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anubhasy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely adored this book. I loved the witty cast of characters. The story is as much about growing up as it is about evocating a time and place that no longer existed.
Cassandra, at 17, narrates the tale (in her journal) of her eccentric family living in a crumbling English castle. Her father, James Mortmain, a once-successful author of one book, has been in a writer's block for decades. The family, including older sister Rose, younger brother Thomas, ethereal step-mother Topaz, and maid's son Stephen, faces near-poverty in their dilapidated home. James isolates himself, engrossed in detective novels, leaving the household broken and impoverished.
Their life takes a turn when the Cottons, their American landlords with brothers Simon and Neil, arrive to claim a nearby castle. Everyone in the story is kind, except Cassandra's detached father, a source of frustration. Surprisingly, no one seems bothered by it, except Rose, who despises him and aims to marry rich to escape their predicament.
From here the story explores how each character grows up in their own way. The story also explores the theme of loss of innocence. One example of this is the Midsummer eve ritual which Cassandra used to perform since she was 9. She realizes how this might be the last time she performed it and the same evening she ends up kissing Simon, who has just become engaged to her sister Rose. This quite literally marks the end of girlish innocence for her. While initially, Cassandra helps her sister secure her engagement to Simon, she gradually realizes that she herself is in love with Simon and that her sister Rose is not right for him, who is only marrying him for his money. It's funny how through the book Cassandra kept getting at he sister for playing with Simon while she was doing the same with Stephen. She does realize it in the end as do other characters and that's what redeems them.
The book evokes a sense of a time and place that no longer exists but also captures the everlasting and unchanging beauty of the English countryside. It made me nostalgic about a time when phones and TV didn't exist. Where getting bored and inventing games was part of everyday life. Where you had time to absorb and reflect on life.
Cassandra, at 17, narrates the tale (in her journal) of her eccentric family living in a crumbling English castle. Her father, James Mortmain, a once-successful author of one book, has been in a writer's block for decades. The family, including older sister Rose, younger brother Thomas, ethereal step-mother Topaz, and maid's son Stephen, faces near-poverty in their dilapidated home. James isolates himself, engrossed in detective novels, leaving the household broken and impoverished.
Their life takes a turn when the Cottons, their American landlords with brothers Simon and Neil, arrive to claim a nearby castle. Everyone in the story is kind, except Cassandra's detached father, a source of frustration. Surprisingly, no one seems bothered by it, except Rose, who despises him and aims to marry rich to escape their predicament.
From here the story explores how each character grows up in their own way. The story also explores the theme of loss of innocence. One example of this is the Midsummer eve ritual which Cassandra used to perform since she was 9. She realizes how this might be the last time she performed it and the same evening
The book evokes a sense of a time and place that no longer exists but also captures the everlasting and unchanging beauty of the English countryside. It made me nostalgic about a time when phones and TV didn't exist. Where getting bored and inventing games was part of everyday life. Where you had time to absorb and reflect on life.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse
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