Remembering the Author of
A Wrinkle in Time
Beloved author of spiritual meditations and fanciful science fiction, Madeleine L’Engle died of natural causes at a nursing home in Litchfield CN on Sept. 6, 2007 at age 88.
L’Engle is most famous for her children’s classic and masterpiece, A Wrinkle in Time. Rejected by 26 publishers, it was finally and enthusiastically accepted by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. The novel won a Newbery Medal in 1963 and to date, has sold eight million copies. The following excerpt is quoted from the NY Times.
"Of course I’m Meg," Ms. L’Engle said about the beloved protagonist of "A Wrinkle in Time."
The St. James Guide to Children’s Writers called Ms. L’Engle "one of the truly important writers of juvenile fiction in recent decades." Such accolades did not come from pulling punches. "Wrinkle" has been one of the most banned books in the United States, accused by religious conservatives of offering an inaccurate portrayal of God and nurturing in the young an unholy belief in myth and fantasy.
Ms. L’Engle, who often wrote about her Christian faith, was taken aback by the attacks. "It seems people are willing to damn the book without reading it," Ms. L’Engle said in an interview with The New York Times in 2001. "Nonsense about witchcraft and fantasy. First I felt horror, then anger, and finally I said, 'Ah, the **** with it.' It’s great publicity, really.""Of course I’m Meg," Ms. L’Engle said about the beloved protagonist of "A Wrinkle in Time."
The book uses concepts that Ms. L’Engle said she had plucked from Einstein’s theory of relativity and Planck’s quantum theory, almost flaunting her frequent assertion that children’s literature is literature too difficult for adults to understand.
"Wrinkle" is part of Ms. L’Engle’s Time series of children’s books, which includes "A Wind in the Door," "A Swiftly Tilting Planet," "Many Waters" and "An Acceptable Time." The series combines elements of science fiction with insights into love and moral purpose.
You can read more about L’Engle’s colorful life at her
Official Website.
Related
1. Take a peek at CT for this tribute to L’Engle, "At the Table With Madeleine." Madeleine's dear friend, Luci Shaw opens with "We were sitting in the old wicker chairs, having tea on the screened-in porch at Crosswicks Cottage…" 2. Also, Dianne at Unfinished Work reflects on L’Engle’s book, A Circle of Quiet with a quote about self-conciousness and creativity.
3. It’s not too late to join Callapidder Days for "Fall Into Reading 2007," Katrina's popular book challenge.
Or consider Kathleen’s "Autumn Reading Challenge 2007" at Rock Creek Rumblings. Sharpen your pencil and make up your list; then tell us all about it!Up Next— Sex Life: Intimate Issues For Christian Women. NEW! Join Marriage Monday here on Oct. 1, 2007
Should some science fiction books be banned?
Photo Credits: L'Engle's Official Website, Christianbook.com
9 Comments:
Thanks so much for collecting this. She is one of my fav. authors.
Science Fiction should definitely not be banned. That doesn't mean I will choose to read everything out there.
I joined Rock Creek Rumblings' challenge, but I think my list is getting further down the page.
So cool. I had no idea she was a Christian! I remember loving the book as a kid. I may have to go read it again(:
Why is it that great minds and original thinkers are often blasted? Is it too hard or scary for people to think beyond the familiar?
I'm stoked that you'll be hosting Marriage Monday! I was just getting involved with it at Christine's and so sorry to see it go. Yea, e-Mom!
As a long-time reader of sci-fi and fantasy, and a fan of the first amendment, I would definitely not ban any of it. HOWEVER, as parents we must be careful which sci-fi and fantasy books we allow our kids to read. I definitely read stuff that was not age-appropriate when I was a kid.
I love L'Engle's writings, too, and I will miss her. I appreciated your tribute.
Nice tribute to L'Engle. Blessings on your weekend!
DebD: Ah, you're a science fiction lover! You seem to be making headway with your reading challenge. Thanks for your blog reviews. :~)
Heather: Thanks for stopping by! It's fun to re-read childhood books, isn't it?
Tami: Yes, it's amazing how many books (and scientific ideas, art movements etc.) are rejected at first.
Yippee! I'm glad you're planning to participate in Marriage Monday over here.
Jana: I'm with you, although honestly, I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi, certainly not like my MIL!
Becky: Nice of you to stop by. L'Engle's reach was broad, and she will indeed be missed.
Vicki: And blessings on your weekend too. Hugs. :~)
I could never understand the fuss about l'engle's books. Certainly, as a child, made me think that God knows me, he really does! They are books that I hope my boy will want to read.
Annette: Very cool. I hope your son enjoys L'Engle too. BTW, nice to meet you! :~)
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