I can’t believe I’ve never read ‘I Capture The Castle’ before. The author, Dodie Smith, also wrote one of my favourite childhood books, ‘One Hundred and One Dalmations.’ I still remember reading a part out loud in class at school.
I wasn’t sure it was the type of book I would enjoy, but after reading it, I know it’s the type of book I would like to write. It’s full of innocence, humour and humility and it’s so like the words of a naive 17 yr old’s journal.
Journalling
I kept a journal from a very young age. I doubt my life would have been interesting to anyone else, but I liked keeping all my memories jotted down and now it’s quite amazing to read back on them, especially the earlier ones. Sadly, my journalling stopped when I started blogging. Why write things down when I can blog about them instead. Of course my earlier blogs follow on in a very similar style to my journals, but maybe not so personal.
Mabye in the future someone will take my journals and turn them into a novel. Or maybe not…most days are a *yawn*
I Capture The Castle
This novel is written in journal form, not diary entries but story telling from the view of the main character, Cassandra. And what a character she is, how could you not fall in love with her, she’s just perfect. Even when she shuns the boy who adores her and falls in love with her sisters fiance, you just can’t feel anything but sympathy and endearance. Such a likeable character I don’t think I’ve ever met.
Cassandra sets out to capture the castle in her words. She brings you into her weird and wonderful life by bringing it to life in her journal. Her family is rather eccentric and they live, penniless in a rented castle (on which they no longer pay rent because the landlord has died.) Then the heirs come along, an ‘exotic’ American family who stir up all sorts of commotion and emotion.
Beautifully written with an unexpected twist.
Who hasn’t wrote those last words in their journal at some point. I know I have.
You can also listen to I capture the Castle on Audible, narrated by Jenny Agutter. Click the link to listen to the sample. You can join Audible for just £1 and download your first audio book. If it’s not for you then cancel your subscription, if you like it (I Love it) you can continue your membership for £7 a month which includes a credit to any book of your choice each month. At the moment I’m taking part in extra commission for everyone who signs up to Audible using my link, so thanks in advance if you decide to give it a go.
