THE GLASS CASTLE
By Jeannette Walls
Publisher: Scribner
The author recalls how she and her siblings were constantly moved from one bleak place to another.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," is a harrowing yet captivating account of a childhood marked by neglect, poverty, and the indomitable spirit of resilience. Walls' narrative is a testament to the human capacity to endure and overcome, but it also serves as a scathing indictment of parental irresponsibility and systemic failure.
From the outset, Walls immerses readers in a world that is almost unfathomable in its dysfunction. Her parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls, are portrayed as individuals whose unconventional lifestyles border on criminal negligence. Rex, a charismatic yet deeply flawed man, is an alcoholic whose grandiose dreams, including the titular "Glass Castle," remain perpetually unfulfilled. Rose Mary, an artist with a teaching degree, exhibits a level of selfishness and detachment that is nothing short of appalling. Their combined inability—or unwillingness—to provide basic necessities for their children results in a nomadic existence fraught with hunger, danger, and humiliation.
The narrative is replete with instances that are both shocking and infuriating. Walls recounts, with unsettling detachment, moments such as cooking hotdogs at the age of three and subsequently setting herself on fire, or scavenging for food in school garbage cans to stave off hunger. These anecdotes are not mere embellishments; they are stark realities that underscore the profound neglect she and her siblings endured. The fact that Walls presents these memories without overt sentimentality only amplifies their impact, leaving readers oscillating between empathy and outrage.
Critics have lauded Walls' storytelling prowess. Kirkus Reviews describes the memoir as "a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps, thoroughly American story," highlighting its unsentimental and direct approach. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jeannette-walls/the-glass-castle/?utm_source=openai)) Entertainment Weekly echoes this sentiment, stating that "Walls has a God-given knack for spinning a yarn, and The Glass Castle is nothing short of spectacular." ([princetonbookreview.com](https://www.princetonbookreview.com/book_pages/discussion/glass-castle-praise.php?utm_source=openai)) Such praise is well-deserved, as Walls' prose is both evocative and unflinching, painting vivid images of her tumultuous upbringing.
However, the memoir is not without its controversies. Some readers have expressed discomfort with the explicit content and the portrayal of child neglect. The American Library Association listed "The Glass Castle" as the ninth most challenged book in 2012, citing reasons such as "offensive language" and being "sexually explicit." ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Glass_Castle?utm_source=openai)) While these concerns are valid, they also underscore the memoir's raw honesty and its refusal to sanitize the harsh realities of Walls' childhood.
In conclusion, "The Glass Castle" is a compelling and unvarnished exploration of a deeply dysfunctional family dynamic. Walls' ability to recount her experiences with both clarity and compassion is commendable. This memoir is not just a story of survival; it is a powerful commentary on the complexities of familial love and the enduring human spirit. Highly recommended!
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 8/21/2025