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Camilla #2
A Live Coal in the Sea
Madeleine L'Engle's first adult novel in four years -- now in paperback! With 23,000 copies sold since May 1996, this "haunting domestic drama" (Publishers Weekly) examines the powers of faith and mercy in one family's confrontation with a legacy of evil. Best known for A Wrinkle in Time -- the children's classic that has sold more than 2 million copies since 1962 -- Madeleine L'Engle is as adept at exploring faith and human experience as she is at spinning fascinating, fantastic tales. Now this masterful storyteller blends her two passions and offers an engrossing new story to delight her devoted audience. When Dr. Camilla Dickinson's teenage granddaughter confronts her with the disquieting question of whether Camilla is, in fact, her grandmother, long-kept secrets rise to the surface to test the faith, love and loyalty of the Xanthakos family. This skillful, gripping tale shuttles between past and troubled present, providing clues to a multigenerational mystery -- clues that begin to focus on Camilla's son, the deeply troubled TV idol Artaxias, and on Camilla's mother, the irresistibly beautiful and adulterous Rose. Though riveting and psychologically complex, A Live Coal in the Sea is "infused with the warmth of love and mercy" (Booklist), showcasing the keen eye and deep compassion that have made L'Engle one of this century's premier writers on faith and its place in human experience.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
369 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine L'Engle
170 books9,196 followersMadeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
March 9, 2016
I think way back when I was a teen and looking for the L'Engle books I had missed, I saw this one and passed it over. The teen romantic in me wanted Camilla to end up with her first love, and that she would marry someone else seemed like a betrayal.
I know more now (thank goodness) and so when I rediscovered this sequel to "Camilla," right after I had finished re-reading that book with an adult perspective, I was thrilled. Here it was, the "Camilla" for adults. I had to read it right away.
It's not one of L'Engle's best books. The plot jerks around, in that the central mysteries turn out not to to be very mysterious at all. It's a good exploration of character, though, and specifically of characters dealing with love and marriage. It's one person telling a story to another, with another person telling a story wrapped inside, kind of like Arabian Nights.
L'Engle is able to latch onto the universal essence of desire for love and companionship and all of the things that can tear those things asunder. One thing that bothered me, though, was the idea that Camilla was a brilliant professor, mother and housewife all at the same time. It seemed incredibly unreal, especially that her husband Mac doesn't seem to be expected to help in the arena of the house and any details of the balance of her life are skimmed over quickly.
Reading "A Circle of Quiet" has helped put some of that in perspective. It's interesting, how L'Engle can be so progressive and old and conformist at the same time. She writes about her guilt over not being a good housewife. And while it seems like a part of her knows that she shouldn't use this to validate her worth, she still believes in this image of woman as the domestic goddess in her solitary domain.
A lot of this book is about marriage, but also on all the ways our parents mess us up, as the two things seem to be tied up together. While marriage seems to require grace (forgiveness, I think Elizabeth Gilbert would call it) being a daughter seems to require the ability to move on. Maybe the book suggests that that is a harder kind of grace, because one can never choose one's parents.
I know more now (thank goodness) and so when I rediscovered this sequel to "Camilla," right after I had finished re-reading that book with an adult perspective, I was thrilled. Here it was, the "Camilla" for adults. I had to read it right away.
It's not one of L'Engle's best books. The plot jerks around, in that the central mysteries turn out not to to be very mysterious at all. It's a good exploration of character, though, and specifically of characters dealing with love and marriage. It's one person telling a story to another, with another person telling a story wrapped inside, kind of like Arabian Nights.
L'Engle is able to latch onto the universal essence of desire for love and companionship and all of the things that can tear those things asunder. One thing that bothered me, though, was the idea that Camilla was a brilliant professor, mother and housewife all at the same time. It seemed incredibly unreal, especially that her husband Mac doesn't seem to be expected to help in the arena of the house and any details of the balance of her life are skimmed over quickly.
