A Wrinkle in Time

Science fiction/fantasy adventure is a captivating genre that often explores unique and imaginative concepts.

When it is based around Christian philosophies, it takes on an added layer of depth and meaning.

Such stories can transport readers to otherworldly realms where they encounter spiritual themes and moral lessons.

Characters may face challenges that test their faith and require them to make difficult choices.

The use of science fiction and fantasy elements allows for the exploration of these ideas in a creative and engaging way.

Readers can be drawn into a world where the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual are blurred.

These types of adventures can inspire readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

They can also provide a source of entertainment and escape from the ordinary.

Overall, science fiction/fantasy adventure based around Christian philosophies offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

With a rating of 3.5, it shows that it has managed to capture the interest and imagination of many readers.

Huh... Well that was that.

I'm just not even sure what to think of this book. It was truly very unique. In fact, perhaps it was a bit too unique for my particular tastes. I found myself in a rather strange position of feeling rather indifferent about it.

On one hand, I can appreciate the creativity and the boldness with which the author approached the subject matter. The story had elements that I had never seen before, and that in itself is quite remarkable. However, on the other hand, I just couldn't seem to connect with it on a deeper level.

Maybe it's because I'm more accustomed to a certain style of writing or a more traditional narrative structure. Or perhaps it's just that this book was not meant for me. Whatever the reason, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed that I didn't have a stronger reaction to it. :P

**A Captivating Tale of Good vs. Evil**

In a small and charming home, nestled within a beautifully landscaped garden area, the Murry family resides. There is a scientist mother, a father who is away on a mysterious secret mission, two overly protective twins, the young and mysterious Charles Wallace, and the often troublesome Meg. A storm looms,预示着即将到来的危险. The Darkness, an evil Black Thing, menaces to devour the Earth and all its inhabitants, along with other worlds and universes that have already been corrupted by its malevolent presence. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin, a schoolmate, embark on a desperate quest across multiple worlds in an attempt to locate their lost father and, perhaps, just perhaps, save a small portion of the universe. This story is an enjoyable read, simple yet endearing, and a bit strange! It may not be highly recommendable, but it is good enough to hold one's interest. It is the first of five moderately short books. [1962] [218p] [Fantasy] [Not Recommendable] ★★★★☆ [1. A Wrinkle in Time](https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2592375613) ★★★☆☆ [2. A Wind in the Door](https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2666035233)

This book will outlive time itself.

“A Wrinkle in Time” has that indescribable Thing, a special element absent in any other book I've read. It combines magic, physics, fantasy, friendship, loyalty, courage, and everything you can imagine. It's the kind of book you'll read over and over again, not for the intricate plot or complex world-building, nor just for the characters, but for that unique Thing it holds.

I can't believe I went a whole six years without rereading this. It's incredibly special, and if you haven't read it, I truly feel bad for you. Reading it felt like going on an intergalactic journey with some of the most brilliant minds of our time.

There's a divide when it comes to female protagonists in my favorite authors' works. I despise weak female protagonists. When I first read this novel in sixth grade, I didn't have a solid opinion of Meg Murry as I wasn't picky. But now, I wholeheartedly love her.

Meg Murry is a frail, awkward, odd, and intelligent girl tasked with saving her father from The Dark Thing, or “IT” on another dimension called Camazotz. In the first 75% of the novel, it's clear she's very afraid. She's not used to leaving her comfort zone and has lived a normal, quiet life. She doesn't think she can save her father or an entire dimension. But that's what makes her character growth so inimitable.

I think what we love most about our favorite characters is not their initial strength but their flaws that they overcome. It makes us proud as imperfect humans can relate. That's why Meg Murry's journey is special. I'm tired of reading about characters who seem to know everything. In this book, I saw Meg grow, learn to rely on herself, stop putting responsibilities on others, and do things for herself. I loved watching her stop hating herself and realize she's worthy of love and happiness. She's not perfect, not a saint, but she's accepted that.

Growth comes in different forms, times, and seasons. Meg's growth, no matter how small, is part of her journey. The definition of a strong female protagonist isn't one who's always been strong but one who endures, falls, stands up, and keeps going. Meg Murry is now on my list of favorite strong protagonists.

