A Wrinkle in Time

Introduction

Drawn in by the brilliantly atmospheric opening as the storm whirls and swirls around the house, this is an exceptional book that takes readers on a remarkable journey; it matches excitement and imagination with pathos in a story that fizzes with intelligence and energy. And it’s an energy that comes from a very proper source — a belief in the myriad opportunities that science can offer.

Meg needs to find her father. His disappearance is mysterious and inexplicable. Nasty teachers and school friends hint at him just taking off and leaving his family; but Meg knows better and she is determined that he’ll come home — even if it means she’ll have to travel through time and space to find him.

And that is just what she does. Accompanied by her new friend Calvin and her little brother Charles Wallace, both of whom have very unusual powers, Meg sets off with Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which, three strange neighbours who promise to help. It’s a journey fraught with danger. Survival depends on relying both on intelligence — of the most questioning scientific kind — and love.

Written almost half a century ago, A Wrinkle in Time is a journey through time itself, and stands the test of time quite remarkably. Helped by adaptations for television and other media, it has sold over eight million copies worldwide, making Madeleine L’Engle, who died in 2007, one of the bestselling and best-loved American children’s authors.