Teen Review: A Wrinkle in Time

When Meg Murry’s father goes missing after beginning a time traveling project for the government, she and her younger brother embark on a journey that guides them through time and space. Starting on Earth and ending on ‘Camazotz’, Meg encounters aliens, a trio of mysterious women, and creepy new planets. As they travel with their friend Calvin O’Keefe and their three whimsical guides, they face a growing evil known only as IT. Once they make it to Camzotz, where everyone is expected to be the same, Meg must confront fear and the loss of free will. Throughout the novel, the Murrys learn a powerful lesson about conformity and the strength of a familial bond.  

A Wrinkle in Time has an incredibly strong female protagonist, a relatable, yet flawed teenage girl. Meg Murry has an incredible journey, both physically and emotionally. This book represents individuality and autonomy, and the fight against blind and/or forced compliance. Unfortunately, although Meg and her brother are developed well, side characters feel under baked or flat. For example, despite being an important part of the story, Calvin is a very 2D character. His backstory and motivations are hardly touched on. Overall, it’s a riveting story, and it’s deeply creative and imaginative. On the downside, at times this novel can feel abstract or confusing. A Wrinkle in Time was very progressive when it was first released in 1962, and the story still holds its own today. I’d say this book is worthy of a solid 3.5 stars. A Wrinkle in Time is a great book for kids of any age over 10 or so, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy thought-provoking storylines.