Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is very graphic and very gruesome. I was very disturbed by the things I read. The abuse this child suffered was horrific, and you get to hear the details from the child's viewpoint. I found the stories of abuse to be so vile and horrifying that I even though this book was a gift, I am donating it to my local library. I read it once, and would never read it again because I found it so upsetting. To think that such evil exists in the world makes me physically ill. So be forewarned that this book is very disturbing, gruesome and upsetting.

This book held my interest from start to finish. Once I started it I could not put it down. I had to get to the next chapter to find out what would happen to Alex next, or what will Alex do to his foster parents next!! How will the next event be handled. What other abuse could this poor boy be subject to. This book is extremely graffic, the details of his abuse are given in detail. He suffered physical, sexual, emotional and even ritual abuse. I believe Alex, I believe his foster parents. Some of you may not. Whether you believe the story or not, you'll gain a great perspective about MPD, and you won't be able to put the book down! This book is about a boy's abusive family, most are about girls. I applaud Alex for his courage to heal and to tell his story.

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.

Often books about multiples are written from either the therapist's or the multiple's perspective, or some combination there of. This, on the other hand, looks at multiplicity from the family's perspective, detailing how they handle it from pre-diagnosis to integration and beyond. The best thing about this is that the family isn't perfect. They get tired and they screw up. They are heavily impacted by Alex's "condition." If you are a in a multiple's life, this one may make you feel less guilty about the mishaps. And if you are a multiple, it may help you understand those living on the other side of the fence a bit better.

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.

Alex's courage in straight forwardly dealing with his past so maturely amazes and inspires me. He keeps plowing on, through memories so horrible they'd make you or me shudder in distress hearing them, but he just takes it all in stride, he never gives up. He is a wonderful inspiration to us all. This is a more than worthwhile book to read for anyone looking for a little insight into child abuse/ MPD/DID or just an ultimately inspiring story of the truimph of the human spirit.

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.

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.

Carole Smith took in a 10-year-old foster child named Alex after her children were grown and she was left with a beagle. Alex loved Bailey the beagle and was extremely kind to her. He was, however, destructive to objects and people. His affect and linguistic development was way below age level and Smith responded to him as if he were a much younger child.

Over time, Alex began confiding in his foster parents about his horrific life with his natural family. A group of cultists, they subjected the boy to ritual abuse and holidays for him took on sinister overtones based on his early life experiences. Suffering from DID/MPD, Alex begins to inch his way towards recovery. He does have some serious set backs and spends time in a hospital. His psychiatrist, Dr. Steven Kingsbury appears to be a very bright and progressive man with insights on treating Alex's disorder. It is through his hard work with Dr. Kingsbury that Alex starts to mend.

His foster family mends as well. They end up adopting Alex and provide him with a healthy environment in which to grow. Theirs is not an easy task; theirs is a loving task.

Alex's personalities are described in vivid detail which is helpful to readers. They are different ages and all provide a specific function. The lesser developed personalities blend with other existing ones during a short period of time in treatment; the others need more time and exploration before they are finally ready to "leave."

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!