Cassandra Mortmain wants to be a writer. She lives with her family in a castle, but they’re not rich. In fact, they’re desperately poor. Her father’s first novel, while critically acclaimed and taught at the most prestigious universities, was never followed by a second, and Cassandra is sure he doesn’t write any longer. Her beautiful sister Rose has no rich men around her to tempt into marriage. Her stepmother, Topaz, is loved by all of them, but is incredibly eccentric and rarely goes to London to be painted (her main way of earning money). As a writing exercise, Cassandra decides to write about her life in little journals, never suspecting that so soon after she begins, two men from America are to become their landlords and change their lives forever.
I’ve wanted to read this book for so long, since high school at least. I’m so glad I finally got the chance to read it, because it’s truly a charming book. Cassandra stands right out from the beginning as a fantastic narrator, drawing us in to her family’s life. Their poverty is distressing and does make the beginning of the book hard. The family is earning virtually negative money. Their servant of sorts, Stephen, who has never been paid wages, is the only employable person of all of them and thus takes a second job to support the people who are meant to be his employers. They eat mostly bread and tea, and can’t even afford real butter. I have to admit that I was worried the whole book was going to be like this, but it isn’t.
When Neil and Simon arrive, it becomes a coming-of-age story for Cassandra, who is only just growing up. It’s her slow awakening to adulthood – womanhood – that makes this book so poignant. While we’re not all poor, and we don’t all live in a castle (I doubt anyone reading this lives in a castle, although I wish I did), it is impossible for any woman to forget what it was to be a girl, when life was enchanting and new and simple. Cassandra emerges from the page as a person I’d have loved to be friends with. There is a point where games end and where adulthood begins, and Cassandra hits it here. Her narrative is sweet and honest and I’m so glad I read it. The ending wasn’t what I wanted, but I didn’t see anywhere else for it to go, not while remaining true to the characters.
I Capture the Castle is a book I know I will return to again and again in the future, and what higher recommendation can I give it than that?
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I LOVED this book too! And I agree with you on the ending – it did feel true to the characters.
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Alas, Poor Lady by Rachel Ferguson =-.
This sounds like a lovely book.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Lord of the Rings Read-Along – Bidding Farewell to Bilbo =-.
My partner and I read this several years ago and loved it. At least until the second half. We both thought it as much more fun before everyone started falling in love and looking to get married. The first half of the book was magic, unlike anything we’d read before.
.-= cbjames´s last blog ..Benediction by Jim Arnold =-.
Sounds like a good book! I don’t want to live in a castle – they’re too cold and drafty! LOL
I’ve never heard of this book before, and I’m pretty sure I never would have picked it up just from the cover. After reading your review and the comments of others here though, I have to reconsider.
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..Friday Finds – February 19 =-.
The new covers are prettier – this one’s from my 1940s edition!
This is a book that I wish I had read as a young girl, but one I only read a few years ago. I loved it! The ending was not what I was expecting, but I respected Smith for not giving it the typical and transparent “happy ending”.
I couldn’t agree more! What a great book and I totally felt for Cassandra.
.-= Jennygirl´s last blog ..Review: The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer =-.
I loved this one when I read it a couple of years ago.
I am the same as you – except I’ve not read it yet. I’ve wanted to read it for such a long time. I bought it, but haven’t picked it up. I need to do that!!! –
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..Downtime Anticipated =-.
I loved Cassandra! I’m glad you had a chance to fall in love with her too.
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..The Nonfiction Files =-.
I tried to read this book a few years ago, after seeing the movie. I have to admit I didn’t like it that much. I have no idea why; I WANTED to like it, but for some reason I can’t remember I just couldn’t get into it.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..A Quick Ode to Bookmarks =-.
I WILL read this book THIS YEAR! It’s been on my stacks for a ridiculously long time, and I often want to pet it, but I never get around to reading it. I shall change that!
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Sticky Post: Starting an Etsy Shop! =-.
I love Cassandra and her perspective on the events around her. Even though it’s not a traditionally “happy” ending, I can totally envison Cassandra going on to live a fulfilling life.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Library Loot =-.
I totally agree with you on the ending, it isn’t what I wanted, but really, what teenage girl dates their best friend, when they could have the rich, sweep you off your feet guy?
Ah, poor Stephen!
.-= April (Good Books & Wine)´s last blog ..Review of The Help by Kathryn Stockett =-.
This is a book I have always thought about reading but just never got around to it. Thank you for your review, I will make a point to read it now. Glad you liked it so much!
.-= Svea @Muse in the Fog´s last blog ..Author Interview: Ciji Ware talks about Island of the Swans =-.
I too have wanted to read this. I really need to make the time.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Babette’s Feast (The Film) =-.
I read this a while ago and enjoyed it, but I watched the movie recently and remember being disappointed. I also dislike the ending, but I loved the narrator!
.-= Dana´s last blog ..The Confessions of Noa Weber by Gail Hareven =-.
One of my very favorites. And I completely agree -while the ending isn’t entirely satisfactory, it’s the only way it could and should have ended.
.-= Carrie K.´s last blog ..Book Review: Candor by Pam Bachorz =-.
I have heard so many good things about this book and it has been languishing on my shelf for the longest time! I am glad to have another good report on it and may try to get this one read fairly soon.
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Keeping the Feast: One Couple’s Story of Love, Food and Healing in Italy by Paula Butturini – 272 pgs =-.
I’ve heard such good things about this one and really want to read it. Great review!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Max is really into War & Peace =-.