I Capture the Castle: Young Adult Edition

In Dodie Smith’s book I Capture The Castle, the main character (Cassandra Mortmain) lives in a rundown English castle with her sister, her stepmother, and her father. In this book, Cassandra tells a variety of tales about what happens in her life over a short period of time. I thought that Cassandra would fall in love with a handyman by the name of Stephen, but she and her sister actually fall in love with two American men. It does seem that Cassandra somehow changes and becomes a bit more self-centered as you move into the story. In addition to that, I have to say that I don’t fully understand what Cassandra means when she says that she “captures the castle.” Perhaps it is a metaphor about how she comes to a greater understanding of herself over the course of the book. This edition of the book is really beautiful to look at. I have a friend who really liked this book, which is why I wanted to read it. She said it was like a modern day Jane Austen type of novel. Maybe if I read it again, I’ll appreciate it more. Readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels may appreciate this book.