Book Review of
I Capture the Castle
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.
Lynn's Review
I have seen I Capture the Castle on so many reading lists that I knew I had to give it a try. This book is considered a modern classic by many. Some consider it the first real young adult novel.
It is on must read lists for those that love Jane Austen or love books set in England. I love both those things, so I was sure I would enjoy this book. I didn’t…
When I was done with the book I wasn’t even sure what to think. I almost didn’t finish the book, but I kept thinking that it must get better. It didn’t for me.
After I finished it Grace and I discussed classic books, why people love them and what makes them a classic.
For me I struggled to like the characters and the overall story. It was odd and seemed so unrealistic. And the ending was not at all what I was expecting.
I was expecting a Jane Austen like story in this book and that is not what I got. It is set in England and involves rich land owners and their tenants. Beyond that I don’t get the comparisons to Jane Austen books.
I am sure many people will disagree with me on this. If you have read it I would love to hear your thoughts. What am I missing? Why do so many people love this book?