A Wrinkle in Time Book Summary

A Wrinkle in Time is a timeless science fiction novel that explores the imaginative journey of two siblings and their friend as they embark on a perilous adventure to rescue their father. Written by Madeleine L’Engle, the book stars Meg Murry, a young girl who is often bullied by her peers due to her father’s sudden disappearance.

Together with her gifted but peculiar brother Charles Wallace and their new friend Calvin O’Keefe, Meg embarks on a journey to find and rescue her father from a dark and evil force known only as “The IT.” The trio is aided on their quest by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which who they meet along the way.

The novel is set in a world that revolves around cutting-edge scientific concepts, such as time travel and space travel. As the characters travel through time and space, they encounter the wonders of the universe, including other dimensions. Throughout their journey, the characters face numerous obstacles, including dangerous creatures, hostile environments, and a malevolent brain known as “The IT.”

L’Engle’s classic novel provides a timeless tale of good versus evil, love, and self-discovery, making it a must-read for anyone who loves science fiction. The story has captivated audiences for decades and has become a beloved classic of children’s literature, inspiring numerous adaptations, including a graphic novel, a stage play, and a feature film.

A Wrinkle in Time is a thrilling novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time and space, packed with adventure, danger, and excitement. Its protagonist Meg Murry has inspired generations of readers to be brave, strong, and kind even in the face of adversity.

Book Description

A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The book follows the journey of Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace, two curious and intelligent children, as they seek to rescue their father from the clutches of an evil entity known as The IT. Along the way, they are joined by their peer, Calvin O’Keefe, who proves to be a valuable ally on their cosmic adventure.

The children are transported through space and time, encountering otherworldly beings, strange planets, and new dimensions. Their journey is facilitated by three mysterious women: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. These beings provide the children with unique gifts and knowledge that help them in their quest to save their father and the universe from darkness.

The novel is a thrilling adventure, full of twists and turns that keep readers engaged. L’Engle’s masterful use of language and vivid descriptions paint a picture of the fantastical and keep readers turning the pages. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves science fiction, adventure, and the power of the human spirit to triumph over evil.

Character Analysis

In A Wrinkle in Time, the main character is Meg Murry, a young girl who struggles with fitting in due to her father’s unexplained disappearance. Meg is a highly intelligent girl who has a tendency to be stubborn and angry. She is an outcast at school and often gets teased by her peers.

Meg’s younger brother, Charles Wallace, is even more intelligent than Meg. Although he only speaks to a few people, he has a close relationship with the Mrs. W’s; Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, who help Meg and Charles on their inter-dimensional journey.

Calvin O’Keefe, one of Meg’s classmates, joins them on their journey and serves as a source of comfort and support for Meg. Calvin is described as being kind-hearted, brave, and empathetic.

Throughout the novel, Meg’s character experiences growth and development. She learns to accept herself and the things that make her unique, and becomes more confident as she progresses through her journey. Charles Wallace, on the other hand, remains a mysterious and enigmatic character throughout the book.

L’Engle’s characterization is nuanced and complex, and her depiction of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin has captivated readers of all ages for decades. The dynamic relationships between the characters and their growth throughout the book make for compelling reading.

Analysis

A Wrinkle in Time is a book that delves deep into complex themes such as the power of love and the nature of evil. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin’s journey through the universe brings to light the importance of the love and bond they share. The dichotomy of good and evil is a central theme in the book, with the mysterious entity known as The IT serving as the embodiment of evil. The three Mrs. characters offer support and guide the young protagonists in their fight against The IT.

L’Engle’s use of scientific concepts such as space-time and the fourth dimension further adds to the depth of the book. The tesseract, which is a four-dimensional object, serves as the mode of transportation for Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin. The incorporation of scientific concepts into the plot of the book makes it unique and adds an element of intrigue.

L’Engle’s use of Christian allegory has been a point of discussion among readers and scholars. The book’s themes of love, hope, and faith are reminiscent of Christian teachings. The presence of guardian angels in the form of the three Mrs. characters and the concept of the power of love overcoming evil are examples of Christian allegory in the book.

