I Capture the Castle

By: Dodie Smith

Narrated by: Jenny Agutter

Exclusively from Audible

In this coming of age story, Dodie Smith introduces the visionary and eccentric character of seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain. The youngest daughter in a family of impoverished artists, it is her imagination and writing that takes us away from the ramshackle old English castle where they live, and towards an intriguing tale of husband-hunting and light-hearted sibling rivalry.

With the arrival of their new landlords, the impossibly handsome and wealthy American brothers, Neil and Simon Cotton, the Mortmains are roused from their stupor and moved to action. Despite developing feelings for the younger of the two brothers, Cassandra's beautiful sister, Rose, plots to marry the eldest heir in a desperate attempt to escape the poverty which surrounds her.

When Cassandra finds herself falling in love for the very first time with the same man as her sister, she explores her mixed emotions through her writing, making this a story which revels in irony and ambiguity.

A deceptively complex and intelligent story, I Capture the Castle is Smith's first published work and one which will undoubtedly and simultaneously make listeners tut, laugh and reminisce.

Narrator Biography

Jenny Agutter is a celebrated English stage, film and TV actress who was first brought to the attention of British audiences as a child, starring in East of Sudan and The Railway Children. She made her Hollywood debut in the critically acclaimed film Walkabout, in 1971, followed by Logan's Run, An American Werewolf in London and Child's Play 2.

Her TV career includes appearances on Spooks, Call the Midwife and The Man in the Iron Mask. Alongside this, Jenny is also considered one of the best classical actors of her generation and has performed with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre. She is an Emmy and BAFTA award winner and was awarded an OBE on the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List for charitable services.

Jenny's other Audible audiobook narrations include Jane Austen's Emma, Anne Brontë's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and E. Nesbit's The Railway Children.

©2000 Dodie Smith (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A good story, flourishing characters, and the most persuasive narrative voice." (Guardian [London])
"This book has one of the most charismatic narrators I've ever met." (J.K. Rowling)

Well, that was a surprise

Truth be told, I felt a little duped when I first started "I Capture The Castle". It had been recommended to me by one of those "You Might Like" algorithms, and I made the purchase impulsively (and uncharacteristically) with absolutely zero research. Almost instantly I realised “Capture” was unlike any other novel I'd read before, and I was baffled by the recommendation. I'm not drawn to novels in this genre, but all I can say is that I absolutely loved every moment inside Cassandra’s journal. I even feel a small sense of loss that I won't be spending any more time with the inhabitants of Scoatney Village, who feel so incredibly alive to me now.

I've subsequently done a little research on the book, and I can see it featuring on lists like "Classics All Young Girls Should Read" etc... This makes me a little embarrassed, as I'm a middle-aged man. I suppose I can understand some dismissing this as a “charming little girls book"—it is a tad heavy on young romance, first loves, stolen kisses, exciting marriage proposals (Dear God, I'm cringing as I write). But what a pity if they did pigeon-hole it that way; it has way more to offer. It is witty, thoughtful, clever and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny at times. And the characters are so deeply drawn, I guess I didn’t mind all the accompanying histrionics.

I should say that I did live in the UK for many years, so I know my nostalgia for the English countryside enhanced my enjoyment. My favourite quote: “It came to me that Hyde Park has never belonged to London - that it has always been , in spirit, a stretch of countryside; and that it links the Londons of all periods together most magically - by remaining forever unchanged at the heart of a ever-changing town.”

Loyal fans of the book have admired this audio version, and I totally support all praise for Jenny Agutter. This is a flawless narration and I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy this book.

Oh and—by the way—I think I’ve now realized why the algorithm recommended the book to me in the first place. I had “Cold Comfort Farm” listed as a favourite, and it’s only now that I’m starting to see the synchronicities between these two novels.

I capture the castle

when I saw this was by Dodie Smith I thought it might be a childrens' book. But no: it is an adult book and an absolute gem. I loved it. The story teller is Jenny Agutter with her soft, English, cultured tones and she is perfect for the narration. The story is of the two daughters of a family and written from the perspective of one of the daughters. Highly entertaining, touching and very very well written.

Good but dated

I had first watched the movie, but that was years ago & when I couldn’t find it for free on line I chose listen to the book.

I think this book is about a translation from childhood to adulthood, the change from naive child trust to the realization that you really know nothing.

The book is nice, like reading journals, but the writer drops the n word more then once and there are some harmful views of women while grown men shove and grab at lady’s and no one is stressed about it.

A Delight and a Surprise

This is an excellent example of the inner life of an adolescent living in poverty... in a dilapidated castle. The family is curious, and the new neighbors even curious-er. What follows is the emotional roller coaster of young Cassandra as she and her sister fall for the same young man. The structure of the story is in the form of her journal, and although the premise seems... 'teen age angst,' it comes off as lovely, evocative, often prickly, but the narrator, Jenny Agutter redeems this book from any puddles or cringes. Some reviewers found fault with the ending, but I think the ending was as it should be... it avoids a neatly tied up ending. Young Cassandra matured beyond her journaling...exactly true to life. This is not only a romance for young girls, but for anyone interested in an unusual story read by an amazing actress.

Slow beginning but worth the wait

It took me a while to get use to the journal like writing style. The story dragged on a bit but the ending made the whole story tie together beautifully.

Might Be Better Not as an Audio Book

What made the experience of listening to I Capture the Castle the most enjoyable?

I think this book would have been better not as an audio book. Several of my friends loved this book and I liked it fine, but didn't find it as charming as they did.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Capture the Castle?

There were a few little laugh out loud moments. The way the story was told was also enjoyable.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Her American accent wasn't stellar and I got confused which character was talking.

If you could rename I Capture the Castle, what would you call it?

The Story of My Sister and Me

It did take me a couple chapters to get hooked. It was worth hanging on!

Great beach listen!

It did take me a couple chapters to get hooked. It was worth hanging on!

delightful

What an unexpected delight... I enjoyed every minute and did not want it it to end...Superb narration by Jenny Agutter. I never imagined I would like to read a journal of a 17 year old girl, but I was utterly "captured" by this literary gem. I am disappointed by only one thing - there are no more adult books written by Dodie Smith...

Loved it at thirteen revisited at sixty

Still a good story and well read. Great for teen readers but not separate from adults. Written in a style that is like reading the author's diary. Her insights of life and growing up are still timely. Great romance as well.

Well written and "captured" my attention!

Although it was more of a character study and no big storyline, the quality of the writing kept attention and the progression and development of the characters was slow but kind of beautiful...like a beautiful Sunday afternoon lazy river ride.