D Is For…
I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith
9/10⭐️
This book was so sweet and bizarre. It follows 17 year old Casandra’s pov. It is written as if it is a diary. The story is set in the 1930s and centers around Casandra, her sister Rose (21), her brother Thomas (16), and the boy who lives with them Stephen (18). Along with her father and her Step-Mother Topaz(29). The family is charmingly eccentric, and they all live together in a Castle.
Until the American brothers came…
Favorite character: Topaz
Reasons why I loved this book:
1. The characters are all imperfect, but they all strive to love each other the best they can.
2. This book was a lovely glimpse into 1930s England, I enjoyed learning much about the culture and time period
3. This book is very ahead of its time in some ways, mainly because of Topaz
Warnings: Questionable age-gap
Art made by me 😊#historicalbooks #historicalsights #the oldest and most wild #historicaltragedies #historicalwonders #historicalfantasy
Published in 1948, 'I Capture The Castle' is considered a seminal work in English literature, chronicling the life of teenager Cassandra Mortmain. The novel creatively blends elements of coming-of-age, romance, and humor against the backdrop of a 19th-century castle. With its distinct diary-style storytelling, readers engage intimately with Cassandra's thoughts and feelings. The unexpected arrival of American brothers, Simon and Neil, adds tension and intrigue to the narrative. Throughout the tale, Dodie Smith artfully explores themes of class differences and societal expectations, tackling issues that resonate even today. The character of Topaz, Cassandra's artistic stepmother, challenges conventional norms, showcasing Smith's foresight regarding women's roles and individuality. Often cited for its richly drawn characters and vivid depictions of 1930s English life, this book encourages readers to reflect on love in all its imperfections. The novel has inspired adaptations, including film and theater, further cementing its place in popular culture. Readers benefit from historical context, with 'I Capture The Castle' providing a lens into the interwar period in England. Dive into this literary treasure to uncover personal and familial complexities within a historical narrative.