Reviews

A Wrinkle in Time has been a controversial book since its publication in 1962. While many praise the book’s imaginative storytelling and its exploration of complex themes such as the power of love and the nature of evil, there are also criticisms about its pacing and character development.

• Positive Reviews:
• “A Wrinkle in Time is a truly unique book, that blends science fiction and fantasy with Christian allegory to create a masterpiece of storytelling.” – The New York Times Book Review
• “L’Engle’s writing is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Meg Murry and her companions. The book explores complex themes in a way that all ages can understand and appreciate.” – School Library Journal
• Negative Reviews:
• “While the book has moments of brilliance, the pacing can be slow at times, and the characters are not as fully developed as they could be.” – Kirkus Reviews
• “I found the Christian allegory to be heavy-handed and distracting, and the science fiction elements were not well-explained.” – Goodreads Review

Despite these criticisms, A Wrinkle in Time has become a beloved classic and has inspired generations of readers to explore the worlds of science and literature.

Details

A Wrinkle in Time is a timeless classic and was first published in 1962. The book has since become a beloved favorite and has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1963. The book’s success has continued throughout the years, with millions of copies sold and translations in over 30 languages.

The book has been adapted into several stage plays, including a highly popular production by the Columbia Children’s Theatre in 2015 featuring special effects and intricate costumes. In addition to the live stage productions, the book has also been adapted into a graphic novel illustrated by Hope Larson in 2012.

One of the most significant adaptations of the book is the feature film released in 2018, directed by Ava DuVernay and starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Storm Reid as Meg. The film adaptation deviates from the book in several aspects, but remains true to the book’s core themes and messages.

The world of A Wrinkle in Time has also inspired a plethora of fan art and creative works from artists around the world. Its themes of love, courage, and determination continue to inspire and resonate with readers of all ages.

• Publication date: 1962
• Awards: Newbery Medal (1963), Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1965), Sequoyah Book Award (1965), and more.
• Adaptations: stage plays, graphic novel, feature film directed by Ava DuVernay (2018)
• Translations: The book has been translated into over 30 languages, including Dutch, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese.

News about A Wrinkle in Time

In 2018, A Wrinkle in Time was adapted into a film directed by Ava DuVernay. The movie starred Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling as the three Mrs. characters. The film was released to mixed reviews from both audiences and critics.

The movie did receive praise for its visual effects and its diverse casting, which included many actors of color. However, some viewers were disappointed that the film did not remain completely faithful to the book’s plot and themes.

Despite the mixed reviews, the film was still notable for its message of empowerment and individuality, which is a theme that has resonated with many readers of the book over the years.

the release of the film was a major event for fans of the book and introduced a new generation of viewers to the world of A Wrinkle in Time.

Ratings

A Wrinkle in Time, a classic science fiction novel by Madeleine L’Engle, has garnered high ratings from readers and literary critics alike. The book has an average rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 on Goodreads, a popular online platform for book reviews and recommendations. Readers have praised the book’s imaginative storytelling, its relatable characters, and its themes of love, faith, and courage.

A Wrinkle in Time has an impressive rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. Many readers have lauded the book for its fascinating plot, its incorporation of scientific concepts, and its relatable portrayal of Meg and her journey through time and space. The high ratings on both platforms are a testament to the significance of the book in the world of science fiction and literature.

The book’s popularity and high ratings have led to numerous adaptations, including stage plays, a graphic novel, and a feature film. The book’s legacy continues to inspire readers of all ages, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

Book Notes

A Wrinkle in Time is known for its striking combination of science fiction and spirituality, introducing young readers to complex scientific concepts that remained untouched before. The book abounds with allusions to philosophy and religion, particularly Christian allegories.

L’Engle’s subtle exploration of themes such as love, faith, and individuality sets the book apart from other young adult novels with similar subject matter. The characters’ unique personalities and their connections with one another highlight the significance of relationships and love in the face of an evil force.

The book’s impact on popular culture and the literary canon cannot be overstated. As an early example of young adults literature with a strong science-fiction slant, A Wrinkle in Time remains popular among educators and scholars alike. The impact of the work is far-reaching, extending beyond literature to science and technology. The novel’s influence continues to inspire a new generation of young readers and aspiring writers.