A Wind in the Door Review

A Wind in the Door by Madeline L’Engle is the second book in her middle grade science fiction Time Quintet. It picks up with Meg, Calvin and Charles Wallace shortly after Charles has begun first grade. Things aren’t going well for him. He is being bullied and there is a serious problem with his health. Then they encounter a supernatural being who calls himself their “Teacher” and sets them all assignments with a fellow “student”(a cherubim) with the goal of saving Charles Wallace.

I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It was okay. The story is kind of interesting, but I found it to be very slow and some parts overly scientific (especially with terminology). The scientific content doesn’t seem to fit with the intended age group (too complex). Besides that, It took me forever to figure out what the plot is supposed to be. I did like some of the thoughts presented, like the nature of love (and it not being a feeling) as well as the concept of what is “real” being real regardless of what we think or have experienced. And there were some good lessons in here about patience and understanding others.

It didn’t help my level of enjoyment any that Meg was the character we follow the most; the other familiar ones just weren’t present as much. Not to mention how obnoxious she was. She was whiney and constantly being contrary and obstinate. She showed no real character development until like the last chapter. None of the other characters were very likeable either, except Calvin (who we didn’t see a great deal of). However the cherubim grew on me by the end.

As for the Christian elements, they were definitely there (ex} Biblical creatures). Just like in the first book, L’Engle’s faith is clearly present in the book and I liked that. However, some of the ideas put forward might be a bit over the heads of children and too much for them to try to wrap their minds around.

Overall, I wasn’t that impressed by this one. It wasn’t nearly as good as the first. I do think I will continue with the series to see if it improves, but if it doesn't I may have to drop it.