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The theme of the value of the individual and freedom is a worthy one in my opinion and kids will enjoy the story without noticing any of the problems that bothered me. Evil is represented by the planet of Camazotz, which is obviously meant to evoke an authoritarian communist society.
They are aided in their quest by three alien beings: Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which. With their help Meg and her brother travel throughout the galaxy, learn what has happened to their father and confront a monstrous evil.'A Wrinkle in Time' reminded me a lot of what would happen if CS Lewis had written his 'Space Trilogy' for children.
''A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle tells the story of Meg Murray, a sullen adolescent, who with her very precocious younger brother is trying to find their father, missing while on a secret government mission. Written in the late fifties the book describes the battle between good and evil.
However L'Engle is not as good a writer as Lewis, and the plot is a little bit of a mess. Like Lewis's Narnian Chronicles there is a Christian theme to this book, but it is much more overt.
Subtlety is not L'Engle's strong suit, although to be fair it is a kid's book. It is a good book to introduce them to fantasy and science fiction, especially for young girls, as Meg is an admirable heroine.
We spent money on an item that we couldn't use. It was not clear that this was a radio play based on the book. Had we known that, we wouldn't have ordered.
I purchased the audio of A Wrinkle In Time for my classroom - I use it for my special needs students and also for students who have missed class while we read together (it is a quick way to catch up). I was excited to hear Madeline L'Engle read the story, but my students found her voice a bit tedious. My colleague and I have used this story as a science fiction genre unit for several years - the students love it.
Meg is smart but rebellious, fiercely protective of her unusual family. I can't say that I was mislead. I have often heard people comment about how good this book is, but I've never taken the time to read it before now. She and her brother, Charles Wallace, are about to go on a journey through space and time to find their long absent father, and in the process, confront an evil so powerful that it threatens to engulf them all.Written with vivid imagery, this story is a fantasy wrapped inside some of the conventional trappings of science-fiction. This is a highly imaginative tale of good vs. evil, told from the point of view of young Meg Murry. Along the way, we consider the nature of evil, how it robs people of their individuality and choice. In the end, discovering the one thing evil can't do will be the key to Meg's victory.
No matter what the rest of the story conveys, I am completely revulsed by the notion she presents that Jesus was a fighter. I re-read this book from my childhood and I'm very disappointed with particular messages Madeleine presents to children. He is not a fighter, but represents peace & love spreading the word of the Father on this earth for all to follow. I think enough has been said about stars (angels). being conceived as witches to "play a joke" on everyone and the centaur appearance of the other "angels". Also, Jesus has already won the battle for us. All of these ignorant statements in this book by Madeleine need to be pulled before I will even think about looking at this book or sharing it with others.
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