I automatically fell in love with the insta-love, insta-care, and insta-protectiveness. Normally, I hate insta-love, but in this book, it's so well-written and lovely. I love how Calvin is protective of Meg and won't let anyone hurt her, and how Meg has a connection with Aunt Beast after just a few hours.

The characters in this book, like Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, Mrs Which, Charles Wallace, Mrs Murry, and Calvin, are all so beautiful and wonderful. I can't explain it. I can't bring myself to hate anyone in this book, not even the antagonist “IT” because it's written so well.

If I had to complain about one thing, it would be the method in which Meg defeats “IT”. The love-conquers-all bit is a little cheesy, but understandable considering the book was published in 1962. Overall, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat (or bed) the entire time, and six years later, I still love it just as much, if not more.

I know my five-star ratings are sparse, but this book will always deserve its five stars. It's a book that everyone has to read because it's beautiful, heartbreaking, and that ending is just amazing. It shattered my soul because it was written so well. I hope you get my point and are now rushing to the nearest library to check out this book. If not, The Dark Thing will come for you.

First off, I was extremely excited to discover that I owned this book.

Second, I had a strong desire to read A Wrinkle in Time due to the movie trailer.

Third, \n  Chris Pine\n is the father in the movie.

Fourth, CHRIS FUCKING PINE is in the goddamn movie.

Fifth, I am completely in love with Chris Pine.

Okay, so A Wrinkle in Time is an incredibly quick read. I mean, it's like what... less than 300 pages?!? It took me less than an hour to read it and type out my buddy read comments. I adored everything about this book - even though I was confused in some parts.

I don't want to spoil a great deal about this book because, to be honest, this book should be read by everyone on this planet. It was just that good. However, I will mention that I didn't like IT. IT is evil. IT is not the clown from Stephen King's book.

I could definitely envision myself rereading this book repeatedly. It just combined everything together really well. Plus, I love happy endings!

Now I'll just patiently await the release of the movie!

I'm truly sorry to disappoint you all. However, I must admit that I did not consider this to be a great book.

I'm aware that I'm only now getting around to reading a book that you've all adored for years. So, I do feel a bit bad about criticizing something that is such a classic in children's literature. But to be honest, it was a real chore to read, and let me tell you the reasons.

The characters are either extremely dull (like Meg and Calvin) or completely unbelievable (such as Charles Wallace). The non-Earth settings seem to be completely disconnected from one another and are merely parodies of our own world. The pacing is excruciating, with conversations that go on and on as the characters discuss the obvious.

I very rarely found the writing to be clever or charming. Although, I did enjoy the numerous quotations from other works (perhaps because it provided a break from L'Engle's writing), and I liked the part where Mrs. Whatsit sprained her dignity.

If you're in the mood for something clever, I suggest reading Snicket. If you want something more human, go for Rowling. For an epic adventure, Tolkien is the way to go. If you're looking for something mind-bending, Verne is a great choice. And if you want something funny, you can't go wrong with White or Cleary. I was hoping to find these qualities in this book, but unfortunately, I couldn't.

First, it's important to note that I'm editing this review in response to several outraged reactions. I was aware that "Wrinkle" was regarded as a classic, but I didn't realize it was considered a Beloved Classic Beyond Criticism. I read this book in grade school and recently reread it aloud to my daughter. While I had a hazy memory of it, I did recall loving the way it began. Now I understand why I forgot so much. I still have a soft spot for the first 3 chapters, but the rest leaves me cold. Since some of you found (and I'm sure others will find) my review to be judgmental, harsh, and undiplomatic (after all, a review is a critique, right?), I decided to do some research, look over the book again, and think about it more deeply. So, I've revised this review. However, I find that I can't take back my statements. They're simply my opinion, and I haven't changed my mind. I can only strive to be open-minded, honest, and try to explain my thoughts and feelings more clearly. Otherwise, I'd be a phony.

