Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is one of those books that starts out feeling like a strange science-fantasy story and gradually turns into something much deeper about courage, love, and individuality.

The story follows a young girl named Meg Murry, who doesn’t really see herself as special at the beginning. She struggles in school, feels out of place, and is still trying to understand her missing scientist father. When she’s pulled into an inter-dimensional journey with her younger brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O’Keefe, her ordinary world suddenly becomes something much bigger and far more dangerous.

One of the most memorable parts of the book is the idea of “wrinkling” time and space. Instead of travelling in a straight line, the characters move by folding space, which gives the story a slightly surreal, imaginative feeling. It’s not just a science concept—it’s used as a way to show how reality itself can be flexible and strange.

As the journey unfolds, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin encounter powerful beings like Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which. These characters are mysterious and a little odd, speaking in riddles and fragments of ideas, but they guide the children toward understanding the larger conflict they’re facing.

That conflict becomes clearer when they encounter the force known as the Dark Thing, represented through IT. It isn’t just a physical enemy—it represents control, conformity, and the loss of individuality. This makes the stakes of the story feel more emotional than simply adventurous. It’s not just about saving someone; it’s about resisting being taken over mentally and emotionally.

What makes the story especially strong is Meg’s character development. She doesn’t start out confident or heroic. In fact, she often feels unsure of herself and overwhelmed. But those very traits become important later on, because her determination and emotional honesty are what ultimately help her succeed. The book doesn’t frame heroism as being fearless—it presents it as persistence even when you’re afraid or uncertain.

Charles Wallace’s storyline adds tension, especially when he becomes affected by IT. His intelligence and uniqueness, which are strengths at the beginning, become vulnerabilities under its influence. That shift gives the story an emotional edge and raises the stakes in a very personal way.

Calvin also plays an important role as a kind of emotional support between the siblings. He isn’t the main focus, but his presence helps balance Meg’s intensity and Charles Wallace’s complexity, making the group dynamic feel more grounded.

The writing style mixes science fiction ideas with philosophical and emotional themes. It moves between abstract concepts and very human moments, which gives the book a unique tone. Some parts feel almost poetic, especially when discussing ideas like light versus darkness, individuality, and love as a force.

A Wrinkle in Time is about accepting what makes people different and finding strength in those differences rather than hiding them. Meg’s journey is not just physical—it’s also about learning to trust herself and understand that emotional depth is not a weakness.

The tale combines science fiction adventure with emotional and philosophical ideas in a way that feels imaginative and meaningful. Through Meg’s journey and the strange worlds she travels through, it explores courage, identity, and the power of love in a way that stays memorable long after finishing the book.

READ IT NOW!!