"I Capture the Castle" is a novel by Dodie Smith that takes place in the 1930s and follows the life of a young girl named Cassandra Mortmain. Living with her eccentric family in a dilapidated castle in England, Cassandra dreams of becoming a writer and records her thoughts and experiences in a journal. The story captures her observations about family dynamics, social class, and the complexities of love.
The castle, a character in itself, symbolizes both the family's decline and Cassandra's imaginative world. As they struggle with financial difficulties, the Mortmains' lives become intertwined with those of the wealthy Cottons, sparking romantic tensions and social contrasts. Throughout the novel, Cassandra navigates her feelings for two brothers while grappling with her family's expectations.