Like C.S. Lewis's books (especially the last of his Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle), A Wrinkle In Time has strong, (perhaps even heavy-handed, in my view), overtones of Christian doctrine. I'm not anti-spiritual, but I have a personal aversion to this kind of religious teaching. (You may not share this view, and that's fine.) But beyond that issue, the book is an odd blend of intelligent hard science, interesting quantum science that's glossed over, and quotes from the Bible. At least there are a few respectful mentions of other spiritual leaders from different cultures, as well as moral messages from classic literature and philosophers. I understand that this combination attracted criticism from both religious fundamentalists and atheists and the secular community. L'Engle has earned my respect for attempting the difficult and controversial marriage of science and religion. However, she has also earned my criticism for raising this issue and then failing to truly engage with it. It's treated superficially, as if it's a natural and easy thing to accept, despite the many flaws and inconsistencies in her story. I wouldn't even mind, except that this book takes itself so seriously! It's easy to imagine a school teacher using this book to show that Evolutionist Theory and Creationism can be combined, but I find that science and religion have a disjointed and uneasy coexistence in this book. One is always abruptly abandoned for the other. Or at least, that's how it seems to me.

Okay. Now that I've addressed that major point, let's move on. I found the characters rather one-dimensional, (the genius child, the misfit girl, the beautiful, genius, scientist mother who stays home and cooks stew in Bunsen burners while her husband has adventures). The story itself consists of vague scenarios of psychological and spiritual conflict, with the entire Universe at stake. L'Engle's metaphors are blatant, and their manifestations are lackluster. [SPOILER ALERT] There's a quest to fight a "Darkness" (oooh!) that wants to deprive us all of individuality and free will. There are three beings who were once stars before they died in the battle with the "Darkness" and became something beyond our comprehension. They can appear to us in any form, so that we have some way of processing their existence. In fact, they're so beyond anything knowable that I can't feel much for them or say much about them, except that they serve as a convenient plot device for transporting the characters throughout the Universe and the story. Anyway, the "Darkness" takes over a planet that turns into a kind of sci-fi beehive, populated by brainwashed automatons. I found the planet delightfully creepy and would have liked to know more about it, (even if it seems suspiciously like a thinly veiled anti-communist warning). So, guess what's doing the brainwashing? - a giant, evil, disembodied brain, called IT, who is personally responsible for spreading the Darkness across the Universe. Really? A brain? Doesn't anyone else find this simplistic and cliched? The main character defeats this brain by gushing love. I'm quite sure that many, many readers were moved to tears by Meg's outpouring of love, but I happen not to be that kind of person. Before Meg realizes that she has the power to gush love, the crusaders tesser through time and space (with no explanation of how the father can do this) to a fascinating planet with very interesting aliens who can't see but have other senses. I would have loved to know more about their society and these mysterious other senses, but once again, these ideas aren't very well-developed.

These are the things in this book, and in L'Engle's writing, that I love: As I mentioned, I admire her courage in at least attempting a controversial issue like mixing science and spirituality. I love that this book has the heart to recognize love as the greatest power and the wisdom to identify fear as one of the biggest weapons. I love that individuality prevails, and the romantic in me approves of the loving, whole family. I love that she has enough respect for children to include difficult vocabulary and a few challenging concepts. Many children are far more capable of handling complex ideas than we give them credit for, especially if we expose them to these things early on. I love that L'Engle doesn't underestimate them in this regard, at least initially, on the surface. Since my biggest issues with this book all stem from my perception of it as simplistic, naive, and certain parts as cliched and obvious, I wonder if I need to remind myself that it's intended for children. Perhaps children should be idealistic, or even naive, in the way that this book is. But then I wonder if that's another way of underestimating them. ESPECIALLY since I felt exactly the same way when I read this book as a child!

Wind In The Willows makes me feel closer to God, or a creative force (although there's some gushing in there too, at the end). The Jungle Book explores social constructs and morals more deeply and naturally, for me. A Sound Of Thunder blew my mind in grade school with its "butterfly effect" theory of the power and responsibility of each individual. All of these are children's books, yet they span generations, time, and space more gracefully than tessering did for me. I could name many more.

