Thursday, September 13, 2012

Book Blogger Appreciation Week - Day 4 - Pimp that Book!

One of the best parts about book blogging is the exposure to books and authors you might never have heard of before. Pimp the book you think needs more recognition on this day



I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
published 1949
303 pages

Synopsis from publisher:

I Capture the Castle tells the story of seventeen-year-old Cassandra and her family, who live in not-so-genteel poverty in a ramshackle old English castle. Here she strives, over six turbulent months, to hone her writing skills. She fills three notebooks with sharply funny yet poignant entries. Her journals candidly chronicle the great changes that take place within the castle's walls, and her own first descent into love. By the time she pens her final entry, she has "captured the castle"-- and the heart of the reader-- in one of literature's most enchanting entertainments.

My thoughts:

This is one of my very favorite books. If I had read this as a young girl, I would have imagined myself as Cassandra in the same way I imagined myself as Anne-with-an-E.
She is one of the great heroines - funny and smart, with insights beyond her years. This novel is considered a classic, but so few people have actually read it that it's usually forgotten. Rather than try to convince you to read it, I will let Cassandra speak for herself.

"I write this sitting in the kitchen sink."

"Was I the only woman in the world who, at my age - and after a lifetime of quite rampant independence - still did not quite feel grown up?"

"Why is summer mist romantic and autumn mist just sad?"

"I am a restlessness inside a stillness inside a restlessness."

"I have noticed that rooms which are extra clean feel extra cold."

"How I wish I lived in a Jane Austen novel!"



I can't encourage you enough to find a copy of this truly wonderful novel. I think you will be glad you did!

14 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I know several people who love that book. I need to grab a copy!

Lisa (Lisa's World of Books) said...

This sounds great! Thanks!

Lisa
BBAW You Should Read This!

Tanya Patrice said...

Wow - thanks for the recommendation! It sounds like a great story.

Blogger10 said...

Thanks for the recommendation, sounds like a good one!

Kelly
http://thewellreadredhead.blogspot.com

Jeanne said...

I love this book, too. It resonates especially with female readers.

Kristen M. said...

Elizabeth! I don't have time for rereads right now! Sheesh. ;)

Meg @ write meg! said...

Whew boy, this is an awesome story! I remember Nymeth at things mean a lot recommending it years ago, and I picked it up in April 2011 before leaving for vacation in Scotland, England and Ireland. One of the better decisions I've made! Reading I Capture The Castle in that setting made it absolutely magical for me. Thanks for bringing back such good memories! (Oh, and the film version is pretty great, too.)

fredamans said...

Thanks for the recommendation!

Literary Feline said...

The title sounds vaguely familiar, but barely. Considering it's a classic, that makes me sad. I will definitely have to check this one out. The premise is too good to pass up!

gautami tripathy said...

This really sounds good! I will check it out. Thanks!!

BBAW: Time to read Feynman

Judith said...

This is a great book, indeed! I read it first when I was about 16 and I think that was the ideal age (although it's not particularly YA, I think).

Elizabeth said...

Sounds good, and from the comments, it must be one that needs to be read.

Love your blog...NEW FOLLOWER.

Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-blogger-appreciation-week-day-4.html

Zibilee said...

I am also one who needs to read this book, and my daughter has, and has loved it. I just need to find it in her stacks and give it a try. You have totally convinced me!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

This is one of the best coming of age stories i've ever read. I love it!