The Door In The Wall

The Door In The Wall is the 1949 Newberrry award winning book. Marguerite DeAngeli is the writer of this fictional story about a young boy who lives in the times of knights, friars, kings, queens, and people with names like Alan-at-Gate or John-go-in-the-Wynd. The majority of the story takes place on the grounds of the St. Mark parish outside of London. Robin is the son of a knight who has gone off to fight in the Scottish wars and his mother has been called to serve the Queen during her time of extreme illness. The plague has settled in the city of London and people are either fleeing or have perished. Brother Luke, a member of the St. Mark parish has heard that Robin was abandoned by his caregivers. Due to Robin's illness and/or disability, he is immobile. Brother Luke carries him from Robin's house in London to the parish. At the parish, Brother Luke and many of the other menof God teach Robin about the many doors of opportunity that lay before every one. Robin learned that through patience and persistance doors will be opened and he can walk through them. Although Robin was clearly physically handicaped, he was the only one who could save the castle. Robin could swim, he has built up physical endurance, he could easily pass as a peasant, and he knew where to go so Sir Peter would receive the necessary assistance to overcome the Welch. In the end, Robin is given a color of jewels for his bravery and for saving the castle. His dad is one of the men who returned to the castle to fight off the Welch and his mother has completed her service to the Queen. In the end, they all are reunited and return to London. Brother Luke comes to live with the family and becomes Robin's tutor.

TWO CENTS WORTH:
Once I got past all the old English-type language I began to enjoy this story. I have to admit that the language style in which this story was written hindered my reading fluency throughout the story. Other than that, I enjoyed the perspective the author took when facing barriers, both physical and emotional, in one's life. Marguerite DeAngeli used Robin's physical barriers and emotional barriers as "doors of opportunity". As in the alleys of London or in the walls of a castle, there are many doors that lead to somewhere. One must simply find or create the key to unlock the door, push the door open, and then boldly walk through the door. Of all the characters in this story, Brother Luke is the one who sticks out the most. Brother Luke is devoted to God, his church, and his calling in life. He does not skirt his religious responsibilities nor his committment to God dispite the realities of the world that surrounds him. Brother Luke looks at every situation as a door that may or may not be opened. He is patient and kind like that of the stereotypical saint. I was touched by his mentoring of this young helpless boy named Robin. During this time of the plague and of war, Brother Luke was a major influence in Robin's life. Robin grew from a young helpless boy into a strong, determined, and talented young man.

AR QUIZ: 90%