by Madeleine L'Engle
Flap Copy Description:
This powerful collection of short stories traces an emotional arc inspired by Madeleine L'Engle's early life and career, from her lonely childhood in New York to her life as a mother in a small-town Connecticut. In a selection of eighteen stories curated by one of L'Engle's granddaughters, we see how L'Engle's personal experiences and stormy faith informed the creation of her many cherished works.
A child learns, for the first time, that there are more important things in life than the immediate fulfillment of her desires; a young woman grapples with societal expectations regarding motherhood and self-determination; a young man returns to his childhood home, aggrieved to find his parents' health deteriorating before his eyes; a mother and daughter confront their changing relationship when a suitor comes calling; a cryptologist searches for habitable planets after nuclear devastation on Earth. In L'Engle's beautifully distilled world, characters young and old navigate the highs and lows of life, experiencing the agonizing beauty of everyday.
Some of these stories have never been published; others were refashioned into scenes for her novels and memoirs. Almost all were written in the 1940's & '50's, from L'Engle's college years to just before the publication of A Wrinkle in Time. From realism to science fiction to fantasy, there's something for everyone in this magical collection.
My Thoughts:
This amazing anthology of short stories by Madeleine L'Engle is a beautiful addition to the iconic author's repertoire. While most readers are familiar with Ms. L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, reading this eclectic collection will give you a deeper appreciation of the legendary author's literary prowess. I highly recommend The Moment of Tenderness to readers of all ages!
Click here to learn about the extraordinary author, Madeleine L'Engle.
