Customer Reviews

The Maze in the Heart of the Castle

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

 

 

When I first read the book, I thought it was "a cool adventure story" but not much more. Recently I took it out again, read through it, and discovered that it's possible to read this on an entirely new level, and that there is a lot that's only insinuated or hinted at. It's an easy read, of course, being a young adult book, but I think that someone of any age would get something out of it. I must have read it at least twenty times by now (no exaggeration) and it gets more interesting each time. Great book :)

One of the other reviewers said that she gets something more out of this book each time she reads it. Like her, I've read this book over twenty times (at least), as I've been reading it every few months since I was about ten years old. When you first encounter The Maze, you read an adventure story, full of original action and intriguing characters, all of it taking place in a time and space somewhat similar too but significantly different from "conventional" Western fantasy. The book begs to be read over and over again, as the characters and situations that the hero, Colin, encounters reveal themselves to be something more than what they first appeared to be. In other words, the book is an allegory, where Colin's adventures and his quest actually represent a much deeper spiritual journey. The people that Colin meets, though somewhat fantastical to say the least, represent different kinds of people we all meet in the world around us, and the places he visits represent different feelings and states of being that we all possess. As Colin learns to recognize the different "types" around him and comes to understand how he fits in the among them and how he alone can complete the journey, the readers also learn to see themselves in Gilman's book. I invite anyone who is thinking about reading this book to get it (somehow) and to immerse themselves in the story and take the journey. Then to read it again. And again.

When I first read this at age sixteen it instantly became one of my favorite books of all time. Being young and dumb I didn't realize the incredible depth of the book and even thought the plot was poorly structured, yet I felt there were hidden meanings in it and it facinated me more than any other book I owned. As I age I find greater and deeper meaning in it any read it at least twice a year. I hope it goes back into print someday so other people can enjoy it :)

Like other reviewers, I also read this book for the first time at the age of about ten or eleven, and since then have read it six or seven times. I'm not sure if it's the adventure story aspect of the book or the allegory that keeps me coming back to re-read it year after year. Now 26, I still find something new in the book every time I read it (significance of the color of the fruit?). I doubt that any book that I've read has stayed with me and given me as much insight as this simple children's book.

Very, very highly recommended for all ages, especially pre-teens and teens. If the prices being asked here are too high, check public libraries in your area.

I read this book after I had read The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman, as it was referenced in that book. Even though it is listed as a book for young adults it is quite fabulous. A book with a moral and it makes you think. I loved it!

I first read this book when I was ten years old. It was my introduction to the fastasy genre, as up until then, I'd read primarily The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High.

At the time, I thought Colin was whiny and annoying, but I fell in love with the world he was in. When I read it again a year later as a pre-teen, I related to his heartbreak. Again a year after that, I saw how important it was to keep trying, even when everyone else has given up and try to discourage you so that you can join in their misery.

Colin starts out as a self-centered whiny boy, learns to keep going when others say it's impossible, help those in need, when to fight back and when to run, how to love another, mend a broken heart, and keep sight of a goal. Each group of people that Colin runs into faces a different challenge emotionally... and he grows up as a result.

I loved this book as a child, teen, adult, and now as a parent who recently introduced it to my own nine year old. He loved it for the same reasons I did and insisted that we buy a copy for his school library.

"Everybody should read this one Mom, not just the kids who are already readers."

After reading this, I had my son read it, and my friend's daughter read it. I think all teenagers should read this book.

It's all here, all the stages of grief. The anger, the denial, the deal making, the acceptance -- all play out in an allegory built around a young man's adventure of self discovery. I read this book to my children, I have given this book as a gift when someone faces a horrible loss, and my children have since begun reading it to their children. I wholeheartedly endorse the book and pairing it with The Tightrope Walker just enhances the fun of cross discovery. I have not checked the publication dates for the books but I am sure The Tightrope Walker was written before this book and that's why, as one reviewer pointed out, there are scenes detailed in one book that don't show up in the other. I've read everything Ms. Gilman has ever written and this, hands down, is my favorite.

This book is a wonderful way to start in the world of reading. It is full of surprises around every corner. The book is magnificantly worded for all to understand...

I have read The Tightrope Walker many times and was amazed to find out recently that The Maze in the Heart of the Castle was a real book. I thought it was well written and exciting. I can see where Amelia Jones felt personally connected to it. However, there are scenes mentioned in Tightrope Walker that didn't happen. Also what about the supposed sequel, In the Land of the Golden Warriors? Is it really coming? I hope so, because I think Colin's adventures in The Maze were just the beginning!