Books by Dodie Smith

'This book has one of the most charismatic narrators I've ever met' J K Rowling 'I write this sitting in the kitchen sink' is the first line of this timeless, witty and enchanting novel about growing up. Cassandra Mortmain lives with her bohemian and impoverished family in a crumbling castle in the middle of nowhere. Her journal records her life with her beautiful, bored sister, Rose, her fading glamorous stepmother, Topaz, her little brother Thomas and her eccentric novelist father who suffers from a financially crippling writer's block. However, all their lives are turned upside down when the American heirs to the castle arrive and Cassandra finds herself falling in love for the first time. I know of few novels that inspire as much fierce lifelong affection in their readers Joanna Trollope**One of the BBC s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**

I Capture the Castle, a captivating novel penned by Dodie Smith, transports readers into a world of literary delight. Published in 2017 by Pan Macmillan, this book has become a beloved treasure among enthusiasts of the genre. The narrative unfolds within the confines of a dilapidated castle, drawing the reader into a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Smith’s masterful storytelling and unique voice make this book a standout in the literary world. The author's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience is truly remarkable, making this a must-read for any book lover. Grab your copy of this enchanting tale and let Dodie Smith capture your imagination, as she has done for readers around the globe.

"Den mystiske søvn" er en selvstændig opfølger til romanen "101 dalmatinere". Familien Dearly og dalmatinerne bor stadig i Cruella de Vils gamle herregård. En morgen vågner hundene op og opdager, at alle mennesker er ramt af en mytisk søvn, de ikke kan vågne fra. Hundene kan pludselig svæve over jorden i enorm hastighed, og da de ikke kan vække deres ejere, beslutter de hurtigt, at de sammen må drage til premiereministerens hund for at lægge en plan. Men den onde hundestjerne Sirius forsøger at lokke alle hundene op til ham ved at love dem evig lykke, hvis de forlader deres ejere. Bogen blev oprindeligt udgivet i 1969.Dodie Smith (1896 - 1990) var en britisk børnebogsforfatter og dramatiker. Hun er kendt verden over for sin roman "101 dalmatinere", som blev filmatiseret af Disney i 1961. Hele sit liv var Smith en ivrig teatergænger og elskede dramatikkens verden. Hun fik selv stor succes som dramatiker og skrev flere end ti teatermanuskripter, to filmmanuskripter og en lang række romaner, hvoraf flere er filmatiseret.

The life of an English family shown in terms of the chatter of youngsters, the careers and nursery memories of the middle-aged and the sense of the swift passing of the years.-12 women, 5 men

A novelist and his family are in poor straits; for Father has not managed to write anything in years. An American, named Simon, buys the novelist''s old castle and comes with his brother, Neil, to take possession.|7 women, 7 men

A determined young Lancashire girl arrives in London intent on a stage career - this tale from the author of I Capture the Castle is told with the candour and authenticity that derives from Dodie Smith's own experience of the theatre world. Mouse never did fully suit her nickname. Tiny she may have been, but timid never. After less than twenty-four hours in London she had bluffed her way into an audition at a famous theatre, infuriated its forceful young stage director, and amused its kind if quite amoral actor-manager. She had finally landed not a part but a toehold as a junior secretary. During her involvement in the engrossing affairs of the Crossway Theatre she met her friends Molly, a baby-faced six-footer; and elegant, ambitious Lilian, who was fated to clash disastrously with Mouse. Later, there was also Zelle, rich, generous, enigmatic, and responsible for an outing to Suffolk village pageant which proved a turning point for them all.Life was always surprising the fearless Mouse: when she unexpectedly got to a chance to act she made an unforgettable impression, though not the one she had intended. However, nothing prepared her for the assault of first love, highly unsuitable, but welcomed by her in a way which was to have far-reaching consequences. Only when she looks back after a reunion luncheon does she realise the full effects of that shared summer on her friends and herself. A startlingly frank yet nostalgic read, this is a charming novel about coming of age and the healing effects of time.

From the author of I Capture the Castle and The Hundred and One Dalmatians, an unusual adventure in which humour and more than a touch of strangeness are inextricably blended. When Jane Minton arrives at Dome House as a secretary-housekeeper, she finds herself sharing the comfortable country home of four attractive young people. Their charming widower father, Rupert Carrington is too occupied with his London business to see very much of them. Richard, the eldest, is a composer; Clare, whose true talents (if they can be called that) have not yet disclosed themselves, dreams of courtly romance; Drew is collecting material for a novel; and Merry, still at school, has her heart set on a stage career. Jane is warmly welcomed into this happy household and feels her luck is too good to be true. However, the private world of Dome House is fated to break up as Rupert flees England under threat of prosecution for fraud. He asks Jane to break the news to the children, who must now fend for themselves, and to do what she can to help them. However, the Carringtons are extremely unusual young people and the story of the eclectic choices they make next is an absorbing and unpredictable one.

During a summer festival in an English spa town Miles Quentin, a distinguished actor, and his devoted wife become friendly with the local MP Geoffrey Thornton, and his young daughters Robin and Kit. All of these attractive, intelligent and busy people seem untroubled at first. But the surface of their lives conceals problems which start to come to light after the Quentin's return to their London theatre world and the Thornton's to their Westminster home. This leads to an unconventional love story in which loyalty may prove more important than love. It Ends with Revelations deals with complex issues of love and commitment, while retaining elements of the light hearted comedy of I Capture The Castle and the nostalgic charm of The Town in Full Bloom. As ever, the vivacity of Dodie Smith's writing and the warmth of her characters will keep readers guessing until the last page.

Cassandra Mortmain lives with her impoverished family in a crumbling castle. Her journal records her life with her bored sister Rose, her stepmother Topaz, her little brother Thomas and her novelist father who suffers from a financially crippling writer's block. However, all their lives are turned upside down when American heirs to castle arrive.