by Madeleine L'EngleIt such a good feeling to finally read a book that has been on The List for ages and ages. Thanks to a couple of challenges it finally became pressing to read it.
A Wrinkle in Time is not as subtle with it's Christian teachings as The Chronicles of Narnia and I doubt it would receive a Newbery Award in today's world, so I'm glad it was written when it was. The main theme is the battle of good vs. evil and, in the end, good is triumphant. Woven into the main theme are the ideas of reliance on others, expectations, going it alone, love, family, etc. One of my favorites is the idea that some of the parts of our personalities we regard as weaknesses can become the very strengths we need to succeed.
A favorite quote:
Mrs Whatisit: A sonnet is a very strict form of poetry is it not? There are fourteen lines, I believe, all in iambic pentameter. That's a very strict rhythm or meter, yes? And each line has to end with a rigid rhyme pattern. And if the poet does not do it exactly this way, it is not a sonnet, is it?
Calvin: You mean you're comparing our lives to a sonnet? A strict form, but freedom within it?
Mrs Whatsit: Yes. You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself. What you say is completely up to you.
8 comments:
It's been so long, but I remember really liking this book when I read it. I need to pick it up again one of these days.
I'm so glad you liked it. I didn't pick up the Christian stuff at all. That's because I am a heathen
Why don't you think this book would win the Newbery Award today? I guess a lot of what was so new and different about it (and the book was rejected by tons of publishers, all of whom professed to love it but didn't think it was quite...right) has become acceptable - even expected - in children's books today. I have read this several times, but never comparing it to today's books for children. Interesting!
i remember loving this book as a kid, but we don't exactly pick up on subtle christian undertones when we're 9 (or whatever)!
I think I read this in the 6th grade! Of course, I don't remember a thing about it. I do have it on my list for the Newberry Challenge, so I will get to it!
I too loved this book back in the day. I'd love to make time to read it again. And all it's sequels. I think I only read one of them, and I know there's more.
i haven't read A Wrinkle in Time in a very long time, but i know i loved it (and the sequels) as a child - as i've loved L'Engle's adult novels that i've read more recently.
I so agree with you, and Madeleine, about how our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths. What a great way to look at perceived faults. If only we have the wisdom to use them correctly, and I guess that's where trust and prayer come in. At least for me.
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