"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L’Engle stands as a testament to the intermingling of science and imagination, underscored by the influence of iconic physicists like Albert Einstein and Max Planck. L’Engle’s bold narrative embarks on a cosmic journey, challenging authoritarian power with the formidable force of love and human individuality. Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers and forlorn expectations, the novel achieved unexpected acclaim, clinching the Newbery Medal in 1963.

The Unfolding of an Unconventional Tale

The narrative begins in the Murry household, introducing readers to Meg Murry, her mother, and her uniquely gifted brother, Charles Wallace, as they navigate a seemingly ordinary day. Meg, a bright yet misunderstood high school student, struggles with societal norms and bears the burden of defending Charles, who, despite his young age and telepathic abilities, is perceived as different. Their mother, a biologist, works in her home laboratory, while their father, a physicist, seemingly vanished a year ago while working on a classified government project. His mysterious disappearance fuels town gossip and isolates Meg further, leaving her clinging to the hope of his return.

Quantum Leaps: The Tesseract

The story takes a turn when Mrs. Whatsit, an enigmatic old woman, enters the Murry home and casually mentions a "tesseract." This concept, a means of wrinkling time and transcending space, captivates the family, especially Meg, who soon embarks on an epic journey to find her lost father. With Charles Wallace and Calvin, a reliable yet unexpected ally from school, Meg travels through alternate realities, guided by Mrs. Whatsit and her companions.

In their quest, the trio visits a planet shrouded in darkness, where an insidious shadow is consuming stars and worlds. This menacing force is responsible for imprisoning Mr. Murry. In stark contrast, they also witness a planet suffused with love, offering a glimpse of pure, unadulterated harmony.

Confronting the Darkness

Ultimately, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin reach Camazotz, a planet stripped of individuality and dominated by conformity. Although this regimented existence unsettles Meg, it paradoxically provides a strange comfort, echoing her unexamined desire for acceptance. Here, they find Mr. Murry held captive, and the young protagonists must face the sinister entity known as IT to release him. Although Meg successfully escapes with her father and Calvin, IT ensnares Charles Wallace, leaving him behind.

Love as Redemption

Disillusioned by her father's inability to solve everything, Meg plunges into despair. It is through the wisdom of her newfound acquaintances that Meg learns to overcome her fears and self-doubt. She realizes that rescuing Charles Wallace is her responsibility, armed with the transformative power of love, which she must wield against IT. This realization empowers her to succeed, liberating Charles Wallace and reuniting him with their father and Calvin.

Return and Transformation

Their journey concludes as they traverse the tesseract back to the Murry garden, where time appears to have stood still. Mrs. Murry and the twins, Dennys and Sandy, remain blissfully unaware of the cosmic odyssey. However, Meg emerges transformed, with a profound understanding of love that transcends societal constructs. Embracing her newfound courage and insight, she stands ready to face whatever lies ahead.

In A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, the narrative navigates a complex interplay of moral and philosophical themes, standing apart from overt religious exposition despite the author's Christian background. Within the story, Earth's champions against the malevolent force known as IT include not only Jesus but also Buddha, Gandhi, Einstein, and Michelangelo, reflecting a broad and inclusive interpretation of heroism and virtue. Central to the novel is the theme of unselfish love—a concept that resonates with many religious traditions. L'Engle's characters are often faced with decisions that pit self-interest against altruism, invariably discovering that the latter path yields deeper wisdom and joy.

The book contrasts two distinct realms: the oppressive world of Camazotz, dominated by IT, symbolizes the nature of evil, while Earth, described as merely "shadowed," is engaged in a struggle against complete domination by darkness. This dichotomy underscores L'Engle's focus on salvation, not only on a universal level but also at the individual scale. It is in these personal struggles that the heart of the narrative is found, suggesting that each personal choice can significantly influence the broader fight between good and evil.

With its Newbery Award-winning narrative, A Wrinkle in Time reimagines juvenile fiction by featuring female protagonists as the central, more effective characters. Meg Murry, one of the lead characters, defies traditional gender roles, employing traits often viewed as feminine—impatience, anger, and stubbornness—as assets rather than flaws. These traits, highlighted by Mrs. Whatsit as Meg's strengths, propel her through the story's challenges. Her impatience drives her bold actions, such as her daring rescue of her father, while her anger and stubborn determination protect her brother Charles Wallace from being consumed by IT.

Meg’s journey is bolstered by the nurturing support of other female characters. Her mother, Mrs. Murry, balances her intellectual pursuits with her maternal role, always providing care and encouragement. On the planet Uriel, Mrs. Whatsit, in the form of a flying horse, shelters Meg, while Aunt Beast provides care and comfort after Meg's encounter with the Dark Thing. These acts of maternal care empower Meg to enact her mission, highlighting the value of "womanly" traits in the face of adversity.

L’Engle's story transcends its science fiction genre, offering timeless reflections on love, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle against darkness. Through her characters and their choices, she invites readers to consider the ripple effect of their actions within the larger cosmic battle against evil, emphasizing the power and responsibility carried in everyday decisions.

