I Capture the Castle

Captivating story and narration. The essence of the period well captured. The characters well drawn and observed. While the first half was excellent , for me the second half got a bit mawkish but overall definitely recommmended

An excellent story, well-read. Sharp observations and wit.
Entertaining characters set in a fascinating period. Great-value audiobook.

A delightful story, and Jenny Agutter's narration is absolutely perfect.

Delightful story, charmingly told by Cassandra, young, inexperienced, introspective and as wonderfully candid about her own flaws and feelings as she is about those around her. The book is full of colourful characters, most of whom are extremely likeable. You find yourself willing the down-at-heel Mortmain family well, and yet you are constantly aware that their well-being hangs by the flimsiest thread. The story rewards virtue and as such was a great introduction to 'proper' literature to my 12 year old, who LOVES this, and has listened to it six times and read it as well. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book, but at times there was too much talk about writing & not enough plot. It was quite nice to let it wash over you as it was very well read, but at times I was frustrated with too much description & the characters were too "clever" and discussed literature too much. I like a book to have a little bit more story.

Beautifully read by jenny agutter. Really bought the era to life. A gentle story well worth a listen

This is a very class conscious story that really gives insight into the necessity of keeping up appearances - and not minding whether you are successful at it! Social attitudes are illustrated but it is not a history lesson - it is a charming story of a family brought to poverty because the father has writers' block all described by the developing diary of one of the daughters. Jenny Agutter is the perfect choice as narrator.

Slow moving (a bit dull in parts), but entertaining nonetheless with a few funny moments.

I read this about ten years ago having missed it as a child/teenager. I gave it to my own daughter to read and she loved it too. Listening to it now, it has lost none of it's charm and is beautifully read by Jenny Agutter - no-one else could have done it justice. Listening to this is like sitting on a deck chair on a sunny day in a lovely garden with the bees buzzing gently. Many worlds away from the lifestyles that most of us lead, but utterly charming and engaging.

Such a delightful, profound and enjoyable book.
Dodie Smith is the perfect wordsmith in this book about an eccentric lifestyle.

Cassandra is wonderful, as she captures life around her in her note-book.

The film is just as enchanting.