Reading "A Circle of Quiet" has helped put some of that in perspective. It's interesting, how L'Engle can be so progressive and old and conformist at the same time. She writes about her guilt over not being a good housewife. And while it seems like a part of her knows that she shouldn't use this to validate her worth, she still believes in this image of woman as the domestic goddess in her solitary domain.
A lot of this book is about marriage, but also on all the ways our parents mess us up, as the two things seem to be tied up together. While marriage seems to require grace (forgiveness, I think Elizabeth Gilbert would call it) being a daughter seems to require the ability to move on. Maybe the book suggests that that is a harder kind of grace, because one can never choose one's parents.
February 8, 2021
‘But all the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea.’ William Langland
This is the quality story one expects from a master. L’Engle displays the height of her storytelling in this very adult tale about the reverberations secrets and lies can cause those protected and those who think they are protecting.
‘Well, it seems very peculiar that God or evolution should make creatures that see upside down and then have to reverse everything. Is there a reason?’ ‘It’s just the way it is.’ ‘Like life. Upside down.’
Decidedly non-linear. Convoluted sequel to Camilla, written thirty years earlier. Few authors have L’Engle’s gift for segueing through time and point of view. Numerous shifts between numerous point-of-view characters and timeline without losing the attentive reader. (The casual reader is hereby forewarned.)
‘When two people, lovers, or sometimes friends, have an enduring care for each other, allow each other to be human, faulted, flawed, but real, then being human becomes a glorious thing to be.’
Camilla’s voice is that of a Ph.D. who is more at home at a lectern than with her own family. Didactic. Many sermons on just about every subject. Many autobiographical references, though the reader need know nothing about L’Engle. Not even necessary to have read Camilla.
‘Once upon a time we used to be so happy.’ ‘That time is gone, my darling. We have to live where we are now, somehow trying to clean up the mess.’
This is the quality story one expects from a master. L’Engle displays the height of her storytelling in this very adult tale about the reverberations secrets and lies can cause those protected and those who think they are protecting.
‘Well, it seems very peculiar that God or evolution should make creatures that see upside down and then have to reverse everything. Is there a reason?’ ‘It’s just the way it is.’ ‘Like life. Upside down.’
Decidedly non-linear. Convoluted sequel to Camilla, written thirty years earlier. Few authors have L’Engle’s gift for segueing through time and point of view. Numerous shifts between numerous point-of-view characters and timeline without losing the attentive reader. (The casual reader is hereby forewarned.)
‘When two people, lovers, or sometimes friends, have an enduring care for each other, allow each other to be human, faulted, flawed, but real, then being human becomes a glorious thing to be.’
Camilla’s voice is that of a Ph.D. who is more at home at a lectern than with her own family. Didactic. Many sermons on just about every subject. Many autobiographical references, though the reader need know nothing about L’Engle. Not even necessary to have read Camilla.
‘Once upon a time we used to be so happy.’ ‘That time is gone, my darling. We have to live where we are now, somehow trying to clean up the mess.’
September 21, 2009
Synopsis:
Camilla Dickinson shares the complex story of her life with granddaughter Raffi, whose father’s erratic behavior and insinuating remarks have prompted her to question her identity. The choices, actions, and sufferings of previous generations, and their far-reaching ramifications, are brought to light as Camilla and her close friend Luisa share their memories with Raffi. Through the process, Raffi learns not only the facts about herself and her family, but also the truth that love and mercy are stronger than sin and deceit.
Comments:
Marital infidelity and sexual abuse are prominent elements in the history of this family. Sodomy is referred to in plain unvarnished language, and sexual intercourse is called by its most vulgar name in one or two instances. Adultery and abuse are clearly presented as wrong behaviors with tragic repercussions for many more people than those involved in the acts themselves. The underlying theme of the book is how mercy – God’s to mankind, and individuals’ to each other – carries people through tragedy.
This is an intense look at how one person’s actions may affect many others in ways almost beyond imagination, and an amazing confirmation that love covers a multitude of sins. It is thought-provoking and moving, and definitely for a very mature reader.
