Review #1: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle

Title: L'Engle, Madeline. A Wrinkle In Time. Dell Publishing. 1962. 211 pages. Pb. $6.49, ISBN 978-1-25000-467-3

Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction with Fantasy elements
Reading Level/Interest Level: 4.7    /Grades 5-8
Awards: Newberry Medal 1963
Series: The Time Quartet:
       ·         Book 1:    A Wrinkle in Time
       ·         Book2:    A Wind In The Door
       ·         Book 3:   A Swiftly Tilting Planet
       ·         Book 4:   Many Waters
Similar Titles: Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, Interworld by Neil Gaiman

 
Review:

Margaret “Meg” Murry struggles with the constant affliction of all 11 year olds; attempting to fit in. The problem is, her brain is simply hardwired differently than those of her peers. Socially awkward and quick tempered, she feels odd and ugly and the only place she really seems to fit in is at home with, between her brilliant physicist mother and her eccentric but adored little brother, Charles Wallace. Even her mischievous but protective twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, cannot put her at ease. But then her whole world goes topsy turvy 2 years after the disappearance of her father.

Mysterious neighbors move into an abandoned house nearby and their presence seems to draw in Meg and Charles Wallace, not to mention their new friend, Calvin O’Keefe, as a search for answers suddenly turns into an unexpected quest to save her father and the entire universe. Mystical beings and strange worlds lead to a crisis of faith and a journey of self-discovery and heroism. The fight between light and dark, good and evil has never been so obvious or more deadly. Will they make it out alive? More importantly, will they be able to fight against the darkness of the terrifying “IT” or will they succumb to its intoxicating persuasion?

 

The first in a series of 4 novels, A Wrinkle In Time is a fascinating indoctrination into the world of Sci-Fi for the tween reader. A book often used in conjunction with 5^th through 8^th grade curriculum, it is a comfortable read because of the use of familiar elements of fantasy but expands the imagination by pushing the limits of the reader’s concepts of time, space and what is possible within the realm of physics without the use of confusing industry specific language. The characters are warm, relatable and well developed. After a few short pages you feel as if you have known them for years and you’d do anything to see them succeed, the mark of an excellent writer. It is no great wonder that this title won the Newbury Medal in 1962 and inspired 3 subsequent novels, which, this reviewer recommends reading in order, to lessen confusion, avoid frustration and consequently, a tragic loss of interest in the series.

Consistent themes within the book are similar to those found in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Faith, doubt, battle (internal and external), self-esteem, peer relationships, overcoming anger and fear, learning and personal growth through trials and experience; the issues that come with a journey that takes us from childhood to early adulthood. It would seem that not only does the book intimate a battle between good and evil, the Christian God and Satan, light and dark but also the internal struggle, self-doubt and feeling of loss that every child experiences growing up when they are expected to put away childish emotions and respond with adult reasoning. With adulthood comes not only a mandatory maturity but a keen awareness of not just good and bad, but of Justice vs. Evil, the metaphoric sinners and saints. L'Engle seems to be saying that those who turn to the light, find the good and the power to lead, those who believe in themselves and the right can change the world and dissapate any evil that threatens it.