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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An unexpected pleasure to read. Not sure why I hadn’t discovered this book before now. A book ahead of its time in many ways yet reminiscent of the Narnia series in places. A banned book⁉️ Strongly recommended for readers of all ages.
such a curious mix of genres & themes of religion and science that remained fairly surface level. an odd little book with adventure i probably would've enjoyed a lot as a child.
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the concept but it could have added more I don't know it just felt like it wasnt 1all there.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Too slow. I really wanted to like this but even as a book to fall asleep too I actually wasn’t even interested enough. Got tiring after awhile
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time is a classic of children’s literature, celebrated for its imaginative plot, interdimensional travel, and bold female protagonist. But rereading it today—especially from the lens of a modern girl who values intellect, logic, and self-determination—can leave you feeling a little let down.
At the heart of the novel is Meg Murry, a smart, misunderstood girl whose mathematical mind is one of her defining traits. It’s refreshing to see a heroine who isn’t afraid of numbers or big ideas. However, despite setting up Meg as intellectually strong, the story steers away from celebrating her critical thinking. Instead, the final resolution hinges not on Meg’s brain, but on her love—an emotional and spiritual force that, while powerful, overshadows her scientific potential. In a time when we need more stories showing girls solving problems with logic and hard work, this feels like a missed opportunity.
The book also leans heavily into Christian allegory. Biblical quotes appear often, especially from Mrs. Who, and the mysterious trio of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which refer to themselves as “messengers of God.” Jesus is listed as one of the great warriors of light. The central conflict against the “Black Thing” takes on the weight of a spiritual battle between good and evil. For some readers, this spiritual lens may add depth. For others—particularly those looking for a more secular or science-driven narrative—it may feel dated and out of touch.
While science does have a presence—tesseracts, space-time folding, and the Murry parents’ roles as scientists—the scientific elements often serve as setup rather than solution. Mrs. Murry, a brilliant biologist, offers little in the way of logical explanation, and Mr. Murry, the physicist, vanishes for much of the story, only to reappear as a somewhat passive figure. It’s disappointing that these smart, capable adults don’t model more active problem-solving or reasoning for their children.
L’Engle’s attempt to marry science with spirituality is ambitious, and in her time, it was groundbreaking. But today, the story’s emphasis on love as the ultimate answer—and its underlying Christian framework—feels a bit out of sync with how we want to see young girls empowered: not just through feeling, but through thinking.
Final Verdict: A Wrinkle in Time is imaginative and beautifully written, but its reliance on spiritual salvation over intellectual problem-solving may feel out of step with today’s values. Meg is a bright heroine, but in the end, it’s her heart—not her mind—that saves the day. For readers looking for stories where girls get to be heroes through logic, science, and grit, this classic may not quite hit the mark.
I know this is a beloved children's/YA classic, but I could not find my way toward a deeper appreciation, despite my joy at seeing so many (at the time) novel (yet oddly disparate) sci-fi/fantasy tropes that have now become cliche. As many early reviewers noted, the novel is hard to categorize. Ultimately, that seems to be both a benefit and detriment to the plot, which packs a lot in but doesn't go deep on or clarify some of the central elements. I grant that some of my critique comes from my age and perspective. I think I may very well have dug this back in my youth.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes