I Capture the Castle
I’ve had I Capture the Castle in the back of my mind as something I should read for a while now, ever since I saw it mentioned on a couple of blogs. (Sorry, I don’t remember which ones.) And then a couple months ago my sister, Marni, said, “You have to read this book! It’s like living inside a 1940s comedy!” I put a hold on the audiobook that week and waited for my name to come up on the list.
I finished listening to it tonight, and the first thing I did was Google to see if there was a sequel. Alas, Dodie Smith never continued the story of Cassandra and the rest of the Mortmain clan. I feel like I know Cassandra and Rose, Thomas, Stephen, Topaz, and the mysterious Mr. Mortmain - as if I’ve been living with them for the past two weeks. I know that I prefer Simon Cotton over his brother, Neal, although they are both lovely gentlemen. I can see the Castle, and Godsend Village, and the Gatehouse.
I feel like the last two weeks have involved much book serendipity - first An Irish Country Doctor and now this delightful story. I only wish I could read more of the Mortmain family’s adventures.
5 out of 5 stars
Huh… it’s been quite a few years since I read the book, but it didn’t make it on my list of favorites. I just found it… odd.
March 19th, 2007 at 7:15 pm5 out of 5? *Wow*
March 20th, 2007 at 6:03 amThat’s a definite thumb’s up!
When you feel transported into the story it’s the best!
I am adding this one to my list! Right now I am in the middle of a slower read–although a good one–and I am looking forward to a good story. For some reason I can;t stay awake at night when I read lately and this is frustrating me to no end!!!
March 20th, 2007 at 6:20 amKaren - different strokes, right? It always surprises me when someone doesn’t love a book that I did - but then there are plenty of books others RAVE about that I couldn’t stand!
Lisa - yes, it is!
Randi - I have that trouble at night, too - even if the book is really good.
March 20th, 2007 at 8:25 amYou’re right, Carrie. What’s odd is how you and I also wind up liking some of the same books. I wonder what it is that makes us have such similar and dissimilar taste in books?
March 21st, 2007 at 10:43 amKaren - I have no idea!
March 21st, 2007 at 12:26 pmPsst… I went to the library yesterday and checked out books for me to read! *LOL*
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:11 amLisa - good for you!
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:37 amThe title alone ‘captured’ my attention. I’ll definitely put this on my TBR list. It sounds entertaining!
March 24th, 2007 at 11:10 amMy daughter recommended this one to me. I just haven’t gotten to it yet. Your review just makes it that more enticing. I agree with Carrie. The title calls out to me.
March 24th, 2007 at 6:26 pmThe Other Carrie - Yes, it is very entertaining!
Framed - your daughter has great taste!
March 24th, 2007 at 6:46 pm[…] 1. Kevin (Book giveaway / not exactly a review)2. Kevin (George MacDonald: An Anthology)3. Stephen (The Tenderness of Wolves)4. Nina (Weekly Picture Books)5. CoversGirl (The Nanny Diaries)6. cloudscome (A Seed is Sleepy)7. Laura (The Tenant of Wildfell Hall)8. Joy (A Girl Named Zippy)9. 3M (Fahrenheit 451)10. Wendy (To Kill A Mockingbird)11. Wendy (The Translator)12. Laura (Flight Path)13. Laura (Behold, Here’s Poison)14. Sandy (Lincoln: A Photobiography)15. At A Hen’s Pace (Kite Runner)16. Terry (Heart-Shaped Box)17. Terry (Murder Off the Books)18. Melissa Wiley (Cookies / picture book)19. Carrie K. (I Capture the Castle) […]
March 30th, 2007 at 6:38 pmI’ve seen the movie last night and was immediately attracted.So i’m looking for the book written by Dodie Smith,but it seems so hard to find it online.What a pity!
April 29th, 2007 at 10:58 amThanks for the review. I’m going to read this book for the Saturday Review Challenge at Semicolon because you recommended it.
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:48 pmSheila - you’re welcome. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
July 5th, 2007 at 11:34 am[…] I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Recommended by Cassie at Scads of Books. Also recommended by Carrie K. at Mommy Brain. […]
July 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pmCarrie, I noticed you mention this a couple different times so I grabbed it from the library the other day…I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It’s great!!!! I was unsettled a bit at the ending but that’s ok…I don’t mind being unsettled…
September 12th, 2007 at 7:12 pmCarrieF - I’m glad you liked it! I wish there was a sequel - but in my mind Cassandra and Simon are living happily ever after.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:12 pmThat’s what got me…it was squishy. I mean, she says flat out that if she says yes to going to America with him she knows he’ll ask her to marry him….I’m like DUH say YES!! LOL!!
September 13th, 2007 at 11:11 am