May 2015 Host:  Colleen

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Summary

This novel, first published in 1948, is a 1930s coming of age story about 17-year old Cassandra Mortmain who wants to become a writer.  Cassandra is the middle child in an eccentric family.  Her father, once a celebrated author, has had writer’s block for years.  In better times, he rented a castle in the English countryside, which has since become rundown and dilapidated and the family is on the brink of starvation.  The family hopes that he will one day begin writing again or that Cassandra’s beautiful sister Rose will marry well and save them all.  Her eccentric stepmother Topaz, an artist’s model, makes the best of the situation as does her brother Thomas.  Stephen, who is in love with Cassandra, works long days in the garden and such without pay to help out the family.  Although he is handsome and noble, she does not fall for him as in her own words:  “ …his expression is just a fraction daft.”  Their world soon changes as new bachelor brothers, Simon and Neil Cotton become landlords of the castle.  This book is beautifully written, light and funny, and the descriptions of the castle will make you feel as if you are there.  You will not want to put this novel down after you have read the first sentence…“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.”  We highly recommend this book.  

Menu

Mushroom Tartlets

Seasoned Cauliflower

Coleslaw/Fresh Berries

Potato Salad

Pulled Pork

Bundt Cakes