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Madeleine L'Engle
Madeleine L'Engle
Obituary
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Madeleine L'Engle Obituary
L'Engle died Thursday at a nursing home in Litchfield of natural causes, according to Jennifer Doerr, publicity manager for publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
The Newbery Medal winner wrote more than 60 books, including fantasies, poetry and memoirs, often highlighting spiritual themes and her Christian faith.
Although L'Engle was often labeled a children's author, she disliked that classification. In a 1993 Associated Press interview, she said she did not write down to children.
"In my dreams, I never have an age," she said. "I never write for any age group in mind. When people do, they tend to be tolerant and condescending and they don't write as well as they can write.
"When you underestimate your audience, you're cutting yourself off from your best work."
"A Wrinkle in Time" — which L'Engle said was rejected repeatedly before it found a publisher in 1962 — won the American Library Association's 1963 Newbery Medal for best American children's book. Her "A Ring of Endless Light" was a Newbery Honor Book, or medal runner-up, in 1981.
In 2004, President Bush awarded her a National Humanities Medal.
"Wrinkle" tells the story of adolescent Meg Murry, her genius little brother Charles Wallace, and their battle against evil as they search across the universe for their missing father, a scientist.
L'Engle followed it up with further adventures of the Murry children, including "A Wind in the Door," 1973; "A Swiftly Tilting Planet," 1978, which won an American Book Award; and "Many Waters," 1986.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
65 Entries
Rosemarie Iwasa
February 9, 2014
The world lost an eloquent writer.
Eva Simon
December 8, 2013
Madeleine L'Engle, my favorite author, her works were encourgaging and strengthened me during trials in my life. I read "A Wrinkle In Time" over and over till this cover came off. I was the kid who read with a flashlight in bed. Her writing taught me to be strong and never quit. I grew to love reading even more and came to enjoy writing as well. I even wrote a paper in highschool about her. No one could ever fill her shoes, we can only strive to fill our own.
Diane Lehmann
October 19, 2010
I was never much of a reader when I was young but had two teachers that read to the class in grade school. My 4th grade teacher read us the "Little House on the Prarie" books and my 5th grade teacher started reading "A Wrinkle in Time". The rest of the class didn't like the book but for me it was magical! He stated reading something else instead but I began to read "A wrinkle in Time" and have never stopped reading since. I have probably read several thousand books and "A Wrinkle in Time" 10+ times. It is indead a magical book. Diane Lehmann (Gig Harbor, WA)
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Julie Sprinkle
August 7, 2010
Thank you for making me a lifelong reader!
Lois Taitague
January 5, 2010
I grew up in Goshen, Connecticut and remember when Hugh Franklin and Madeleine bought the small general store, and the excited buzz around town. I remember looking with wonder at the woman I was told was a famous author and her actor husband. I was probably 12 or 13 at the time, just starting high school. In my mind I always see her as an older woman; I have only just discovered that she was probably only in her mid-30s!! It's as close as I've ever come to someone who eventually became one of my favorite authors, and remains one of my favorite memories.
Eileen Whittingham
December 5, 2009
What a gift to give a childhood memory- I can still smell the pages and binding of the book as I traveled through time; Charles Wallace, the "tesseract", and Camazotz... Now the spelling might be off in my older years, but not the clear images Ms. L'Engle painted for me from those summer days of girlhood, reeling in the joys of reading, reading, reading... Camilla, Meet the Austins, The Moon by Night....what a wonderful list. Thank you for the pleasure of your company!
Your talent will indeed live on for generations to come!
Sincerely,
Eileen Whittingham
Jim Shaver
October 2, 2009
Madeleine has been one of my all time favorite authors for as long as I can remember. Like so many others here, I first encountered her through "A Wrinkle in Time". I had read a few of her other books when I found out that there were more books in the Time trilogy, which I made sure to get hold of at the very first opportunity. I have a copy of the trilogy on my bookshelf and have read these and many other of her books to my children over the years, and they have read many of these books themselves, and have, in turn, become fans also.
I can't think of another author of fiction who's imagination I have found so unique, educational and entertaining with the possible exceptions of Roger Zelazny or Jules Vern.
In reading her books I have always been impressed by both the breadth and depth of her knowledge. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have gotten to know her a little through her books and for the chance to leave this note of appreciation for all the light that she brought into the lives of myself and my family.
