From Publishers Weekly
Since her debut with The Small Rain in 1945, L'Engle has continued to write critically acclaimed books for adults and young readers, including a Newbery Medal-winner, A Wrinkle in Time. But this story of her marriage surpasses her best work so far. Starting with accounts of her childhood, she describes her life as a young woman in Manhattan, attracted to the theater and landing a job as an understudy touring with Eva Le Gallienne and Hugh Franklin. L'Engle and Franklin married in 1946, creating a bond that was broken ony by his death 40 years later. As Franklin's roles (with the Lunts, Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, etc.) kept him absent frequently, there were problems, especially when they became parents. Yet most crises were viewed in perspective, especially when the couple gathered with children, grandchildren and friends at Crosswick, the old house in Connecticut that remains L'Engle's "icon." As expected, she writes beautifully here, sharing funny, exuberant and trying moments of the "two-part invention." Reading the book is a profound spiritual experience. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Those who have enjoyed L'Engle's fiction or who have followed her husband Hugh Franklin's character of Dr. Charles Tyler on All My Children should enjoy reading about their real - life marriage. L'Engle shares many moments from their early life in the New York theater and publishing circles. In addition, she tells about their early marriage and family life at their Connecticut farmhouse. A large portion of the book details Franklin's death from cancer in 1987. During this trying period their great love and L'Engle's strong Christian faith are both centerpieces of her story. Like L'Engle's other nonfiction works, this one demonstrates an easy conversational style and an expert prose technique.- Carolyn Praytor Boyd, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
L'Engle's memoir is aptly titled, for in it she skillfully weaves past and present, integrating her background, courtship, and marriage to actor Hugh Franklin with an account of his six-month battle with cancer. Though she was already an established novelist when she met Franklin, her focus is on their 40-year marriage, strained at times by the pressures of raising children and pursuing two active careers but full of joy and devotion. Yet despite its inspirational, uplifting tone, this is a disturbing book; for medicine's newest advances, together with loving, supporting care, can do nothing to halt Franklin's rapid deterioration. Readers will be deeply moved by his wife's struggles to understand and cope, drawing strength from family, friends, and religion.Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at GeneseoCopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
L'Engle's memoir of her early years, courtship and forty-year marriage to Hugh Franklin deals candidly and thoughtfully with issues of love, a spiritual life, the demands of her life as a writer and Franklin's as an actor, and the effects of these on family life. While the author reads clearly and distinctly, the periodic hesitation and choppiness of a nonprofessional are present. These are soon overlooked, however, because of the skillful and perceptive writing. This engrossing and personal account provides insight into the life of an author and the journey of a marriage. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Chicago Tribune
"A vivid and touching chronicle."
Book Description
The story of a marriage of true minds and spirits--a brilliant writer's tribute to lasting love. "A vivid and touching chronicle."--Chicago Tribune
About the Author
Madeline L'Engle, the popular author of many books for children and adults, has interspersed her writing and teaching career with raising three children, maintaining an apartment in New York and a farmhouse of charming confusion which is called "Crosswicks."
Two-Part Invention: A Crosswicks Journal ANNOTATION
By the award-winning author of A Wrinkle in Time, a "sensitive book which ponders the meaning of life and the power of love..."--People Magazine
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The story of a marriage of true minds and spirits—a brilliant writer's tribute to lasting love. "A vivid and touching chronicle."—Chicago Tribune
Author Biography: Madeline L'Engle, the popular author of many books for children and adults, has interspersed her writing and teaching career with raising three children, maintaining an apartment in New York and a farmhouse of charming confusion which is called "Crosswicks."
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Since her debut with The Small Rain in 1945, L'Engle has continued to write critically acclaimed books for adults and young readers, including a Newbery Medal-winner, A Wrinkle in Time. But this story of her marriage surpasses her best work so far. Starting with accounts of her childhood, she describes her life as a young woman in Manhattan, attracted to the theater and landing a job as an understudy touring with Eva Le Gallienne and Hugh Franklin. L'Engle and Franklin married in 1946, creating a bond that was broken ony by his death 40 years later. As Franklin's roles (with the Lunts, Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, etc.) kept him absent frequently, there were problems, especially when they became parents. Yet most crises were viewed in perspective, especially when the couple gathered with children, grandchildren and friends at Crosswick, the old house in Connecticut that remains L'Engle's ``icon.'' As expected, she writes beautifully here, sharing funny, exuberant and trying moments of the ``two-part invention.'' Reading the book is a profound spiritual experience. (Nov.)
Library Journal
L'Engle's memoir is aptly titled, for in it she skillfully weaves past and present, integrating her background, courtship, and marriage to actor Hugh Franklin with an account of his six-month battle with cancer. Though she was already an established novelist when she met Franklin, her focus is on their 40-year marriage, strained at times by the pressures of raising children and pursuing two active careers but full of joy and devotion. Yet despite its inspirational, uplifting tone, this is a disturbing book; for medicine's newest advances, together with loving, supporting care, can do nothing to halt Franklin's rapid deterioration. Readers will be deeply moved by his wife's struggles to understand and cope, drawing strength from family, friends, and religion.Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo
School Library Journal
YA-- Those who have enjoyed L'Engle's fiction or who have followed her husband Hugh Franklin's character of Dr. Charles Tyler on All My Children should enjoy reading about their real - life marriage. L'Engle shares many moments from their early life in the New York theater and publishing circles. In addition, she tells about their early marriage and family life at their Connecticut farmhouse. A large portion of the book details Franklin's death from cancer in 1987. During this trying period their great love and L'Engle's strong Christian faith are both centerpieces of her story. Like L'Engle's other nonfiction works, this one demonstrates an easy conversational style and an expert prose technique.-- Carolyn Praytor Boyd, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Art & Photography
Book Info
