Month: October 2020

Review for I Capture the Castle

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Genre – Historical, coming of age, romance

Series – No

Rating – PG – for mild innuendo

Synopsis –

Cassandra has received a journal and decides to practice her speed writing by writing about her life living in a run down castle with her family. Her mother died many years ago and her father remarried a women named Topaz. Cassandra’s family has no money, and so excitement surfaces when two American bachelors move into their landowner’s estate. Rose, the sister, is determined to marry someone who has money because she is sick of being poor. As her father sinks into a miserable and forlorn state, Cassandra desperately wants to help out. Will Cassandra be able to come up with a form of income? or will these 2 Americans kick their family out for good?

My Thoughts –

I didn’t realize this until after I started this book, that it is by the author of 101 Dalmatians. I have conflicting thoughts on this book; defintatly unique with a surprising ending that I kinda liked, but also felt a little dissatisfied with it. Yet, I have to say the author did a wonderful job sweeping you into the story of this family’s life. There were a few moments that very much reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. Poor family, 2 sisters that are close, rich neighbors – you get the picture. 😉

All the characters come across in a very real way. The story itself moves along slowly as the author takes time to describe surroundings and build characters. I liked the Mortmain family, although some of their actions were a bit annoying at times. Thankfully, nothing felt contrived though. I have to say that I liked Stephan much more then I did Simon. *Spoiler Alert * I am quite glad that Cassandra does not end up with Simon, but why did she drag Stephan along !! I didn’t really like Rose. I just couldn’t support her convictions. However, I found Mr. Mortmain to be quite comedic l and a complex character.

The plot had some very sweet moments to it, but then the characters would do something that got on my nerves. I have to say I liked it, but not so much that I truly loved the story.

The characters themselves are not Christians , so their choices can sometimes reflect that. Although, Cassandra does go to church a few times and discusses theology with the priest. There was one part where Cassandra and Rose would throw these big rituals on May Day. They would read poetry, dance around the fire, and collect flowers. It just felt odd & I cannot say I cared for it.

Violence – The reason Mr. Mortmain got sent to prison was because a neighbor saw him brandishing a cake knife at his wife. (He is truly a kind man although a bit distant and sarcastic).

Language – There really wasn’t that much, maybe a few uses of mild swearing.

Innuendo – Cassandra mentions that Topaz likes to commune with nature by walking outdoors naked. (We never see this happen, but it is mentioned a few times.) Cassandra decides to sunbathe naked when none of her family members are home. She does do this in a private part of the castle where no one could stumble upon her. It is suggested that a character made love to another character.

Conclusion –

In thinking back, I have to say the first half was good and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The second half seemed to derail a little bit with a big twist at the end. Overall I’d say a unique story with some out of the box characters. Honestly I cannot think of much more to say about it.

How is your fall going? What have you been reading? Have you heard of this book?

Anna

Review for My Dog Skip

My Dog Skip by Willie Morris

Genre – Memoir, Historical, Humor

Rating – PG – rare uses of mild language

Series – No, stand-a-lone

Synopsis –

Willie receives a dog for his ninth birthday, while his family has had previous dogs, but Skip is special. Skip and Willie grow up a small Mississippi town back in the 1940’s. As Skip & Willie grow up, they have many adventures and learn a few lessons along the way. Whether it’s Willie’s night at the cemetery or Skip driving the car, it sure to bring a smile to your face.

My Thoughts –

This book was such a heartwarming & quick read that I didn’t want it to end!! I am a sucker for a good dog story and feel like I find a new one every year. I discovered this one by chance when I saw the movie for the first time. It was cute and brought tears to my eyes at the end. When I realized it was a book first, I quickly put it on hold from my library. My Dog Skip is less then 200 pages long and yet after reading it you feel like you’ve known Skip and Willie all your life.

The stories are not really in chronological order just by theme or year. Despite that fact, I didn’t mind it; it just flowed so easily. So, sometimes you get many little stories within one chapter or one single story. Morris has a humorous way of writing which made me chuckle and smile several times. You could picture the town and the characters. 🙂 Who would have thought to create a prank around a dog driving a car or putting dewormer into cookies.

I will say its not really character driven, just mostly focused on the author’s memories of growing up with his dog. He names some of his friends, but doesn’t give very many details about them. Skip makes up for it though for he has quite the personality.

Language – Many 3 uses of mild language.

Violence – None

Innuendo – None

Conclusion –

Morris writes such a charming book about a time long past & makes you want to go back and visit this small town. You can tell how much the author loved his dog & all the fun adventures they had together. Plus it was pretty clean and might make for a fun read aloud!

Have you read this book or seen the movie? How is your fall going? What have you been reading?

Anna