Delightful children's book full of cultural history.
Plot
When a man and his wife left their home to serve the king and queen, they little knew that an illness would soon leave their knight-hopeful son a cripple in a plague ridden city. As his situation changes in the following months, Robin learns that there is a blessing behind each curse, for no circumstance cannot be improved by one's attitude towards it.
Morality
Excellent. Robin is rather quick-tempered and haughty, but through Brother Luke's example of loving-kindness Robin grows in humility and service to others.
Spiritual Content
The characters are Catholic and live in a monastery for a time. A monk leads them in prayer to God several times, asking for protection and thanking Him for blessings.
Violence
Robin's life is in danger from sickness and thieves a few times, and there is one battle in which no one is injured. It is stated that many people have died of the plague and in previous battles.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Ale is mentioned as the regular drink.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
Full of pleasant scenes, biblical morals, cultural history, sympathetic characters, and delightful illustrations, The Door in the Wall is a perfect family book. Some readers may find the writing a bit difficult (the characters use slightly older English) and the plot slow, but a closer look shows the richness and meaning of the book as it portrays young Robin's growth in the lush Medieval setting.
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