This is one of my very favorite books (which might come as a surprise considering it’s significantly different than my usual taste in books), and I have read it at least three times all the way through. It’s hard to say exactly what I love about it. There are so many elements that stand out, and there are new layers to be found every time I reread the books.
Stories of the Supernatural
If you’ve read or heard anything about this book before, I’m sure you know that it is known for its supernatural, sci-fi effects. This turns some people off, and there have been countless times that I’ve suggested this book only to be told that they had already read it and very much disliked it. And I don’t even blame them, because the first time I read it I hated it too. But thankfully I gave it another chance, and I am so very glad I did. It takes a certain kind of taste to enjoy this type of writing, but I wish more people would give it a real try.
The writing in this book (which is absolutely incredible, for one thing) beautifully illustrates and gives life to ideas and concepts and truths and aren’t typical to our common lives. While not every aspect of the books can be taken literally as real, it does shift our perspective so that we can see what is true in a different light. That’s what makes it not only a delightful, but also a powerful story that always gives me something new to think on and grow from.
As a Christian, I highly suggest this book to you. It might seem to hold some bizarre and questionable concepts, but I’m confident that it also has the ability to grow you in new ways.
Characters with Flaws
Something I appreciate about the characters in A Wrinkle in Time is their raw, and relatable imperfections. Many books give their character’s flaws, but very few of them go so far as this book does. L’Engle doesn’t shy away from showing rough edges and the ugly sides most of us prefer to hide.
L’Engle presents every character without fear of turning the reader away by their bad side, and that is something very rare among books. Meg’s faults are very strong, and loud, and at times downright infuriating to read, but that’s why they are so painfully true. Sometimes it’s hard to find ourselves so honestly portrayed on paper, but that also makes it so incredible to read and remember that our flaws don’t have to be something that stops us.
Final Thoughts
I have been devouring Madeleine L’Engle’s books lately, as you might have observed. A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog post about her other series, The Austin Family Chronicles (which you can find here 😉 ).
But today is all about A Wrinkle in Time, and I want to hear your opinion! Have you read it? If so, did you like or dislike it, and for what reasons? Let me know in the comments!
For the Love of Stories 
I’ve never read A Wrinkle in Time, but it’s always sounded so interesting. Maybe it’s time I pick it up!
Also, I wanted to let you know I just nominated you for the sunshine blogger award! Here’s my post: https://faithfictionandfairytales.wordpress.com/2024/04/22/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
I’d love it if you’d participate, but no pressure, of course!! Thank you for your enthusiasm and all the light you’re shining 🙂
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Thank you so much for nominating me, Hannah! That means a lot!
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I began listening to A Wrinkle in Time with my dad, but we had to turn it off mid-way through (which made me sad b/c I’d really been enjoying it) because my dad didn’t like that part where the kids are up in space, and they are talking about all the ones who brought “light” into the world and fought the “shadow”. In that part they list off many names including Gandhi, Buddha, Galileo, and… Jesus. Neither me or my dad liked that they grouped Jesus, who is the Son of God Himself, with all the rest like that. What do you think about it?
I definitely think Madeline L’Engle was not a Christian, and her view of things was a little mixed up.
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That’s very interesting that you would point that out. It was a scene that definitely bothered me as well for the same reasons. Jesus is not merely a man to be categorized with other men; He is God.
You’re probably right about Madeleine L’Engle’s beliefs. She definitely portrays certain things in the wrong or slanted light at times, which is a little discouraging when I love the majority of her writing so much. The way I look at it when I’m reading books like hers is first of all to understand that not everything I read will be biblically true and therefore to use discernment while reading. But even if some of her views were mixed up, I have still benefited and learned from much of her writing, so that’s why I continue to read and talk about her books. I think she really did understand some deep truths, even if some of her beliefs were misguided. It’s a lot like how I feel about L.M. Montgomery’s books (she is one of my favorite authors of all time). Some of her ideas fail to align with what Scripture teaches, but there is also a lot of beauty and hope in her writing as well, and I have learned to love the good in her books while still being careful what I allow myself to believe. Above all, discernment is crucial when reading anything.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic! I really appreciate having this discussion. 🙂 I would love to hear any more thoughts you have!
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