Description
“I Capture the Castle” is a novel written by Dodie Smith. It was first published in 1948. The story is a coming-of-age novel set in the 1930s and follows the lives of the Mortmain family, particularly the teenage protagonist Cassandra Mortmain.
The Mortmain family lives in a decaying castle in Suffolk, England. The father, James Mortmain, is a once-successful author who has been suffering from writer’s block for many years. The family is impoverished, struggling to make ends meet, and the castle itself is in a state of disrepair.
Cassandra, the 17-year-old narrator, keeps a journal where she records her thoughts and observations about her eccentric family and their unconventional life. The story takes a turn when the Cotton family, Americans who have inherited the nearby estate, arrive. This event brings about romantic entanglements, financial hopes, and changes in the dynamics of the Mortmain household.
“I Capture the Castle” is celebrated for its wit, charm, and the unique narrative voice of Cassandra. The novel explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. Dodie Smith’s work is appreciated for its rich characters, humor, and vivid depiction of the English countryside.
The novel has been adapted into various forms, including a stage play and a film. It remains a beloved classic in English literature.
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