Camilla Dickinson shares the complex story of her life with granddaughter Raffi, whose father’s erratic behavior and insinuating remarks have prompted her to question her identity. The choices, actions, and sufferings of previous generations, and their far-reaching ramifications, are brought to light as Camilla and her close friend Luisa share their memories with Raffi. Through the process, Raffi learns not only the facts about herself and her family, but also the truth that love and mercy are stronger than sin and deceit.
Comments:
Marital infidelity and sexual abuse are prominent elements in the history of this family. Sodomy is referred to in plain unvarnished language, and sexual intercourse is called by its most vulgar name in one or two instances. Adultery and abuse are clearly presented as wrong behaviors with tragic repercussions for many more people than those involved in the acts themselves. The underlying theme of the book is how mercy – God’s to mankind, and individuals’ to each other – carries people through tragedy.
This is an intense look at how one person’s actions may affect many others in ways almost beyond imagination, and an amazing confirmation that love covers a multitude of sins. It is thought-provoking and moving, and definitely for a very mature reader.
September 13, 2015
Superbly crafted family saga. Reading Madeleine L'Engle once again is like slipping back into a comfortable shoe. Although many of the themes are uncomfortable, one downright disturbing, her ability to to write in such a way to make a story understandable and enjoyable is rarely found. Although I don't share in many of her beliefs I enjoy her theories and her work immensely. "A Live Coal in the Sea" is a beautiful novel with only a few minor flaws in plot worth overlooking for the grand work as a whole.
May 13, 2013
I wanted to read this because I like the young adult novel, 'Camilla.' This was the follow-up to Camilla's life after the first book ended with her about 16 years old. I enjoyed the writing style and story of Camilla and thought that it was set in the 1960s, since I could identify with some of the events, although I didn't grow up in a city.
The first difference with 'A Live Coal...' is that this novel is an adult fiction, not young adult. In my opinion, the writing is sometimes not up to adult standards. Second, we meet Camilla about fifty years later. She is a university professor and has a grand-daughter who is a freshman at the school where she teaches. During the remainder of the book her life after high school slowly unfolds and the people who are important in her life are filled out. We learn why they are named their "odd" (to me) names and the source of the novel's title.
The story moves back and forth in time and is told mostly in the voice of Camilla and her grand-daughter Raffi. I find this style of writing to be annoying.
I read to the end of the book, though, because I did care about Camilla. Some of the main issues which were focused on were family secrets, psychic wounds and scars, and mercy. I think the author is trying to say that mercy (kindness?) can cool wrong deeds and lessen their pain. God's forgiveness is involved, but it isn't clear to me how this all works. Many times the writing will be specific in explaining an event or leading up to an event, and then we are suddenly in a new scene and left to infer what happened in between!
During the final few pages of the book, there is a surprise. I don't think that makes the whole any better or worse. I guess one cannot make assumptions about others. - Sadly, I won't recommend this one.
~ PS: One grave error is that it is the week before Palm Sunday and the family is together and learns of the Kennedy assassination! A few pages later it is still spring. REALLY???
The first difference with 'A Live Coal...' is that this novel is an adult fiction, not young adult. In my opinion, the writing is sometimes not up to adult standards. Second, we meet Camilla about fifty years later. She is a university professor and has a grand-daughter who is a freshman at the school where she teaches. During the remainder of the book her life after high school slowly unfolds and the people who are important in her life are filled out. We learn why they are named their "odd" (to me) names and the source of the novel's title.
The story moves back and forth in time and is told mostly in the voice of Camilla and her grand-daughter Raffi. I find this style of writing to be annoying.
I read to the end of the book, though, because I did care about Camilla. Some of the main issues which were focused on were family secrets, psychic wounds and scars, and mercy. I think the author is trying to say that mercy (kindness?) can cool wrong deeds and lessen their pain. God's forgiveness is involved, but it isn't clear to me how this all works. Many times the writing will be specific in explaining an event or leading up to an event, and then we are suddenly in a new scene and left to infer what happened in between!
During the final few pages of the book, there is a surprise. I don't think that makes the whole any better or worse. I guess one cannot make assumptions about others. - Sadly, I won't recommend this one.
