Banned Books: A Wrinkle in Time

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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle



Meg is unknowingly about to take place in adventure through time and space. Her father, a scientist working for the government, hasn’t been heard from in over a year when the letters he had been sending home abruptly stopped. Charles Wallace, Meg’s little brother, has made friends with an unlikely trio, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, who are making preparations for the two children to help their father. The classified studies Mr. Murry was participating in has taken him to a place that only Meg, Charles Wallace and their unlikely companion, Calvin, can save him. They will have to come together and focus not only on their strengths but their weaknesses if they want to rescue Mr. Murry and return home alive.
                A Wrinkle in Time is a young adult, science fiction novel. The protagonists Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin are dealing with forces they have never imagined and struggle to understand. They are approached with the most unlikely circumstances and forced to tackle challenges that would make most adults cringe. Meg, who has become unruly after her father’s disappearance, has the most to overcome. Charles Wallace, the youngest of the three, is surprisingly the most talented and self-assured. Though slow to develop, he is extremely in tune to with the emotions of others and communicates very well. Calvin, the only child involved that is not part of the Murry family, is looking for a family and finds comfort in the Murry clan. Together we see bonds formed between the three children that will take them through time and space on an incredible adventure.
                L’Engle created a very original and imaginative novel. This is a great introduction to the science fiction genre. It has complex ideas and a vivid imagery that stretches the boundaries of the imagination. As a child I wasn’t a big fan of this novel. The writing is amazing but I wasn’t entranced by the story. Even know I’m not captivated by the world that was created or the story that was being told. I can however completely respect the complex nature created by L’Engle and can see how people have fallen in love with this story. It’s a completely different view of the world and how it’s lived. It is full of science, which I love, but the undertones of fantasy to me were overwhelming. This novel has always attracted a lot of attention because of the themes it discusses which are a mix of science and religion. It has biblical references and even discusses Jesus within its pages. It is because of some of these religious undertones that this book has been banned. The Jerry Falwell ministries has challenged the book because of its references to God in what they consider to be an undermining fashion. It was even banned in Alabama because it referenced Jesus and secular artist in relation to one another. I find it absurd when people use religion to block others from enjoying literature. If it’s a question of faith, then I doubt a fictional novel about kids and space travel will affect the belief of faithful. The removal of this novel then becomes one based on fear and ignorance. I might not have loved this novel but I’m sure someone else will for a number of reasons.


“Banned Book Awareness: A Wrinkle in Time” Baldassarro, Wolf    http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/12/05/banned-books-awareness-wrinkle-time/

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