The problem with reading beloved children’s classics as an adult, especially having not read them as a child, is that you tend to find the outdated bits. Not outdated in the form of technology, which is also apparent, but in character development. The children seem to do what they are told without questioning here. Today’s literative children are a lot more inquisitive, and also less trusting. And the female characters are stronger and more developed. Fantasy and children’s literature have both evolved since this was written, and it shows.
Man, Meg is annoying and whiny. She complains all the time about finding her father (and then someone else), which I can admit is their goal for a good portion of the book, but she is incessant. She’s also whining about they, or someone else, has to “do something!” all the time. The voice the narrator chose for the character does not help. It’s all trembly. Meg is supposed to be in high school, but she seems like more of a fifth grader in her behavior and attitude. The only times she actually seems like a teenager is once she *spoiler, but not really* actually finds her father and her bitchy way of talking to him. There were times I actually shouted at Meg to STFU, because she was that irritating. (I do like how Mrs. Which tells Meg about herself toward the end. It was greatly needed.) I also find her name for “Aunt Beast” a bit offensive. I’m sure she could have come up with something better.
I also find Calvin’s involvement in this whole ordeal a little suspicious. He’s a great guy, he seems to have something in common with Charles Wallace, and he has a head on his shoulders. So why is he with Meg? They had just met one afternoon, the Murrys took him home for dinner, and then he’s holding her hand all of the time? You can do better, Calvin! Actually, I want to see the story from his perspective. It’s probably a lot better. Calvin is also honest. He’s reply to the grey creature’s (they are not beasts to me!) question is quite frank and to the point.
OMG Mrs. Which, shut up! I’m a fan of the Mrs. W’s, and I can see why Hope Davis chose that voice, but it’s really annoying.
I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it instead of listening to the audiobook. Some of Meg’s irritable qualities may not have been quite as apparent, and the story (besides her) is good. The Stepford quality of the planet Camozotz is quite compelling, and the whole concept of tessering and the science they bring up is interesting. Although, every time they talk about the Tesseract, I think of the Avengers. (Loki for the win!)
So, I’ll give it a 3.5, rounded down to 3 because Meg is a little shit.
We totally have dueling reviews! I said almost all the same things in mine!