Episode 3: I Capture the Castle

Episode 3 is a deep dive into Dodie Smith's classic coming-of-age story, I Capture the Castle.

Full of summery vibes, starry nights, and swan-filled moats, this novel is bursting with charm. Its witty and insightful narrator, Cassandra, is just one of a brilliant cast of characters who manage to be both hilariously eccentric and utterly believable.

Spoilers abound, so be sure to read first and listen after!

Show Notes

The version of Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy that we play at the beginning and mid-episode is a public domain recording by the generous and talented Amber Short of PMG Projects.

Dodie Smith wrote 4 volumes of autobiography: Look Back with Love (1974), Look Back with Mixed Feelings (1978), Look Back with Astonishment (1979), and Look Back with Gratitude (1985). The excellent small press Slightly Foxed has a lovely edition of Look Back with Love.

The Starlight Barking is an absolutely magical sequel to The Hundred and One Dalmatians.  Read it now, don't delay! Oh, and don't forget about The Midnight Kittens. And, apologies for saying that the dogs in The Starlight Barking "whoosh." In fact, they "swoosh."

We definitely show our ignorance in this episode about Abelard and Heloise, who we later discovered were a famous pair of 12th Century lovers. Read up on their fascinating and tragic story here.

In case you are unfamiliar with bull terriers and would like a visual:

We mention Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry in this episode. Since recording, he has been fired from Sportsnet following a hate-filled speech. We are pleased to have "booed" him in our episode.

 For some context around the comments about Margaret Atwood, check out the incredible podcast Secret Feminist Agenda, specifically episodes 1.8 and 2.1. The host Hannah McGregor excellently articulates some long-standing issues about Atwood as a public figure, and about her work, in a way that really resonated with us.

 And finally, thanks as always to Rob Muir for our theme music, and all things audio!