Madeleine L'Engle
When A Wrinkle in Time was published in 1962, it was hailed as a profoundly Christian novel. These days, it regularly appears on banned-books lists. "Not one word of the book has changed," notes writer Madeleine L'Engle, the grande dame of young-adult fantasy and science fiction. Wrinkle, her most famous book, depicts the battle between good and evil, in a storyline that weaves its way among different dimensions and planets. It's a mind-stretching read that stirs together the theory of relativity, the resilience of human nature and a strong religious faith. Why, then, would parents challenge the book? "People have a new fear. The fundamentalists are very afraid of imagination," says L'Engle, author of some 40 books. Deeply religious herself, she figures that fundamentalists think imagination is a bad thing. For writers, L'Engle believes, imagination is key. Without it, their books-and their readers-will suffer from "a lack of joy, and fun, and laughter."
Wrinkle was rejected by 29 publishers. When asked why she kept trying, L'Engle replied " Stubbornness." I just don't like to quit. You might even call me pigheaded. If you believe in it, don't quit. We don't know what sells. If we knew what sold, every book would be a best seller! You write what you have to write. If you're trying to write for the market, you're not listening to your book-you're listening to your market. You're not going to have any surprises. My books always surprise me. I remember writing in my journal, "I will rewrite it for years if I find an editor who wants to make it better. But I won't change a word to make it worse for someone who doesn't understand."
At a program for fourth-graders to hear about the books they liked, one person suggested "problem" novels. L'Engle reported the words of one kid who said, "I live that. Why should I read it?" He felt that fantasies were more relevant to his life.
Kids, apparently, DO understand. At the time of the Bay of Pigs, somebody asked a librarian what book meant the most to kids during that time. She said Wrinkle because it gave them courage. L'Engle is making a difference in their lives, and is making a difference in her own: by writing about things she cares about.
Contributor: Donna Freedman
Reviews
Troubling a StarMadeleine L'Engle
L'Engle fans are always waiting for her most recent release. In her latest book, she returns to tell another story about Vicky Austin, a heroine who made clear her respect and admiration for older people in Ring of Endless Light. Now her affinity for older people leads her to Aunt Serena, a ninety-year-old woman who's as wealthy as she is wise. Vicky travels to Antarctica on a ship filled with people of advanced age. They are there to comfort, console, and protect her through the danger and intrigue of her journey. As in all her books, L'Engle leaves her readers caring deeply about new characters and wondering about the meaning of the universe. 1994, Farrar Strauss Giroux, Ages 11 up, $16.00 and $4.50. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-374-37783-9
ISBN: 0-440-21950-7 Troubling a Star
Madeleine L'Engle
This is a marvelous young adult story of mystery, social/political issues, and an adolescent crush. Vicky Austin has returned to rural Connecticut feeling totally out of place. She develops a crush on her brother's best friend, Adam, who, in turn, introduces Vicky to elderly Aunt Serena. Vicky and Aunt Serena delight in each other's company. For her 16th birthday, Aunt Serena surprises everyone by giving Vicky a two-week trip to Antarctica, where coincidentally Adam is working. As the tale spins, Vicky finds herself in confusing circumstances--her relationship with Adam, nuclear waste disposal, drug trafficking, international spies, and the fragile environment of Antarctica. 1995 (orig. 1994), Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 12 up, $16.00 and $4.99. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-374-37783-9
ISBN: 0-440-21950-7
For more on Madeleine L'Engle, go to her website at www.madeleinelengle.com
Added 1999
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