Editor’s note: Spoilers ahead for “A Wrinkle in Time.” If you haven’t read it yet, consider this your heads-up — and seriously, what are you waiting for?
“It was a dark and stormy night…” And thus begins the captivating journey in a book that expanded my horizons when I was just nine years old. As an awkward girl in a world that didn’t celebrate nerdiness, books were my refuge. However, it wasn’t until I discovered A Wrinkle in Time that I truly connected with a character. The moment was so impactful and reassuring that it ignited a lifelong passion for reading.
Meg Murry, the unlikely protagonist of this beloved story, often feels invisible in her family dominated by brothers. She’s an outcast with wild curls and glasses, too intelligent to blend in with her peers. I saw myself in her. At nine, I had found my literary twin; is there any experience more profound than that?
For over five decades, Meg Murry has inspired girls everywhere. As one of the first female leads in science fiction, she is unapologetically smart and fiercely vocal. She made it cool to embrace being nerdy. Instead of a fairytale transformation, Meg’s journey emphasizes that she is her own hero without the need for a Prince Charming.
If you have a daughter, I implore you — get her this book immediately!
Meg is no shrinking violet. She is full of anger, impatience, and determination. She isn’t afraid to challenge authority, speak her mind, and engage in conflict. No one tells her to act more “ladylike.” In fact, her greatest flaw, her stubbornness, turns into her most significant strength that ultimately saves the day.
Have you bought the book for your daughter yet? Seriously, go now! You can finish this article later.
The plot unfolds as Meg and her brilliant 5-year-old brother, Charles, embark on a cosmic adventure to rescue their father, a physicist who has been missing for a year. He isn’t lost, though; he’s trapped by a malevolent force known as IT, which looms ominously over the universe and Earth. To save him, Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin venture into Camazotz via a “tesseract” — a wrinkle in time. This dystopian world is ruled by IT, an insidious entity that demands conformity.
As a child, I found the eerie sameness of Camazotz unsettling, with every house and child mirroring one another. The most haunting moment was witnessing children jump rope and bounce balls in perfect unison. Even now, I feel that pressure to conform echoing in my life.
As the story unfolds, Meg, Charles, and Calvin find themselves in a battle against IT. With their father already ensnared, Charles also falls victim to IT’s brainwashing. Meg feels a deep sense of despair, having always been her brother’s protector.
At a critical moment, Meg learns she possesses something that IT lacks; her unique weapon against it. In her desperation and fear, she discovers that LOVE is the true power that can defeat evil. In an emotional moment, she reaches out to her brainwashed brother, pouring her heart out: “Charlie, I love you. Come back to me, come home.” Her unwavering love breaks through IT’s hold, allowing them to embrace, tears streaming down their faces.
In this moment, Meg Murry, a mere 13-year-old girl, becomes the ultimate hero! GIRL POWER!
Long before Katniss Everdeen graced our bookshelves, Meg Murry was paving the way as a fierce female protagonist. She triumphs not in spite of her defiance and stubbornness, but because of them. Every girl should know they can be their own heroes, and their individuality is their strength. Meg Murry taught me to embrace my inner nerd, to value intellect over superficial beauty, and to recognize that I am the author of my own story. As a financially independent single mom, I embody that spirit today.
A Wrinkle in Time remains relevant after more than 50 years because it compellingly portrays the timeless struggle between good and evil. It beautifully intertwines science fiction with archetypal storytelling, delivering the most crucial message of all — love conquers all.
Last night, my daughter read the poignant conclusion aloud to me. She adores the scene where Meg rescues Charles. As a child, that moment brought me to tears, and even now, it stirs deep emotions within me. It’s a reminder we all need, especially in these times when unconditional love is more vital than ever. When faced with despair, it’s easy to forget that love has the power to transform even the direst situations. I learned that lesson at nine; I just needed a reminder.
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Summary
Every girl should read A Wrinkle in Time, as it showcases the importance of individuality, love, and empowerment through the character of Meg Murry, an iconic heroine who demonstrates that strength lies in being true to oneself.
Keyphrase: A Wrinkle in Time
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