Originally, I had planned out an elaborate series of thought-provoking questions and ideas for I Capture the Castle. However, now I think I'd just like to hear what you thought of it, pure and simple.
Here's what I liked:
1. The Castle--the setting's ambiance; the very idea of living in one, whether you are poor or not; the history of it all.
2. Cassandra--I loved being able to see her grow, learn, experience and even change in bittersweet child to young adult ways. Her ambitions are charming and her journaling inspired me to want to keep more faithful records myself. I mean, look how quickly things changed from day to day and sometimes even as she wrote.
3. Cassandra's Father--I loved that all his seemingly wacky, non sequitur doings amounted to brilliance. I love his redemption and that he understood the kids' motivation (that they knew he could do it) and used his imprisonment as a catalyst.
4. Love--So many real and assumed types of love are seen, talked of, planned for, experienced, misunderstood and finally revealed.
5. Times Gone By--I always love to escape to another era, don't you? Phrasings, stereotypes, clothing styles worn, hairstyles, social ettiquettes, etc. This was a welcome escape!
What did you like? What did you think? Would you recommend this book? Was it anything like what you had expected?
You don't have to answer any of those questions. I just want to hear what you have to say.
Thank you to each of you who tracked down a copy and read the book.
Love,
Autumn
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We tried, but we still have not tracked down a copy. Actually, Sheryl found on on line. We are anxious to read it and will comment on it when we get it done, even it it's six months late!
ReplyDeleteDad
I loved the book, thanks, Autumn, for introducing it. I wish I had time to put my thoughts in order, but as I haven't, here are a few random things I noted.
ReplyDeleteThe character Stephen is very like one of my favorite literary characters, Oak, in "Far From the Madding Crowd," by Thomas Hardy. They are both men of few words who are strong, thoughtful and forgiving.
Cassandra's statement "I could easily go on writing all night but... it's extravagant on paper, so I shall merely think," I was humbled to think of the many excesses I have, such as paper, clothing and food. These are a few of the many wonderful lines from this book which I know I'll save in my quote file.
"Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression." (pg 38)
"Cruel blows of fate call for extreme kindness in the family circle." (pg 74)
This line "a smell that makes you feel very tender towards the past," (pg 112)and the scene in "The Parent Trap" when Sharon sniffs her grandfathers jacket, which "smells of tobacco and peppermint," both make me think of the smells of my Templin grandparents home and the "tender" feelings it brings.
"Rose is a wit (a fact not as yet disclosed to her family)." (pg 147)
And another about Rose; "This disire for solitude often overcomes her at house-cleaning times." (pg158)
"Deserts do not seem to be deserted in America." (pg191)
"I can't think why misery makes me lean against walls, but it does." (pg 238)
"And though I cannot honestly say I would ever turn my back on any luxury I could come by, I do feel there is something a bit wrong in it." (pg 266)
"I really shall consider a long, restful plunge into insanity. Sometimes the abyss yawns very attractively." (pg 303)
"Perhaps watching someone you love suffer can teach you even more than suffering yourself can." (pg 330)
And lastly on page 152, when Simon stated "If I were a painter I believe I'd always paint windows." This one I'll address in my own blog, because I've been unable to post the picture I would like to in this comment. J5
How wonderful, Johanna, thank you! May I just say, "ditto, ditto, ditto" to everything you just said?(Oh, and I love your idea of keeping a quote file. My dad has a quote journal and I very much think you two are onto something there.)
ReplyDeleteAfter such a great review I am excited to hear more from everyone else who has read it. :) Thank you again Johanna!!
I quite enjoyed this book myself. One of my very favorite things about this whole book club thing is discovering books that I never would have found on my own. Thanks Chica!
ReplyDeleteOK, what did I like about this book? Lots of things. It was interesting and easy to read. It is set in England which I always seem to enjoy. The whole castle thing is very intriguing and exciting. What would that really be like? The characters are wonderful! I never quite "got" Rose, but her family never really did either so I guess that is just the way Rose is. The father was a bit mystifying to me as well. I wish we could have heard a little more from Thomas. I liked what I saw of him. And Stephen was wonderful. I found myself wondering a couple of times why Cassandra didn't have any romantic feelings for Stephen. Topaz was very fun to read about. And Cassandra was probably my favorite. Partly because everything was from her point of view, but partly because of some of her characteristics. She's kind of quiet, she loves her family however strange they may be, she finds beauty in all kinds of places, things, sounds, smells, etc. And I think she is very smart too.
This book didn't have the "happy ending" that I usually go for, but it ended in a satisfying and even more realistic way. I liked it.
Here are some of the other things I enjoyed.
Seeing "H" spelled out, aitch, when Simon is showing Cassandra the herb garden.
Miss Marcy and her love for the family.
The Bear.
Father's imprisonment.
Cassandra's many thoughts on luxury. "Contemplation seems to be the only luxury that doesn't cost anything."
I can't find the exact quote at the moment, but I love Cassandra's comment to Stephen about being a gentleman.
What a good book!
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I had a hard time getting into it, but once I did I LOVED it.
ReplyDeleteWhat did I like? It's hard to pick just one so here are a few of my favorites: Cassandra's whole character, the bear, Stephen, Simon, Topaz, Father's Imprisonment, and so many more things. I didn't really care for Rose, I found her snotty, rude, and selfish. I know somewhere in Rose's heart she tried to do the right thing but I think her wanting of certain things blinded her decisions.
It wasn't at all like I expected it to be and I love it all the more for it. I have to say I was slighty bummed with how it ended, but I see why she Cassandra did what she did.
I know Johanna has already said it but I love this quote from Cassandra. "Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression." That girl knew what see was talking about. Thanks for picking such a great book Autumn, I really enjoyed it.
Loved it! So much! The odd thing is that parts of it were so familiar that I knew what was going to happen (and not because I am super perceptive, either) and parts of it really surprised me. So I really have no idea if I had actually read it before, maybe a condensed version. And I happen to own the movie, but have yet to view it! If anyone would like to borrow it, just let me know. I'll watch it eventually. And Jim, if you still don't have a copy of the book, you are more than welcome to borrow mine.
ReplyDeleteAs Johanna said, many of the lines from this novel will be finding their way into my book of quotes. It's been a while since I had an active one but I recently found a SWELL journal with an owl on the cover and knew it was destined to be my new quote book. Then I lost it for a while, sadness. Just found it the other day, happiness. Now I can go through the book again and start my journal off right! Thank you, Autumn, for picking this book. I really did enjoy it, very much!
I finally finished it!! I take forever to read just about everything. Anyway, I started out wondering if I would enjoy this book. I had a hard time getting into it, but once I did, wow, it kept me interested and guessing. I love Cassandra's character. She is so deep for her age. She really made me think about things more. I have been re inspired to start a journal. I hope I can keep with it. From this book I have come to realize that even my day to day life might seem much more exciting to me when I read about it years from now. If all I have are what my mind can recall, I am sure it will feel like a preview and I will be longing to know more. Cassandra lived a very simple yet exciting life. I loved it. I was totally shocked when Rose ran off with Neil!! I did not see that coming. But, I didn't really see Neil with Cassandra either. I really liked Simon, and he and Cassandra did have a lot in common, but I am glad they did not end up together. Cassandra deserves someone who would really appreciate her. Someone who would adore her. Some one like Stephen!! Oh I was so mad that she didn't love Stephen. Poor Stephen. I hope he will find someone else to love who will love and appreciate him. I really would love for there to be a second book. I want to know what happens with everyone. It was a well written book with a great story. I was not satisfied with the ending though. Oh well, can't have everything :) Thanks for choosing this book Autumn. Sorry it took me so long to read it. Love you!!
ReplyDeletep.s. I love you all, thank you everyone who is participating in this book club. I am so happy about it.
oh, and I have to say, I WANT A CASTLE!!!