work by Keiko Nagita called “Milliam Blue Lake”.
https://tinyurl.com/394bft7v
Thank you!
Thank you for the link. In case you don’t know, Arechi Manga is planning to publish that particular story translated into Spanish. I’m planning to order a copy because I find the plot interesting.
Really, @Myra? That’s really good news to those who can read Spanish 👍😊
Yes, it is. The professional team of editors and translators of Arechi Manga and Yermo have done an amazing job in uncovering such wealth of material deriving from Keiko Nagita but also Yumiko Igarashi. I would suggest you check their official pages on their social media platforms-in particular, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Thank you for the information, @Myra. I think this manga has been mentioned on this blog before as it has similarities with CC. I’ve also checked Arechi Manga page. It seems it will come out in September in a single volume.The title in Spanish will be “El lago azul de Miriam”.
Thank you too, @Sarah, for the above link.
Yes @Fay I remember the manga now. It was Alex who pointed it out its similarities to CC. 🤗
That’s right, @Ms. Puddle. Alex mentioned that manga some time ago. The similarities between the two stories are interesting. In this manga the heroine has to choose between her rebellious boyfriend and her adoptive brother. I’m also curious to see what happened in the end. I’ll probably order it too when it comes out.
By the way, there’s another manga which is similar to CC, and which is very well-known in Asian countries, although it is also getting rather popular in Europe lately. Glass Mask (Garasu no Kamen), written and illustrated by Suzue Miuchi. There is also the Daddy-Long-Legs element in the story, and the age difference between the main characters is 11 years, just like Candy and Albert. This manga is still running and its fans are waiting for Miuchi to finish it after writing 49 (!) volumes.
Thank you for the information @Fay. I’ve been reading the “Glass Mask” too and its story-line is fast-paced and gripping. Looking forward to seeing how it ends.
As for @Alex and the “Myths of Candy Candy” series, @Ms Puddle and @Alex have done a remarkable job in dismantling and debunking certain ludicrous Terry-fan theories with the use of logic, history and textual evidence.
What I admire and respect about @Ms Puddle and her contributors is that they never try to misuse or manipulate (either inadvertently or deliberately) various sources whether in the novel or circulating online. Instead, their focus is on presenting all available aspects and theories possible and assessing which ones are valid and credible as opposed to those which are not via the use of indisputable evidence deriving from facts and the text of the CCFS/CCHD itself.
Thank you so much @DreamCatcher for your positive feedback to my blog. My utmost thanks to Alex for putting her trust in me and choosing my blog to publish her works. 🤗👍
I must take this opportunity to thank all the CC friends who have contributed to my blog as well. Without you all it’s just not the same❣️🥰😍
Very kind of you to say, @Ms Puddle. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to share our ideas and a platform to debunk various dodgy pseudo-theories coming from certain delusional and narrow-minded so-called ‘fans’. What so many people within the CC community respect and admire about you is that you never claim to have all the ‘facts’ and brag about it. Instead, you endeavour to provide insight into the various aspects of the CCFS (CCHD) and often in comparison and contrast with the manga and anime. Whilst other so-called ‘fans’ are pitifully desperate and petty, hence, stooping low so as to incur embittered controversy and asinine online bickering, you always demonstrate the integrity and class to maintain civility and respect with regards to all perspectives and interpretations. You present all the available factual and textual evidence in full form without taking it out of context or manipulating the data so as to sell a certain rhetoric or push an agenda as certain other so-called ‘fans’ do continuously and cunning-foolishly.
Therefore, it is not you who should thank us but the other way around and we should be the ones to thank you for sharing your intelligent and erudite research in the various available ‘genres’ of the CC/CCFS (CCHD) with us. We couldn’t be grateful enough.
Awwwww…Thank you so much @DreamCatcher. You’ve just made my day. 💗💕 I’ll do my best to keep up 🤗💪
Hi @Fay, the plot also sounds like another classic Japanese novel that I read years ago, in which the main protagonist had to choose between her boyfriend and her adoptive brother as well. Her boyfriend is actually very nice to her, not rebellious at all, but she chose her brother. At the end though, because of some tragedy, she ended up marrying her boyfriend because he had saved her… Sigh… It’s a tragic love story.
About Glass Mask, many CC fans recommended it but I’m very reluctant mainly because it’s still unfinished 🤔😅
I think this manga, Milliam (or Miriam) Blue Lake, will probably have the heroine ending up with her adoptive brother. It seems Nagita was fond of that kind of relationship which she developed in CC too.
About Glass Mask, it is indeed frustrating that the author has dragged it so long, leaving the fans hanging for years without deciding to finish it. However, it is a beautiful and exciting story, with fascinating characters and wonderful illustrations.
Hi @Fay, it’s not only Nagita sensei actually. It’s not uncommon in Asian stories, movies or in real life to see “brothers and sisters” or boys and girls growing up together since childhood falling in love. ☺️
That’s great news! I’ll check the Arechi site and order it too if available for purchase.
Thank you @Sarah for the link to Milliam Blue Lake! I’m curious too 😊👍
You’re welcome, Ms Puddle!
Thank you so much @DreamCatcher 💕
You bet! I used to draw Albert with short hair, but lately I started to appreciate the way Igarashi drew his wavy long hair. In fact, the same applies to Archie too.
Thanks again for your encouraging feedback! Indeed both Nagita and Igarashi admired Albert. Some people said Igarashi preferred Terry but in fact it’s not entirely true. If you look closely Igarashi put in lots of efforts in drawing the closeup of Albert’s eyes, including his teenage image as the prince❣️
Yes I’ve heard of that story too! I’m interested to know more about the plot 🤗
Yes, I remember your drawing of Archie and it was amazing. I’ve seen quite a lot of fanart regarding Archie and Stear but I think that your depiction of Archie is one of the best to date.
Are you planning on depicting Stear or any other of the characters in the novel in the near future?
Agreed. Your Archie/fanart is one of the best I’ve seen too @Ms Puddle.
Exactly!
Thank you @Michelle❣️
Thank you @Sarah 😍 I’m so happy you like my drawing of Archie too 🤗
Thank you so much for your highly encouraging feedback to my drawing of Archie, @DreamCatcher 🥰 I feel that I can do better still.
I’m following a Japanese fan on Twitter whose drawings of Archie and Stear are very impressive actually.
Yes I’m currently finishing my fanart of Albert with another character, depicting a scene in my new fanfic. The one I posted here is a draft. 😉 You’ll know who that is when I publish my first chapter 🤗😊
I think I know to whom you’re referring with regards to the Archie and Stear fanart. Hasn’t this person also drawn Terry and Albert?
Yes, @DreamCatcher, and the Twitter account is @vocuwa if anyone is interested. 🤗
C’est avec impatience que j attends votre nouveau fanfic….En attendant je relis tous vos posts toujours avec autant de plaisir…😍🤗 J ai eu aussi ma 1ere injection de vaccin on espère tous reprendre une vie “normale”…. merci de nous faire rêver 💕
Merci beaucoup Coco dersmes❣️
I’m so glad to hear that you’re waiting to read my new fanfic and enjoyed my previous posts. Thank you so much for your support and encouraging feedback 🤗🥰
Take care and stay safe!