Some books stand alone in their unique artistic expression, appearing to have no predecessors or successors in the author's work. These texts can greatly impact other writers and the literary landscape, yet for the author themselves, they feel like a complete work, not a starting point for further exploration.

Dodie Smith's "I Capture the Castle" exemplifies this idea, as it creates a distinct narrative that captures the essence of its time and characters without implying the need for continuation or further development. Its influence on other authors may be significant, but for Smith, this novel exists in its own right.