David Kuffel
April 4, 2009
Thank you so much for WIT. I have read it so many times from my childhood now into my early 30's. Thank you for your imagination and sharing your magical take on the world and life in general w/ so many of us. Long Live "Arms of the Starfish"
Julia
March 10, 2009
You truly enriched my childhood with "A Wrinkle in Time". I understand you also loved the Cape. I wish we could have run into each other there on the beach and struck up a conversation so I could have thanked you in person - if I could have spoken!
Margaret Darphin Mall
October 30, 2007
I am saddened at America's loss of Madeleine L'Engle. I read Madeleine's "A Wrinkle in Time" and all her other books in that trilogy to my children years ago; then read them again for my own enjoyment later in life. I am taking encouragement from her wonderful book, "Walking on Water" as I work my way through my own spiritual path of becoming a watercolor artist and calligrapher. Her spirit of creativity and spirituality will remain with me as a cherished learning experience from a wonderful Christian artist.
Tom R.
September 23, 2007
My deepest sympathies go out to the family for the loss of this fine lady. Her "Wrinkle in Time" really captured my imagination when our fourth-grade teacher used to read it to us each afternoon until it was finished. (That was about 40 years ago!)
My thoughts go with Ms. L'Engle as she embarks on her next great adventure.
E. Galligan
September 22, 2007
Thank you for your exceptional writing/storytelling. It has meant much to me and my family. My daughter loved seeing/hearing you when you were a guest @ Sewanee. Blessings & prayers for you and your family.
Namaste.
Kelly Grissom
September 13, 2007
Thank you so much for your wouderful books. You will be deeply missed.
I also enjoyed meeting you when I was a little girl.
Dorothy
September 12, 2007
Thank you Thank you for all the wonderful books...
janet singh
September 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 11, 2007
Thank you so much for "A Wrinkle In Time." It was my favorite book as a kid and I look forward to reading it to my son as he grows older. My older brother also loved this book and I recently found out it was his favorite as a child. He and I were never really close but this coincidence has made me see him with new eyes and for this I deeply thank you. RIP
September 11, 2007
Thank you for your wonderful stories. Your gifted imagination gave courage to my own...
Monica Denney
September 11, 2007
I loved the books as a child and a young adult. I started reading them to my little girls last year. They are fans as well.
Darcie Marshall
September 11, 2007
I remember really loving books after I read her stories as a kid. I still have a wrinkle in time (beat up paperback) I still read it from time to time and look forward to someday sharing it with our future kids. She is part of the reason I love reading so much. She'll be missed.
Kim
September 11, 2007
My condolences to family and friends of Madeleine L'Engle. She was a great writer. I loved reading "A Wrinkle in Time".
September 11, 2007
I am saddened at the loss of this wonderful woman. I have enjoyed her books for over 40 years. I still reread her books every summer. God Bless
Penny,Madelyn,and Drew ~ True Fans
Penny Holt
September 10, 2007
Good luck sister and injoy this new existence. For your imagery and imagination, I and my children Drew and Madelyn thank you. What was once thought to be only mine is now my childerns and hopefuly onto theirs, your books, words, and leaps of thought, will hold some forever.
IRIDIAN ZAZUETA
September 10, 2007
IRIDIAN ZAZUETA
Cindy Grafius
September 10, 2007
Madeleine's books were such a treasure to read when I was a young girl, they were so well written and so magical!
...And so special that I have returned to them more than once through the years...
Rest in peace, Madeleine L'Engle
Wesley Flott
September 10, 2007
What I still remember of "A Wrinkle in Time" wasn't the far-out stuff but the children's desire to rescue their father. I think that is why her work has endured.
PATRICIA MARIE ZAVALA
September 10, 2007
NOW SHE ON THE OTHER SIDE IN PEACE I HOPE SHE WILL SAY WE MISS YOU HEATHER VEGA WHO ALSO PASS AWAY STEP 1 2007 MAY BOTH OF YOU MEET ALL THE PEOPLE IN HEVEN YOU DONT KNOW MAY GOD BLESS
Paula Pelletier
September 10, 2007
I loved her books and wish I had a "wrinkle in time" now to say thanks for the writing. Condolences to her family and friends
Samuel Zumwalt
September 10, 2007
Madeleine L'Engle demonstrated the kind of thoughtful Christian faith that was attractive without being what folks often call "preachy."
