Wine is mentioned a few times, as are other alcoholic beverages. There is some discussion about the possibility of Cassandra's father having become an alcoholic, but the idea proves unfounded. This was perhaps the weakest part of the book. There are some pseudo-religious discussions about Heaven and Hell that are more philosophical than Biblical. After her attempts fail to 'work,' she gives up and tries other methods. Cassandra attempts to take the Vicar's advice, but even this is strongly colored by her own misconceptions of Christianity, 'religion,' and especially God. The entire discussion is completely pagan and has no Biblical foundation whatsoever. He suggests that she 'try religion' and that a time of hurt is the best time for religion to work. When Cassandra is in agonies over her love for Simon, she goes to talk to the Vicar, who is as worldly as any of the other characters. Cassandra's stepmother 'communes with nature' - often in a natural state herself. Cassandra also leads on a young man who is in love with her, although she bitterly regrets it.Ĭassandra and her family, particularly her sister and stepmother, engage in pagan rites these feature fairly heavily in the novel. This is obviously a hairy situation, and she struggles with jealousy and the desire to win Simon, her sister's fiance, for herself. Unfortunately, her first love also happens to be a man engaged to her sister. Much of the story deals with Cassandra's thoughts as she falls in love for the first time. Her sister is determined to do anything, including marry a man she doesn't love, to get money. Cassandra seems at times to 'dabble' in love, which is perhaps understandable, if not right. When the family discusses ways in which they can earn money, some of the suggestions are morally quite loose. The worldview of this book is obviously 'secular,' and Cassandra's primary goal is either her comfort or that of her family (and at times, it seems not even the latter).

In the interim, Cassandra decides to hone her own writing skills by keeping a journal, in which she 'captures the castle'.and her family, the young men who enter her life, and herself. And this is the family's position as they wait hopelessly for Cassandra's father, a one-hit-wonder author, to produce his next great work.

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra and her family live in a ramshackle castle in England - which ought to be romantic, but isn't when you are impoverished and have no means of righting the situation. A story known for the lively voice of its heroine, but tainted by vague spiritual content.

I conquer the castle