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A review by lanternheart
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A strange, enchanting tale that did captivate me, even as an adult — the whimsy and angst, the mixture of childlike wonder and teenage fear and anger that courses through the novel and its characters was definitely engaging and kept me listening for long hours. The simple tension at the heart of the story — the loss of Meg and Charles Wallace's father, whom they seek out beyond the ends of the earth — keeps the story grounded, even as it travels to fantastical locations and heights. I found myself reminded of Philip Pullman, and Narnia, all at once — especially with L'Engle's invocation of Christian elements and themes, like angels and fallen stars, the power of quoted prayer or the invocation of St. Francis.
That being said, the book was quite profound, and struck me deeply at turns, and I think if I'd read this as a child, it would have stayed with me as my own beloved books already mentioned have.
The religious notes were perhaps an element that would have stood out to me less as a child, but was the only thing that struck me a bit sideways as an adult — though I recognize that may be just me, and personal noticing. I did think the ending was quite abrupt, but it helps knowing there are more to read.
That being said, the book was quite profound, and struck me deeply at turns, and I think if I'd read this as a child, it would have stayed with me as my own beloved books already mentioned have.
The religious notes were perhaps an element that would have stood out to me less as a child, but was the only thing that struck me a bit sideways as an adult — though I recognize that may be just me, and personal noticing. I did think the ending was quite abrupt, but it helps knowing there are more to read.