This charmingly funny novel by Dodie Smith has fantastic characters and the theatrical setting of a crumbly castle in the English countryside. The poverty-stricken family has to scrounge for food and bath towels because their famous father has writer's block. For 14 years he does nothing but solve crossword puzzles and sell off the furniture. Then along comes new rich neighbors with eligible, handsome sons and the love drama begins.
I absolutely loved this book until the final five pages. The ending was so maddening that I was angry for days. But I guess that's the story of unrequited love — it leaves one feeling frustrated.
