Goodreads Synopsis:
Through six turbulent months of 1934, 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain keeps a journal, filling three notebooks with sharply funny yet poignant entries about her home, a ruined Suffolk castle, and her eccentric and penniless family. By the time the last diary shuts, there have been great changes in the Mortmain household, not the least of which is that Cassandra is deeply, hopelessly, in love.
My review:
This is a very charming coming of age story, expressed via the journal entries of the young would be writer Cassandra Mortmain. The opening sentences introduce the reader to the eccentric and quirky tone of the novel beautifully:
I write this sitting in the kitchen sink. That is, my feet are in it; the rest of me is on the draining board, which I have padded with our dog’s blanket and the tea-cosy.
Cassandra’s family is about as bohemian as it gets. After an unfortunate incident her father, an author, has spent time in prison. Now released he wishes to distance himself from any further alterations with neighbours by living in relative solitude in a castle. He is now experiencing what appears to be a protracted case of writer’s block. Even his wife Topaz, (the children’s step mother) can’t inspire him with her ministrations, and naked jaunts communing with nature. With no income to sustain them, the family has no choice but to welcome any help they can get. At first, this comes in the form of the late housekeeper’s son Stephen, who happily hands over his wages, poor lad, as he is hopelessly in love with Cassandra. The arrival of two young eligible American bachelors, Simon and Neil offers hope to the family if only Cassandra’s elder sister Rose could perhaps convince the eldest brother Simon to marry her. Rose is desperate to escape poverty so is almost willing to do anything to change their material fortunes.
The close of I Capture The Castle doesn’t promise a happier ever after, or a neat and tidy ending which may disappoint some readers who expected this to be a romantic novel with the lovers walking off into the sunset hand in hand. This is perhaps partly due to the fact that this is a coming of age story and the romance contained within is experienced through the eyes of a very young girl. Young girls do get their hearts broken and suffer disappointments. Love can and does get complicated, and this is particularly true when we are still at an age when we are vulnerable and inexperienced. I Capture The Castle explores the resulting entanglements and jealousy beautifully. So, in my opinion, the ending is all the more poignant as it does suggest a more realistic and believable outcome.
Highly recommended for readers that appreciate character driven novels, and those who enjoy Young Adult Fiction, (with the young adult taking centre stage,) Historical Romance, and Classics.
My rating: A very enjoyable 4 stars.
Have you read I Capture The Castle? Do let me know in the comments below if you have.
Bye for now,
This is a lovely and interesting review of a book I’ve often heard of but no idea what it was about – thank you for sharing. I do enjoy journal-style and character driven books so will bookmark this!
That’s great Annika. I love character driven books too. I wanted to explore journal style writing and this particular book really captured my attention with the opening paragraph.
I remember loving this, when I read it and she also wrote The 101 Dalmatians. Thank you for reminding me of how different and compelling her writing is.
Thank you glad it took you back in time. Yes beautifully different and compelling, and of course 101 Dalmations too!!
Thanks for reminding me I’ve never read this, despite having given a copy to one of my daughters and for it to be still around somewhere. Must get round to it 🙂
i loved it!
I have read this – I loved it, thought it was a great coming of age story, as you say. 😀
Great review…. So well penned, Marje 💛🌟 Also, I liked the fact that you have included the opening sentences, as they often say a lot about the upcoming reading. Wishing you an excellent weekend 😉
Thank you, so appreciate your comment. Yes I do think including a snippet from the book worked well. Shall continue to do this…. All the best for a fantastic weekend. 🙂
I read this as a teenager and loved it – I’ve often thought I should revisit it sometime 🙂
Yes it’s one of those books that inspire you that way. 🙂