I recommended her books often and quoted her more than a few times. I rejoice that her voice will continue to be heard by generations to come. I trust that she is yet alive in a way and with a power that was not possible for her in this life.
Thanks be to God for Madeleine. Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and let Light perpetual shine upon her.
Deborah Kimokeo
September 10, 2007
I am deeply saddened by the news of Madeleine's death. The world has lost a voice of wisdom, depth, humor, and genuineness. I spent much of yesterday listening to downloads of her NPR talks. God bless her and the light that emanated from her. Condolences to the family and all her many friends.
Sharon
September 10, 2007
I read your book regarding your marriage and husband's illness many times, I believe titled Two Part Invention, A Story of a Marriage. With today's death notice, I was able to put a face with your stories. Yours was a life well-lived.
Bobbi Hall
September 10, 2007
My 6th grade teacher read A Wrinkle in Time to our class - I proceeded to read that book every year for the next 30 years. I am sure you will be dancing with the Angels.
Elizabeth Lewis
September 9, 2007
"A Wrinkle in Time" is always the first book I think of when remembering favorite books read when I was a child - thank you and rest in peace.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
September 9, 2007
Thank you for the joy ma'am and rest in peace.
William Harris
September 8, 2007
I was fortunate to meet Ms.L'Engle at a childrens literature symposium sponsored by Ohio State University in the mid 1980's. She was very gracious and kind to me and I have cherished this memory for many years and am deeply saddened by her passing but will remember the good time we shared. "All good things must end!" Fairwell and Godspeed gracious lady.
a haugh
September 8, 2007
I was sorry to hear of madeleine l'engles' passing. I loved her wrinkle i time series . I have read them several times.may god bless you
Kristy Izzo
September 8, 2007
I am deeply saddened by the news of Madeleine's passing. I grew up with her work and still cherish it. I still have the original copy that I bought when I was 9. God Bless her and her family in this time of sorrow.
Anonymous
September 8, 2007
My children and I will miss you Madeleine.
Author, member of RWA
Hartford, Connecticut
September 8, 2007
She was from our neighborhood. God Bless.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
September 8, 2007
REST IN PEACE MADELEINE L'ENGLE
Author Debbie Ludwig-Galich
September 8, 2007
Madeleine is one of the most caring and thoughtful people God has given to this world. She has indeed earned the respect in the world of writing. My condolences and heartfelt go out to Madeleine's family. God bless!
Julianne Biehl
September 8, 2007
Madeleine L'Engle was a gift to the world as an
author and a very warm human person as an individual. On two occasions we had the honor
of hearing her Christmas sermons at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in NYC. Afterwards we met and chatted with her in the bookstore. She is the only author to whom I have even written fan letters and she answered!. Her books inspired and enlightened many generations of children and their parents. My very favorite has always been Walking on Water, an inspirational insight into faith and the creative process. I know that a marvelous rendition of Beethovan's Ode to Joy greeted her as she truly "moved unfettered among the stars".
Steve and Selina Micke
September 8, 2007
Your books were timeless as will be your memory. You are my daughter's favorite author and we both will miss your presence.
God Bless the entire L'Engle family you now have an angel to watch over you.
Frances Jones
September 8, 2007
To the L'Engle family I was sadden to hear about the death of your love one I'm sure she will be greatly missed. If I may tell you of something that god said in the bible, in the book of revelation verse 21:4 that says he will wipe out very tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither pain nor outcrys be anymore for the former things has passed away. So you see he given his son Jesus Christ the authority to resurrect the dead and that means we get to see our loves one again isn't that wonderful all he wants us to do is gain accurate knownledge of him and his son, we can get this knowledge by reading the bible and having faith that what he say in the bible is true I hope these words bring some comfort to you and your family.
Stacy Wills
September 8, 2007
The Crosswicks Journals are among my favorites of L'Engle's books. What a wonderful legacy she has left for generations to come. Rest in God's peace Madeleine.
Kirsten Christianson
September 7, 2007
There are no words to express what the world has lost . . . I rejoice she is reunited with her husband in the presence of their Father whom they loved and revealed with such unique passion.
Nancy Fugiero
September 7, 2007
I read And Both Were Young when I was 11. I never forgot it. I just recently bought a copy of it and reread it. I will never forget you.
