Dodie Smith

By Dodie Smith

Novels

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE
THE NEW MOON WITH THE OLD
I CAPTURE THE CASTLE
THE TOWN IN BLOOM
IT ENDS WITH REVELATIONS
A TALE OF TWO FAMILIES
THE GIRL FROM THE CANDLE-LIT BATH

For Children

THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS
THE STARLIGHT BARKING
THE MIDNIGHT KITTENS

Plays

AUTUMN CROCUS
SERVICE
TOUCH WOOD
CALL IT A DAY
BONNET OVER THE WINDMILL
DEAR OCTOPUS
LOVERS AND FRIENDS
LETTER FROM PARIS
I CAPTURE THE CASTLE
THESE PEOPLE: THOSE BOOKS
AMATEUR MEANS LOVER

Autobiography

Volume I: LOOK BACK WITH LOVE
Volume II: LOOK BACK WITH MIXED FEELINGS

DEAR OCTOPUS by Dodie Smith

5 males, 12 females

Charles Randolph: very handsome, 75. Nicholas Randolph: attractive, 35. Hugh Randolph: very good looking, 23. William (Bill) Harvey: nice, 10. Kenneth Harvey: stoutish, 45. Dora Randolph: small, white-haired, 72. Hilda Randolph: plain intelligent, 42. Margery Harvey: fair, pretty, fat, 40. Cynthia Randolph: cool, sensitive, attractive, 37. Gwen (Flouncy) Harvey: golden-haired, plump, 12. Kathleen (Scrap) Kenton: pale, shy, 9. Belle Schlessinger: small, fashionable, well-preserved, 70. Edna Randolph: smart, 45. Laurel Randolph: fair, beautiful, 22. Grace Fenning: slim, pretty, 29. Nanny Patching: comfortable, 62. Gertrude: a parlourmaid, 50.

From far and wide, four generations of the family gather to celebrate Charles and Dora Randolph’s golden wedding anniversary, and some have not met for a very long time. It is largely Dora’s loving wisdom that makes this occasion a chance for her scattered brood to regain, within the security of this home, a new strength of purpose. All join that evening in toasting "The Family" – that dear octopus, from whose tentacles we never quite escape….

top