Interior Castle

By: Teresa of Avila

Narrated by: Susan Denaker

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

"While I was beseeching Our Lord to-day that He would speak through me, since I could find nothing to say and had no idea how to begin to carry out the obligation laid upon me by obedience, a thought occurred to me which I will now set down, in order to have some foundation on which to build. I began to think of the soul as if it were a castle made of a single diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions."

Thus begins Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, one of the most celebrated books ever written by a mystic on abiding in union with Christ. Writing in obedience to the requests of two of her superiors, the humble 16th century Spanish sister protests "...for the love of God, let me get on with my spinning and go to choir...like the other sisters...I am not meant for writing; I have neither the health nor the wits for it."

However, in her pre-coffee-house conversational style, Teresa of Avila charmingly proves to her listeners that she does have the wits for conveying that "the most essential thing is that we should love God..." as she takes us by the hand and lead us on a visually beautiful spiritual journey into the soul, that Interior Castle where Christ abides, and where we may abide with Him in holy, intimate communion.

©2007 christianaudio.com

falling in love with the Divine

Christian Classic! This is the measuring stick I read every few years. It's not to be read as a measure for achievement for bragging or boasting but a cultured humility garnered through failing and surrendering into the arms of grace.

Beautiful, Truthful and Warm

It is as if a beautiful peaceful and loving grandma is being ever so truthful and so humble in her writing, you can't help but listen and know she is speaking from a power higher than us. She is not once trying to think she knows anything, but knows the truths from God. Her insights get a little bit too complicated, but at the same time soothing to the soul.

The voice of another century long ago

If you could sum up Interior Castle in three words, what would they be?

The Interior Castle offers a brilliant framework for self reflection, spiritual maturity, and transformation.

What other book might you compare Interior Castle to and why?

This book is a good companion to works written by St. John of the Cross as both he and St. Teresa of Avila share similar interior insights and perspectives on mystical experience with the Divine.

What about Susan Denaker’s performance did you like?

Ms. Denaker has a good nun voice :) She speaks with clarity and excellent diction. Listening to her is like sitting at the feet of St. Teresa of Avila and listening to her spiritual experience as it was shaped in her particular world view of Catholicism in the 1500's. Yet, what Teresa shares about the mystical experience is timeless! Susan Denaker gets better and better at capturing the nuances of St. Teresa's writing voice as the Castle progresses.

A Spiritual Classic Well Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Interior Castle to be better than the print version?

In many ways, yes. You still need the printed book to study, and make notations, but the reader makes it seem as if St. Teresa herself is reading to you.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Interior Castle?

It is hard in a spiritual classic like The Interior Castle to pick a most memorable moment, for each insight is worth thought and contemplation. Pressed to answer, I have to say the explanation of intellectual visions.

Have you listened to any of Susan Denaker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not, but I will look for her in the future.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book moves me. This is the fourteenth reading for me.

Any additional comments?

Remember, this was written in the 16th Century, and the frequent references to humans as worms and unworthy is very much 'of the time.' Also, when she says,

Masterpiece of Catholic spirituality

Teresa of Avila tells her readers about the mansions of the soul. I find it useful for myself, even if I am far from the inner mansions.

A spiritual classic

A beautiful book of catholic mysticism and spiritual wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed this audible addition.

Glorious Saints

Keeping in mind this book was written in the late 1500's, I would consider this the still be relevant today in the need to and how to pray. The depiction of women is portrayed of the time it was written but the message of God our Father is timeless. Excellent audio reading.

Great spiritual book!

This book is truly a great and beautiful gem which awakens one soul to the beauty of the spiritual life and Union with God.

All Glory to God

I am so grateful that the good people of the world put the writings of the Saints on paper for the world to hear. Saint Teresa of Avila is my Patron Saint. I did not choose her, she chose me.
Asks God to reveal to you whom your Patron Saint is.
I kept trying to find a different Patron Saint. Saint Teresa of Avila kept chasing me down! Lol. Long story short, all glory to God. Saint Teresa has changed my life.

Awesome!!!

Any additional comments?

I love this audio book!! When I was struggling to make sense of the movements in my soul this audio book brought me so much comfort. All of a sudden everything made sense and my fears slowly disappeared!!! I love St. Teresa of Avila

Breath taking work by our beloved Teresa of Avila.

Breath taking work by our beloved Teresa of Avila. Spoken with such beauty and grace.