Found another good coming of age novel: I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith (The same Dodie Smith who wrote A Hundred and One Dalmations).
Fun book. An old castle in England, an impoverished genius, gargoyles in the kitchen, a practical pastor with a refreshing view of faith, an older sister with secrets . . . and a younger sister trying to figure them all out. While she tries to figure herself out. And figure love out. With occasional references to Bronte and Austen. Nice, very nice.
And the writing's not bad either. No clever phrases turning necessarily, but lovely images and nice snapshots of personality. (Gotta love the bohemian Topaz.) I'm going to find a used copy somewhere and put it next to my new copy of Guernsey. When I sleep, I'll imagine that the two books could have each over for tea, crumpets, and lovely, lively conversation.
If you are looking for a good holiday read, try this one. Take some cocoa with you and enjoy.
