Madeleine L’Engle

Madeleine L’Engle is an author who impressed me early in life. I recall vividly the sense of wonder as I read A Wrinkle in Time. Since it was published in 1962, it was probably a rather new book at the time of my first reading. The concept of travel via the tesseract was fascinating. I think her ability to weave science and magic into a romantic childhood vision of the world was something that captivated me.

A Wind in the Door was published in 1973. I was a soldier in that year, and I don’t recall being aware of the sequel at that time. However, from time to time over the following years I would reread books that affected me in my youth. I suspect that it was sometime in the 1980's that I reread A Wrinkle in Time, and in doing so discovered the sequels.

The third book, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, was published in 1978. As I said, I am not sure just when the nostalgia overcame me and put me back in touch with the series. However, I have had copies in my library for many years.

I just finished rereading the three books a few minutes ago. I am still engaged by the magic that lives so comfortably with science in L’Engle’s world. I relate to the difficulties of growing up experienced by Meg and Charles Wallace. I love the whimsy that embraces the practical in these connected tales. Her vision is huge. Her appreciation of creation is all-embracing.

For me her influence is a warm and special feeling that informed my childhood. Another bit of magic clothed in words, to be invoked again and again.