The story begins at the Murrys' farm in New England. The children's physicist father vanished mysteriously some time ago, and their mother, also a scientist, waits patiently for his return. The setting soon shifts away from Earth when five-year-old Charles Wallace encounters three peculiar old ladies. These ladies take the children on an adventure through space and time. Eventually, they arrive at the planet Camazotz, where the Murrys' father is imprisoned in a glass column, trapped in suspended animation. Camazotz resembles a normal world gone disastrously wrong; everyone behaves identically, controlled by the malevolent force known as IT.

The narrative craft of Madeleine L'Engle in A Wrinkle in Time intricately entwines a swift-moving plot with a deep moral exploration, creating a vibrant tableau of characters and themes. The novel, imbued with elements of both fantasy and spirituality, mirrors the moral struggles and imaginary landscapes found in the works of literary greats such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At its core, the book delves into profound questions of good versus evil, while simultaneously offering an emotionally resonant portrayal of its young protagonists.

Shared Visions and Original Contributions

Both L'Engle and C.S. Lewis depict Earth as a realm plagued by the forces of darkness, yet filled with potential for heroic acts. They introduce the concept of an "unwilling hero," a character who reluctantly yet courageously shoulders burdens. This echoes through L'Engle’s narrative style, which also features vague depictions of space and time travel, disembodied brains, and angelic interventions. However, L'Engle's work is distinct in its emphasis on family as the source of human wholeness, evident in the significant role family plays in the lives of her characters.

Narrative Craft and Symbolic Depth

L'Engle's skill in narrative construction is demonstrated through her deft integration of literary influences, drawing from the Bible, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and the fantastical worlds of Lewis and Tolkien. The cosmos she presents is filled with mythic and fairy tale creatures that allegorize Christian themes. This imaginative setting not only serves the story's plot but also enriches its moral tapestry, ensuring that the allegory resonates deeply with readers.

Authentic Character Dynamics

The authenticity of L'Engle's characters—particularly the young protagonists Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin—enhances the emotional accessibility of the novel. These characters are vividly drawn, embodying the common fears and uncertainties of childhood. Their struggles and triumphs are portrayed with nuance, providing relatable touchstones for readers who may have faced similar challenges. This portrayal fosters a sincere connection with the audience, as readers see reflections of themselves in the Murry siblings and Calvin.

Emotional Insight and Complexity

L'Engle's sensitivity to the inner lives of her characters affords a depth to their development that is both engaging and enlightening. The emotional journeys of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin are chronicled with care, allowing the narrative to explore themes of personal growth without overshadowing the characters' individuality. This approach ensures that the character arcs remain compelling and grounded in a reality that speaks to young readers’ own experiences.

A Legacy of Literary Tradition

L'Engle's work contributes to a rich literary heritage, melding imaginative storytelling with exploration of existential themes. Her use of Christian and mythical motifs draws a line of continuity with the fantasy tradition of Lewis and Tolkien, yet she maintains a distinct voice that underscores her narrative expertise. Her ability to unify these elements into a seamless whole testifies to her storytelling prowess and her dedication to addressing fundamental human questions through the medium of fiction.

A Wrinkle in Time thus emerges as a narrative that transcends the boundaries of a simple adventure, offering a complex meditation on the cosmic struggle between light and darkness. Through her masterful blend of intricate themes, vibrant characterizations, and symbolic richness, L'Engle ensures her novel remains impactful, resonating across generations of readers.

A Wrinkle in Time is the inaugural book in a series often referred to as the Time Trilogy, which also includes A Wind in the Door and A Swiftly Tilting Planet. In 1986, L'Engle expanded the series by adding a fourth book, Many Waters. Each novel centers on different members of the Murry family as they continue their fight against the forces of darkness threatening the universe.

In A Wind in the Door, Meg must assist Charles Wallace in preventing a tear in the galaxy that could annihilate Earth. Rather than journeying to distant planets, Meg, Calvin, and Mr. Jenkins—the school principal who has caused Meg much distress—venture into Charles Wallace's cells to combat a virus. They are aided by a cherubim named Proginoskes, who sacrifices his life for his friends. Many critics consider this second book the least satisfying of the series.

The third book, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, features Charles Wallace and a unicorn named Gaudior traveling through time and space to solve a puzzle that could prevent nuclear war. Meg, now married to Calvin and expecting a child, remains at home and communicates with her brother via telepathy, known as "kything." The puzzle is ultimately solved by Mrs. O'Keefe, who had a minor role in the earlier books. The final installment, Many Waters, follows the twins, Sandy and Dennys, as they experience love and self-sacrifice while living with Noah and his family during the days leading up to the great flood.

Kingman, Lee, ed. Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books, 1956-1965. Boston: Horn Book, 1965. This article on L'Engle features an excerpt from A Wrinkle in Time, her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, and a charming biographical piece by her husband, Hugh Franklin.

L'Engle, Madeleine. Trailing Clouds of Glory: Spiritual Values in Children's Literature. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975. This work explores the necessity for children's literature to offer spiritual guidance, including excerpts from numerous classic children's books that L'Engle believes meet this need.

Newquist, Roy. Conversations. Skokie, IL: Rand McNally, 1967. This book provides a concise discussion of many themes L'Engle addresses in her autobiographical work A Circle of Quiet.

Townsend, John Rowe. A Sense of Story: Essays on Contemporary Writers for Children. London: Longman, 1971. The essay on L'Engle offers a thematic analysis of the Austin and Murry books and includes an excerpt from a paper she presented in 1964.