An Acceptable Time

Polly O'Keefe visits her grandparents in Connecticut for focused study and education, temporarily leaving behind her large family. During her stay, she encounters her former acquaintance Zachary Gray, who arrives unexpectedly at her grandparents' home. While exploring the area around her grandparents' property, Polly discovers she can cross into a time 3,000 years in the past. She meets people from an ancient civilization and learns that others in her present time have also made this crossing. The story combines elements of science, history, and mythology as Polly navigates between two time periods. The narrative connects to L'Engle's other works, particularly those featuring Polly's parents Meg and Calvin O'Keefe. This novel explores themes of responsibility, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of time, while raising questions about humanity's relationship with history and the natural world.

Readers often compare An Acceptable Time unfavorably to earlier books in L'Engle's Time Quintet series. Many note it has a slower pace and more complex religious themes than A Wrinkle in Time. Readers appreciate: - The Celtic historical elements and time travel mechanics - Character development of Polly O'Keefe - The blend of science and spirituality - Detailed descriptions of the ancient setting Common criticisms: - Too much philosophical dialogue that slows the action - Less engaging plot than previous books - Characters seem to lecture rather than converse - Religious messaging feels heavy-handed One reader noted "the magic of the earlier books is missing," while another said "the discussions of faith overshadow the actual story." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (16,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) The book tends to score higher with adult readers than young adults who discovered L'Engle through A Wrinkle in Time.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle A teenager travels through time and space to rescue her father using scientific concepts and encounters ancient powers.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper An eleven-year-old boy discovers his connection to ancient Celtic magic and must gather mystical objects to prevent the rise of dark forces.

Sabriel by Garth Nix A young woman crosses between modern technology and ancient magic while battling the undead to save her father and protect the kingdom.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs An orphaned boy moves to his uncle's mysterious house and becomes involved with magic, time travel, and an ancient evil.

The Ancient One by T.A. Barron A girl travels through time to connect with Native American culture and ancient tree spirits while trying to save a forest.

🕰️ Part of L'Engle's acclaimed "Time Quintet" series, this book was published in 1989 and serves as the final installment, though it was written years after the more famous "A Wrinkle in Time." 🏠 The story takes place at the same house featured in "The Arm of the Starfish" and "Dragons in the Waters," connecting multiple story threads in L'Engle's literary universe. 🧬 The author's interest in blending science and spirituality was influenced by her studies of quantum physics and her strong Episcopal faith, which she frequently incorporated into her work. 🗿 The druidic elements in the story are based on actual archaeological evidence of ancient Native American settlements in New England, where L'Engle lived for many years. 👥 The character Polly O'Keefe is the daughter of Meg Murry and Calvin O'Keefe, the protagonists from "A Wrinkle in Time," creating a generational link between the series.