lsoccer12's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the voice of the protagonist, and the book is setting is quite unique. This book felt like a historical classic- Overall a fun read!
kerryanndunn's review against another edition
5.0
I had seen the film version of this on cable several years back and remembered enjoying it. The first line of this novel, "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink" often comes up on various book trivia lists. So my interest was already piqued when I picked up a remainder copy of the movie tie-in edition at Elliot Bay Books in Seattle. I was interested to discover that it was out of print for many many years and was triumphantly celebrated by the critical media upon its return to publication.
17 year old Cassandra Mortmain is a charming and entertaining narrator. She is writing in a journal, but as it is practice for being an actual writer she tries to write her entries as she would a novel, with all dialogue recorded and true honesty when it comes to all the characters in her story, herself included.
She attempts to "capture" the story of her family as they live in poverty in an old ramshackle castle in the English countryside during the 1930s. There is love, and bohemia, and mystery, and adventure and confusion and hilarity and a little sadness too. I really felt for these characters and was dreading the end of the story when I would have to leave them.
I adored this book. I know I will reread it. I recommend it to everyone.
17 year old Cassandra Mortmain is a charming and entertaining narrator. She is writing in a journal, but as it is practice for being an actual writer she tries to write her entries as she would a novel, with all dialogue recorded and true honesty when it comes to all the characters in her story, herself included.
She attempts to "capture" the story of her family as they live in poverty in an old ramshackle castle in the English countryside during the 1930s. There is love, and bohemia, and mystery, and adventure and confusion and hilarity and a little sadness too. I really felt for these characters and was dreading the end of the story when I would have to leave them.
I adored this book. I know I will reread it. I recommend it to everyone.
snowbenton's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way Dodie Smith writes; it's beautiful and romantic without ever feeling forced. Neil and Simon were way too similar for me to get really invested in which one Cassandra was falling in love with, but I was thoroughly charmed by Topaz and the lady who served cherry brandy before noon and Mrs. Cotton.
dylankakoulli's review against another edition
2.0
This book is possibly the most twee, quintessentially English piece of fiction I’ve read in a wee while. I’m sure if you’re a fan of classics -particularly cassandras idol, Jane Austen, then this is a book for you.
But for love cynic Ellie, this was a “thank you next” kinda read.
Don’t get me wrong, Cassandra’s coming-of-age definitely charmed me in the beginning, however her wonderfully warm and endearing personality very soon flew out of the window, as she “hopelessly falls in love” and proceeds to rather suddenly transform into a mean spirited, self centred, petty young women -who, if you couldn’t tell already, I did NOT care for one bit.
And don’t even get me started on her useless, supposed “genius” -but is actually a sexist, abusive, possibly adulterous and murderous (?) father, who constantly disappears and ignores his children, which is NEVER picked up on!?
2 stars (probs worthy of 3 but I hate romance books so make of that what you will...)
But for love cynic Ellie, this was a “thank you next” kinda read.
Don’t get me wrong, Cassandra’s coming-of-age definitely charmed me in the beginning, however her wonderfully warm and endearing personality very soon flew out of the window, as she “hopelessly falls in love” and proceeds to rather suddenly transform into a mean spirited, self centred, petty young women -who, if you couldn’t tell already, I did NOT care for one bit.
And don’t even get me started on her useless, supposed “genius” -but is actually a sexist, abusive, possibly adulterous and murderous (?) father, who constantly disappears and ignores his children, which is NEVER picked up on!?
2 stars (probs worthy of 3 but I hate romance books so make of that what you will...)
kendalsbookcase's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sarahrara's review against another edition
3.0
So, I finally finished this book! On my third attempt... I've had it for a good number of years by now and started it a couple of times but then I sort of lost interest. However, we're currently experiencing a heatwave and I needed a paperback to read in the pool (which is a lot less fancy than it sounds - it's a kiddie pool in our back garden, but it is rather a large one and a good spot to do a bit of reading in the heat), so I decided that third time would be the charm.
And there is something, at times, very charming about this book. Set in a derelict (remains of a) castle in the gorgeous English countryside, it's a sort of rambling description of nature and of the lives of a quite eccentric and poor family who may finally be coming into a bit of luck. It's a story of two sisters growing up, close as can be, and of falling in love. Which on paper sounds pretty good and right up my alley. And there were definitely passages that I absolutely loved, and ones that made me laugh out loud. But overall there's something sort of hollow to it. To me it feels like it's partly trying to be a romance and partly trying for an ironic sort of distance - which doesn't really work well together.
Also, I found the ending a little disappointing. I feel like a romantic coming-of-age story in the English countryside may have been a little more, well, romantic... But it was a decent enough pool read.
And there is something, at times, very charming about this book. Set in a derelict (remains of a) castle in the gorgeous English countryside, it's a sort of rambling description of nature and of the lives of a quite eccentric and poor family who may finally be coming into a bit of luck. It's a story of two sisters growing up, close as can be, and of falling in love. Which on paper sounds pretty good and right up my alley. And there were definitely passages that I absolutely loved, and ones that made me laugh out loud. But overall there's something sort of hollow to it. To me it feels like it's partly trying to be a romance and partly trying for an ironic sort of distance - which doesn't really work well together.
Also, I found the ending a little disappointing. I feel like a romantic coming-of-age story in the English countryside may have been a little more, well, romantic... But it was a decent enough pool read.
smarkies's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5