The Magic Castle: A Mother's Harrowing True Story of Her Adoptive Son's Multiple Personalities-- And the Triumph of Healing

by Carole Smith

Book Overview

Alex Smith and his eight personalities were trapped in a world of unfathomable evil...until he entered the "magic castle" and found the key to his freedom. When Carole Smith and her husband decided to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312968205
• ISBN13: 9780312968205
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Enlightening

This book was incredible in helping me to understand the torment and coping mechanisms of children who have been abused. Many people are too quick to judge and condemn rather than try to understand someone who is having difficulty coping with life. Carole Smith's book has opened a door for people who want to understand. Carole Smith is an incredible parent...a REAL parent who shows how to love when it isn't easy. Alex Smith is an amazing young man who had the courage to look within and come to terms with events over which he had no control. I applaud his courage and honesty in the face of more trauma than anyone should ever have to endure. His story will help many others. As caring humans we need to take a hard look at the "safeguards" we have in place to protect children. Thank God for people like Carole and Sam Smith who are willing to reach out to wonderful souls like Alex Smith.

broadening horizons

Through the exquisitely described details (however minute in relevance to the story they were) in her book, I was able to envision myself at the scenes of her past. I am not even going to begin to presume that I understand or empathize what the author, or anyone else in her immediate sphere went through as the events of her past unfolded before you in the book. However, her words struck a chord in my being I hope will not stop vibrating. I am one of the "normal kids" who would have had no other information about multiple personalities, other than the abnormal psychology class some college students attend during their studies. It is because of Carole Smith's book that I will forever be open minded and compassionate to those who are different from myself. It is because of her book why my horizon has broadened.

Magic Castle very helpful

I am reading every book I can find on the subject of MPD. The honesty in Magic Castle helped me know I am not alone with the problem. I read this book and felt a surge of 'I can do it' and I am grateful it was written and published. Thanks, Alex, for your courage.

This woman is a Saint!

I just finished reading this book yesterday. This book helped me so much in dealing with a foster child trauma survivor recently diagnosed with multiple personalities. It gave me the perspective that I needed to continue and to know that my instincts, too, are right on track. Guess that comes with loving the child and with answering the call that God has made in our hearts to be an instrument of healing, to, at least, try. Carole Smith is a Saint who answered the call, like Mother Theresa. How else could she have hung in there for so many years? I'm ready to cave in after one year!

outstanding

This is a great book for those who are curious about MPD/DID or in any way involved with MPD/DID. It is an enlightening and frightening glimpse into the life of a survivor. After reading this book, I feel I have attained a better understanding of multiple personality disorder and it's effects on the survivor as well as the supporter. Although this book is very detailed and somewhat graphic, it is an intelligent and easy read (no clinical jargon). I commend Mrs. Smith, Alex and all involved on the honesty of this book. Alex's bravery during the writing of this book is a true testament to his inner strength.