''A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle tells the story of Meg Murray, a sullen adolescent, who with her very precocious younger brother is trying to find their father, missing while on a secret government mission. They are aided in their quest by three alien beings: Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which. With their help Meg and her brother travel throughout the galaxy, learn what has happened to their father and confront a monstrous evil.
'A Wrinkle in Time' reminded me a lot of what would happen if CS Lewis had written his 'Space Trilogy' for children. However L'Engle is not as good a writer as Lewis, and the plot is a little bit of a mess. Like Lewis's Narnian Chronicles there is a Christian theme to this book, but it is much more overt. Written in the late fifties the book describes the battle between good and evil. Evil is represented by the planet of Camazotz, which is obviously meant to evoke an authoritarian communist society. Subtlety is not L'Engle's strong suit, although to be fair it is a kid's book. The theme of the value of the individual and freedom is a worthy one in my opinion and kids will enjoy the story without noticing any of the problems that bothered me. It is a good book to introduce them to fantasy and science fiction, especially for young girls, as Meg is an admirable heroine.
I have often heard people comment about how good this book is, but I've never taken the time to read it before now. I can't say that I was mislead. This is a highly imaginative tale of good vs. evil, told from the point of view of young Meg Murry. Meg is smart but rebellious, fiercely protective of her unusual family. She and her brother, Charles Wallace, are about to go on a journey through space and time to find their long absent father, and in the process, confront an evil so powerful that it threatens to engulf them all.
Written with vivid imagery, this story is a fantasy wrapped inside some of the conventional trappings of science-fiction. Along the way, we consider the nature of evil, how it robs people of their individuality and choice. In the end, discovering the one thing evil can't do will be the key to Meg's victory.
"Not a Fighter"
2008-03-11
- Reviewed By User: A33A08I6CUO9T1
I re-read this book from my childhood and I'm very disappointed with particular messages Madeleine presents to children. I think enough has been said about stars (angels?) being conceived as witches to "play a joke" on everyone and the centaur appearance of the other "angels". No matter what the rest of the story conveys, I am completely revulsed by the notion she presents that Jesus was a fighter. He is not a fighter, but represents peace & love spreading the word of the Father on this earth for all to follow. Also, Jesus has already won the battle for us. All of these ignorant statements in this book by Madeleine need to be pulled before I will even think about looking at this book or sharing it with others.
An excellent read. It is appropriate for the whole family.Exciting though bewildering at times, it reveals the author's keen imagination for detail and flair. She brought her characters and places to life with a skillful maneuver achieved by few writers.I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Another great read is Everyday Miracles. Everyday Miracles: Stories That Touch Your Heart
"A great classic"
2007-08-13
- Reviewed By User: A6L758QNLPBFY
My 9 year old daughter enjoyed this as much today as I did 30 years ago. A timeless classic, adventure, freindship, and enough novelty (concept of 4th dimension and time travel presented in an understandable way) to make a child think.
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Expedited Available
"ok as an introduction for kids to sci-fi and fantasy"
"The battle between good and evil."
"Not a Fighter"
"Review by Author of Everyday Miracles"