The Glass Castle – Jeannette Walls
Subtly shocking. That’s how I would describe The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls. With few exceptions, this memoir covers a truly whacked childhood in a matter-of-fact, unemotional voice. I would frequently reread passages and pause to let the craziness settle in my brain. I would also frequently stop and share what was happening to my 11 year old and my husband. They would shake their heads in amazement and ask “what exactly are you reading again?”
The Glass Castle plots out the life of Jeannette Walls. She’s one of four children dragged along by their parents, Rose Mary and Rex Walls. The parents are routinely neglectful and abusive, yet the kids would cling to their parents bursts of creativity, intelligence and fun. Simple necessities like clothes, food and running water were ignored, yet the kids were filled with knowledge of the world and taught to be voracious readers who did outstanding in school. The paradox was stunning.
I enjoyed reading The Glass Castle. I won’t soon forget the Walls. However, I do have a “it could’ve been better if…” to share. The “tell like it is” style of writing fit well for Jeannette’s early years. A kid would accept a lot for not knowing the possibilities of a better life. However, I expected that disconnected, unemotional style to shift as I became invested in Jeannette as a near-adult who now understood the horrible mistreatment and that there had always been a way out. The facts were there. She challenged her parents, she got herself out of there and made a healthy life for herself. But she didn’t make me care as much as I thought I would. She didn’t bring it to a climax of rage or sadness or inspiration. Intellectually, I can say, “Wow. Can you believe that those kids found their way to success and happiness against all odds?” But, it didn’t hit me in the gut, just the brain.
The Glass Castle is my book club’s February pick. I’m eager to meet with the ladies and get their impressions. I’m sure we’ll all be marveling at our favorite outrageous passages and that it all actually happened.
