Gina Roes says:

Interior Castle is a classic work that reflects the true heart of Christian mysticism. In a conversational style, Teresa of Avila gently, and at times firmly, unveils the intentions of the human heart as it tries to reach God in its own way. She describes the inner life as a castle with seven mansions. Each mansion is more detached from the securities of the outer world and more connected to the heart of God. At each level, Teresa of Avila honors the work of God as mysterious and beyond what we can do for ourselves. The soul’s only response is to yield and submit to Him. Beautifully narrated by Susan Deneker, the author’s tone and wit is easily conveyed, making this rather long book a joy to listen. #

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ernest kerwin says:

Interior Castle, which can be purchased from Christian Audio, http://christianaudio.com/, is a book on prayer and the reflections of the soul. The author pictures the soul of a person as a castle with many rooms, which she calls mansions. The book conveys the journey of a person into the various mansions, seven in all. It could be seen as a journey of sanctification. There is a progressiveness of maturity pictured in each of the mansions, of which the last, the seventh, is seen as the central dwelling place of Jesus in the soul.

This book is read most excellently by Susan Deneker. I believe she captured the intent of the author through her skilled reading.

As a Protestant evangelical Christian, I had some theological differences (some of which were serious) with this book, which was written from a Roman Catholic perspective. However, having said that, I would not reject it and would even encourage people to read it. A Scripture came to mind as I was meditating on the things:

Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1Thessalonians 5:20-21

While I had my differences, I found that the good was worth holding on to and very uplifting to my faith.

What was good that I could hold on to? This author had a very biblical view of man as concerns his state of sin and separation from God. It was this view that caused the author to offer a very biblical view of true humility. Both of these themes are heard throughout the book.

It was these two themes that naturally brought the reader to another theme, we are nothing and God is everything. This resulted in much praise and glory to be given to God.
I was much moved by a name that she used often for God – “His Majesty”.

Much more could be said but my favorite moment in listening to this was her encouragement to contemplate, meditate on Jesus and his work on the cross.

I have reviewed this audio book for the christianaudio Reviewers Program, of which I am privileged to be a member.
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Andrew Wencl says:

Interior Castle gives you a look into the mind of one of the most famous "Christian" mystics. Teresa of Avila was a nun in Spain during the Counter-Reformation, which should ring bells for those of us on the Protestant side of the Council of Trent. Although Saint Teresa was clearly a woman of deep humility and a profound power over words, she left behind a questionable work that does little to enlighten the Christian mind to the truths of God's Word and instead offers an approach to prayer based firmly on experience and emotion.

If you are interested in Catholic mysticism, church history, classic literature, or extended metaphor, you may find this book very enjoyable. The narrator, Susan Deneker, does well, reminding the listener though action that narration is a performing art. But if you are seeking to learn more about prayer, developing an experiential relationship with God, or understanding how feelings fit with faith, search for another book. I'd suggest Jonathan Edwards' classic The Religious Affections. #

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