by Dodie Smith
published 1948
completed May 2011
At the end of 2010 when everyone was creating their "best of" posts, it seemed like I Capture the Castle was on so many of them. I had never even heard of the book prior to seeing so many bloggers saying it was a favorite. I am so glad that I got myself a copy. Cassandra is the narrator of this charming tale of her impoverished life living in the ruins of a castle. Her family's life is transformed when their landlord passes away and the new heir comes to take his place.
I wish I knew how to adequately describe how much I loved this book. I can't really explain why. I'll just share some random thoughts on what I loved. First, I have to say that I loved Cassandra. The narration was done in the form of her diary and I loved her writing style. She seemed to love life and I loved her humor and wit. Despite being naive, she was really endearing.
Stephen just melted my heart. Doesn't everyone wish they could have someone like Stephen fall in love with them? He was so sweet to Cassandra and never pressured her. He made so many sacrifices for her and her family.
As an American living in Scotland, I loved all of the references to the differences between the two cultures. Just a couple of days ago someone was laughing that I said herbs without the "h" sound. The commentary on how we use our knife and fork definitely made me chuckle.
I would have really loved a fairy tale ending, but I really respect where Dodie Smith took the story. It was really the right way to end it. It was real. Without giving away any spoilers, the decision that Cassandra had to make in the end really showed how much she had grown up. It's really a story about Cassandra coming to understand love. It raises some interesting questions. Should you try to love someone just because they love you? Do you want a relationship with someone who doesn't love you as much as you love them? I highly recommend I Capture the Castle. It took a little while to get into it, and at times it was a little slow, but the ending was worth the little bit of work it took to get through it.
Have you read I Capture the Castle? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you read any books that you've loved, but can't really explain why?
I am so glad you loved it! It was on my best of 2010 list and I know I'll re-read it in the future. I loved Stephen too and though part of me wished they had ended up together, I was also glad they didn't Stephen deserved to have someone who loved him just as much. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteMelissa--I remember seeing it on your Best of 2010 post. :) I'm so glad I bought it. I know I will be re-reading it also.
ReplyDeleteThis book has the best opening line ever! And the rest was pretty darn good, too. :-D
ReplyDeleteI'm almost 100% sure I read it but I must have not been in the mood because I don't remember falling in love with it like everyone else!
ReplyDeletesoftdrink--The opening line is pretty amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteJenners--I can see how not everyone would love this one. It's kind of meandering. If I had been in the mood for a fast moving plot, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.
This is one of my favourite books, so it always makes me happy to see someone else discover it. I'm really glad you ended up enjoying it :)
ReplyDeleteNymeth--Yay! Another lover of I Capture the Castle! I'm not sure why it took me so long to hear about it. It seems like everyone else already knew. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! I'm pretty sure it was my first review on my book blog. There are definitely some books that I love even though I can't say why. And I don't want to over analyze them for fear of ruining the mood. Sometimes it's great just to love a book without having to explain why.
ReplyDeleteYEAA!!! I can't say enough good things about I Capture the Castle. I'm actually in the middle of a re-read (re-listen) and just this morning I encountered the (H)erb sequence at midsummer’s eve. Great commentary!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I haven't read 'I Capture the Castle', but have seen other readers raving about it. I need to read it sometime - it is sitting on my bookshelf now.
ReplyDeleteShelley--I agree. Sometimes there are books that I just simply want to enjoy without analyzing. It makes it difficult to formulate a coherent blog post, but those are my favorite experiences with books--when you just get swept up in it.
ReplyDeleteTwo Bibliomaniacs--Too funny that you just heard the herb discussion in the book. I'm excited to read it again. I'm glad you're enjoying it on second read.
Vishy--Thanks! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when you get around to picking it up. Cassandra is a great narrator.
I really enjoyed it, too. Couldn't you just see the bluebells?!
ReplyDeletePeggy--I agree! I loved Cassandra's descriptions. She was such a soulful girl that her descriptions really made you feel like you were there.
ReplyDeleteLove this book (and the movie too)!! I am so glad it is getting the attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteOh, I really loved this book, too. I actually took it with me on a recent trip through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales -- what a perfect setting to finish it!
ReplyDeleteCassandra was a great narrator and I was completely engrossed in this story. You're right: it's hard to pinpoint what made it so great, but it was heartbreaking and honest and real and evocative. Overall, definitely a classic!