The Glass Castle: A Memoir of Resilience and Forgiveness

"The Glass Castle" is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that was first published in 2005. The book tells the story of Walls' unconventional upbringing in a dysfunctional family. Walls' parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls, were free-spirited and often neglectful, moving their family around the country and living in poverty. Despite their difficult circumstances, Walls and her siblings found ways to survive and even thrive. The title of the book comes from Rex's dream of building a "glass castle" for his family to live in someday. The book was a commercial and critical success, and has been translated into multiple languages. It has also been adapted into a film, which was released in 2017.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Jeannette Walls is an American author and journalist, best known for her memoir "The Glass Castle." Walls was born on April 21, 1960 in Phoenix, Arizona. She grew up in a dysfunctional family, and her experiences form the basis of her acclaimed memoir. Walls attended Barnard College, where she studied journalism and graduated with honors. She began her career as a journalist working for several newspapers, including The Phoenix New Times and New York Magazine. Walls later became a gossip columnist for MSNBC and appeared regularly on the television show "The Today Show." In addition to "The Glass Castle," Walls has also written several other books, including "Half Broke Horses," a novel based on the life of her grandmother, and "The Silver Star," a novel inspired by her own life. Walls currently lives in Virginia with her husband, writer John Taylor.

SUMMARY:

The book is divided into three parts, with each part covering a different period in Walls' life.

Part One of the book, "A Woman on the Street," covers Walls' childhood up until the age of ten. Walls and her siblings are constantly on the move with their parents, Rex and Rose Mary, who are unable to hold down jobs or provide a stable home for their family. The children are forced to fend for themselves, often going without food, proper clothing, and shelter. Walls recounts several traumatic experiences, including a fire that nearly kills her and her younger sister, Maureen.

In Part Two, "The Desert," Walls' family has settled in the small town of Welch, West Virginia. Rex and Rose Mary continue to struggle with addiction and mental illness, leaving the children to take care of themselves. Walls describes how she and her siblings are forced to steal food and clothing in order to survive. Walls' parents encourage her to read and pursue her education, which leads her to a scholarship to attend Barnard College in New York City.

In Part Three, "New York City," Walls recounts her experiences as a young adult living in New York City and trying to escape her past. Walls struggles to come to terms with her dysfunctional family and her own identity, while also trying to build a new life for herself.

Throughout the book, Walls' relationship with her parents is complex and often strained. Despite their many flaws, Walls still feels a deep love and loyalty towards them. The book ultimately serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness.

EVALUATION:

"The Glass Castle" is a compelling and deeply affecting memoir that offers a poignant and honest portrayal of a dysfunctional family and the impact it had on its children. The book is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of people to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Walls' writing style is straightforward and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of her childhood in a way that is both relatable and authentic. The book is also notable for its sense of humor, which is often dark and ironic but serves to lighten the weight of the subject matter.

One of the strengths of the book is its complex portrayal of the characters, particularly Walls' parents, who are both deeply flawed and yet deeply human. Walls is able to show their good qualities alongside their negative ones, which makes them more sympathetic and relatable as characters.

Overall, "The Glass Castle" is a powerful and emotionally charged memoir that is well worth reading. Walls' personal journey and the resilience she and her siblings exhibit in the face of adversity is inspiring and touching. The book offers an insightful look at the complexities of family relationships, the impact of poverty and addiction, and the power of forgiveness and redemption.