I Capture the Castle

First published in 1949, this novel, written as a journal, "captures" the bohemian life of the Mortmain family as they live in their crumbling castle. Funny enough to make the listener chuckle and skillful enough to touch on many of life's sadnesses and truths, journalist Cassandra Mortmain grows up as she records her life, reaching adulthood with a good dollop of wisdom. Jenny Agutter reads with sensitivity and an appropriately light touch. Her American accents are predictably rolling in "r's." But the story is so moving that this small imperfection doesn't alter one's enjoyment. It's almost as if we're hearing Cassandra read her own thoughts with her own accent. This is a wonderful novel for young adults as it describes first love, but even old jaded folks should listen and be enthralled. B.H.B. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine