44 pages • 1 hour read
I Capture the Castle
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Book Brief
408
Novel • Fiction
Suffolk, England • 1930s
1948
YA
12-18 years
920L
Super Short Summary
I Capture the Castle is a young adult novel by Dodie Smith published in 1948, chronicling the fictional journal of 17-year-old aspiring author Cassandra Mortmain. Living in a decaying castle in Sussex, England, Cassandra documents her family's financial struggles and interactions with the wealthy Cotton brothers, leading to romantic entanglements and personal growth.
Nostalgic
Romantic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
113,631 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle receives widespread praise for its evocative prose and charming, coming-of-age narrative. Readers appreciate the vivid characterization and nostalgic, romantic setting. However, some criticize its slower pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its rich, immersive storytelling.
Who Should Read I Capture the Castle?
A reader who enjoys I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith will likely be captivated by coming-of-age stories, 1930s English settings, eccentric family dynamics, and romantic elements. Fans of Little Women and Pride and Prejudice would find this novel especially engaging due to its relatable heroine, Cassandra, and its blend of wit and pathos.
113,631 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Neil Cotton
Neil Cotton
An American who plans to start a ranch in California and is interested in Rose, distinguished by his California upbringing and attractive appearance.
Simon Cotton
Simon Cotton
An American heir with a deep interest in English historicism, described as having a distinct accent and an unusual voice, who is engaged to Rose.
James Mortmain
James Mortmain
A once-respected author struggling with writer's block, he is the father of Cassandra and Rose, living at Godsend Castle and searching for inspiration.
Topaz Mortmain
Topaz Mortmain
James Mortmain's second wife, an artist’s model, who manages the household with a unique, supportive approach and maintains stability for Cassandra.
Thomas Mortmain
Thomas Mortmain
The 15-year-old youngest child in the Mortmain family, who is noted for growing up during the course of the novel and attending school nearby.
Stephen
Stephen
A handsome young man and the son of the family’s former housekeeper, who works for the Mortmain family despite their inability to pay him.
Rose Mortmain
Rose Mortmain
Cassandra's beautiful older sister who struggles with her family's impoverished life and desires a better social standing, particularly through marriage.
408
Novel • Fiction
Suffolk, England • 1930s
1948
YA
12-18 years
920L
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