Lee Edwards
September 7, 2007
Praise God for letting us borrow Madeleine L'Engle! I agree with so many other sentiments here; she was the first author to captivate my imagination. Charles Wallace and Meg were like family to me. How many times did I read that book? I'm 38 now, and I just happened to have re-read it earlier this year. It still resonates. One day, when I'm a grown-up writer, maybe I'll touch lives like she has. God bless you.
Sheila Smith
September 7, 2007
Rest in Peace Madeline.
Irene c morrison
September 7, 2007
sorry for your loss she is in gods hands may god help you in your sad time she was a very nice lady
Nancy Cundiff
September 7, 2007
Madeleine you are one of my favorite authors. RIP, and to Madeleine's friends and family you have my deepest condolescenes.
Brittany Wright
September 7, 2007
"A Wrinkle In Time" is one of my favorite books! I am so deeply saddened in her passing. I was hoping to meet her one day. I guess I'll see her in heaven. I give my condolences to the family. God bless you all.
Clyde Hedgcoth
September 7, 2007
I still find it a bit hard to believe. Mrs. L'Engle was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up. I remember reading "A Wrinkle In Time" and feeling that I could identify with Meg, Sandy, Dennys, Calvin, and of course, Charles Wallace.
I always felt like I was searching for things as a child, but with Mrs. L'Engle, it was as if she knew me already. It helped me to understand others felt this way, and it helped me grow and it helped me become a better adult because of it.
The world has really lost a great author, and children have lost another great spokesperson.
Rest in God's Peace, Mrs. L'Engle.
Carolyn Parrish
September 7, 2007
Madeleine L'Engle was truly my first favorite writer and my first inspiration to become a writer myself. As a child, I read voraciously, and I quickly discovered “A Wrinkle in Time.” No other novel had ever had such a powerful effect on me. I shortly thereafter read “A Wind in the Door,” “A Swiftly Tilting Planet,” and “Many Waters.” Throughout my life, they have been some of the small number of novels to which I have gone back and reread. Few writers affect readers as profoundly as L’Engle does, and she will long be appreciated for that ability.
Kristen Lindblom
September 7, 2007
I found A Wrinkle In Time in my elementary school library in 1962. I never forgot it and found it again in a book store in 1998. Madeleine's gift is that she magically touched all ages. Thank you, Madeleine. That book touched me and I have carried with me the magic and the memories all of my life. Thank you!!
Ginger O Handley
September 7, 2007
What a blessed woman with a great mind. We loved having her visit the Tulsa Libraries. She truely is
an inspiration. All generations should keep reading.
Ginny Evans
September 7, 2007
The first time I read A Wrinkle in Time - I felt like I was whisked away to the magical places Ms. L'Engle wrote about-I still think about it today. It will always be a timeless classic.
Beth Bontrager
September 7, 2007
Thank you so much, Madeleine, for the way you saw through your characters' eyes, listened with their ears, and allowed their thoughts to flow onto the page. The healing love of the dolphins in "A Ring of Endless Light" has been an important image to my sister and me, especially in the past year during which our mother, a 10-year old first cousin and my cat of 13 1/2 years died, and in which I have suffered multiple seizures and a stroke. I also appreciate your non-fiction, as in "The summer of the great-grandmother" and "A stone for a pillow." Your faith has been inspiring to me, and both times I heard you speak at Goshen College (IN) you shared with all the reality of that faith. I remember you sharing your love of John's Gospel, and have found great meaning in identifying phrases, images and ideas from that Gospel in your work. You will live on in your books and in the memories of those touched by your books. Just as Vicki emerged through the surface of the water with the dolphin, healed and rejuvenated, so too have you blossomed into new life in the presence of the Creator. Welcome to your new world, the world of eternal life. We will miss you. And as you wrote in my copy of "A Ring of Endless Light" be a light-bearer there, as you have spread light on earth.
Muffy
September 7, 2007
"A Wrinkle in Time" mesmerized me as a child. I still cherish it.
Peace, Madeleine. May you now find the answers to the mysteries of the universe.
Milton Hammond
September 7, 2007
A Wrinkle In Time is one of the most memorable books I have ever read. I think I was 10 or 11 when I first read it, and it haunted me for years to come, prompting several re-reads.
Perhaps someday science will discover a real teseract. Goodbye to a truly great writer.
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