However, if A Wrinkle In Time opened your mind to new ideas, (instead of frustrating you with its light treatment of them), made you question some latent prejudice, (instead of boring you with obvious metaphors), lifted your spirits and made you cheer for bookish outcasts, (instead of making you feel that no one is that one-dimensional), or made you cry for the love of a big sister and little brother, (instead of cringing when a version of "I love you Charles Wallace" appears 19 times in 2 pages), then it's a wonderful book. For you.

After coming to this book with high expectations, I must say I was disappointed. Since it is hailed as something of a children's classic, I expected something more than the rather insipid fare presented. Madeline L'Engle seems to have set out to write a children's fantasy with a lot of Hard SF concepts, but ended up with a familiar "Good-versus-Evil" story in the Christian tradition, cluttered with a lot of half-cooked scientific concepts which are never more than cursorily explained.

For example, the key concept, the "tesseract", is explained as “the fifth dimension”. The author says, through the character of Mrs. Whatsit: "Well, the fifth dimension’s a tesseract. You add that to the other four dimensions and you can travel through space without having to go through the long way around. In other words, to put into Euclid, or old-fashioned plane geometry, a straight line is not the shortest distance between two points." Well, she is wrong on many counts here.

The tesseract is actually a hypothetical figure of the mathematical fourth dimension, whose “faces” consist of three dimensional cubes, the same way the faces of a normal cube consist of squares. In fact, if you square a square, you get a cube: if you square a cube in the fourth dimension, you get a tesseract. (Interestingly enough, this point is well captured by L’Engle: only, she sees the fourth dimension as time. This is Einstein’s concept, and totally independent of the mathematical fourth dimension.)

[To be fair, I have to add that although the author misses base totally with the basic concept, I found the title of the book is a nice way to describe the concept of a wormhole: however, apart from using this methodology to keep on jumping from one planet to another, this interesting topic is not developed further.]

The parents of the protagonist, Meg, are scientists. Meg is a typical “difficult” child - bad at academics and rebellious at school, but brilliant. Her parents, being scientists, can see beyond outer appearances, so they are tolerant of her faults: her teachers and society less so. When the story begins, Meg’s father is missing, ostensibly on a secret mission for the government. But all the neighbours think that he has gone off with another woman, and the snide remarks she keeps on hearing do nothing to improve Meg’s already belligerent personality. The only person who understands her is kid brother Charles Wallace, a boy who is officially a moron but endowed with psychic powers in reality.

It is into this situation, on a stormy night, that Mrs. Whatsit walks in. She, with her companions Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which (nice play on words here: Mrs. Who wears glasses and quotes from classics reminds one of a wise owl, and Mrs. Which flies on a broom and keeps on appearing and disappearing, as if by magic) are fighting against the “Darkness”, which Meg’s dad is also fighting. They whisk away Meg, Charles and neighbourhood kid Calvin across many universes and dimensions. It seems that the kids have been destined to fight the Darkness: which they do on the frightening planet Camazotz, and in true fairy tale tradition, initially lose and then win.

And that’s the story in a nutshell.

As fantasies go, this is pretty standard fare, considering the time in which it was written. However, the novelist must be commended for bringing the whole good-versus-evil battle into a wider canvas than the traditional Christian one: Einstein, Gandhi, Buddha, Da Vinci etc. are also seen as warriors of the Light along with Jesus, and the Darkness is never identified with the concept of Sin or the Devil. In fact, the description of Camazotz with its mindless inhabitants and their rigid adherence to discipline is positively chilling in its resemblance to a totalitarian regime (the nonconformist child being forced to toss the ball again and again, crying with pain at each practice… brrr!).

But ultimately, the novel fails to deliver. Meg’s father’s experimental project ends up as just a plot device. The author seemed to have started out with a lot of ideas at the outset, but seems have lost track of them as the novel progressed: in the end, only the rescue of Meg’s father and his reunion with the family is given any focus. The whole background story remains extremely inchoate. And as a fearless female protagonist, Meg does precious little except at the very end.

Still, I give the novel three stars for introducing a lot of interesting concepts to its young audience. In its time, it must have "ignited a lot of minds" (to borrow a phrase from our former President, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam) and encouraged them to travel along the adventurous trail of scientific discovery.