Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
A Wrinkle in Time is about three kids, Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace, who go meet three magical women, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. These women help the kids travel through space to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's missing father.
I knew nothing about this book before I read it, except that it was a highly praised young adult fantasy book that was being made into a movie by Disney. I thought I had heard that the author was a Christian, but I wasn't certain. When I opened the pages, I had nothing but those few facts in my mind. Honestly, this short book was a bit of a wild emotional ride!
A Wrinkle in Time is about three kids, Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace, who go to meet three magical women, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. These women help the kids travel through space to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's missing father.
First, this classic book, written in 1963, is still very good and very unique, considering that it had some science fiction elements. It aged well. The writing is beautiful and poetic. The characters are round and interesting. They develop and grow even though the plot is pretty straightforward - good vs. evil. No tricks in that.
My primary criticism is of the main character, Meg. From the very beginning, she is overwhelmingly whiny, and I honestly can't stand that. This is a common trope for young adult fantasy that I hate. If one can endure the constant whining, one will discover that this is the main point of the whole book. She learns to take responsibility and so grows a great deal in the course of the book. Most writers with whiny characters have no insight into the cause of this trait; they just think it's age-appropriate behavior. This then causes the characters to be mature and whiny through most of the book until they save the world. A Wrinkle in Time has a similar formula but with more intention and insight.
Still, I enjoyed the plot, many of the characters, and the topics involved. The book packs a simple plot with many interesting settings, philosophical issues, and colorful characters. No one seems forced or flat. Each character is unique from the others. The alien races are as creative as their planets. The villain is suitably frightening. I was never at a point when the story slowed down or became dull. I think most readers will really enjoy this novel.
Madeleine L'Engle is a Christian, so this book does have Christian elements and even quotes scripture twice. Even so, the Christian element is subtle and not preachy. A non-Christian should have no issue with the content of this story. Christianity is just the worldview in the background, not the central message.
The book is clean and without sexual content, cursing, or violence. The only reason I would not recommend this for middle school or younger readers is the scientific and philosophical conversation. There are discussions on dimensional travel, folding time, Biblical philosophy, free will vs. conforming, and various astrological features (nebulae, galaxies, black holes, stars of various kinds, etc.). A precocious reader may both enjoy this book and identify with the main characters, but in general, I would recommend this book for high school and above.