This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It might be considered a "woman's novel" in the vein of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Antonia White, or Colette. The protagonist, Cassandra, a very bright and sensitive 17 year old writer, makes one want to move to a medieval castle in England. She has a very perceptive and wise view of life for a young woman, and captures the pains and joys of falling in love to which women of all ages can relate. Just a fabulous book!