~ PS: One grave error is that it is the week before Palm Sunday and the family is together and learns of the Kennedy assassination! A few pages later it is still spring. REALLY???
January 31, 2022
Although I've been a L'Engle fan since childhood, I'm glad I didn't discover this book until now, because I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. It is classical L'Engle fiction, with intellectualism, philosophical quotes, and astrophysical musings thrown in liberally. But this book is more than that. It is for those who have been broken, who have come face to face with the world's brokenness, and their own deep need for mercy. It models, gently, how to move through unspeakable heartache, to a place of mercy on the other side.
"Mercy. It didn't mean that everything was okay, could or should be condoned. But we can't move out of ourselves and our own self-justifications until we look in the mirror and know, yes, I, too, could have done this."
"[He] had lived a long, full life, and he had come to terms with more than most people can begin to imagine. He was able to be merciful to himself, and to teach us to be merciful, too. He believed that God's redeeming love can come into the most terrible things, and while I do not have the kind of radiant faith that [he] had, I believed him."
"Mercy. It didn't mean that everything was okay, could or should be condoned. But we can't move out of ourselves and our own self-justifications until we look in the mirror and know, yes, I, too, could have done this."
"[He] had lived a long, full life, and he had come to terms with more than most people can begin to imagine. He was able to be merciful to himself, and to teach us to be merciful, too. He believed that God's redeeming love can come into the most terrible things, and while I do not have the kind of radiant faith that [he] had, I believed him."
January 25, 2009
A bit of a soap opera, written by a woman whom I am guessing is brilliant in science and really does make math patterns in her head to relax, as she has one of her characters do. I like the quotes she adds to the story such as this one, "He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars. General good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite, and flatterer, for Art and Science cannot exist but in minutely organized particulars." (Blake) I am also thinking that this book should be read by people who make decisions in family courtrooms regarding the disposition of children. Taxi's story didn't need to happen that way.
September 17, 2012
I generally prefer L'Engle's fantasy stories and Crosswicks journals to her more contemporary stories, so I started reading this book one evening around 9, planning to read until I fell asleep.
I finished it in tears at 2am.
The title comes from a quote: "All the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea." The novel shows how this is true in the intertwined stories of two families; great evil is done on both sides, and many people are hurt (as tends to happen in life), and while the damage does not disappear, great good is brought out of it.
An unforgettable book.
I finished it in tears at 2am.
The title comes from a quote: "All the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea." The novel shows how this is true in the intertwined stories of two families; great evil is done on both sides, and many people are hurt (as tends to happen in life), and while the damage does not disappear, great good is brought out of it.
An unforgettable book.
July 15, 2022
Venturing into L'Engle's adult fiction has been fascinating. I think in some ways the Camilla series lacked some of the cohesion and clear-eyed narration of her children's books, but it delved much more deeply into pain, into its lingering effects, into the desire for belonging that a family sometimes satisfies and sometimes catastrophically fails to do so. I liked this series better than the Katherine Forrester novels, I think -- though it's very interesting that both deal with theater people in a way that L'Engle's other books don't even approach.
(Anyway, now I'm finally quite close to having finished L'Engle's entire list of books. Which feels fitting, because I remember very clearly when my dad handed me A Wrinkle in Time when I was seven or eight. It feels like coming to the close of an era. Alllll the nostalgia.)
(Anyway, now I'm finally quite close to having finished L'Engle's entire list of books. Which feels fitting, because I remember very clearly when my dad handed me A Wrinkle in Time when I was seven or eight. It feels like coming to the close of an era. Alllll the nostalgia.)
April 15, 2025
Three and a half stars.
December 21, 2015
It's been a long time, too long, since I've read anything by Madeline L'Engle, but this very good book reminded me of what a weaver of tales she is and how carefully she crafts plot that I still found surprise in the end of this family drama. One of the things that I always loved about L'Engle is the way she manages to insert religion and morality into stories, both her kids and adult books, without it being the central focus or coming across as preaching. Her own faith quietly comes through as well as her love of science and the blend of both lends appeal and realism. L'Engle handles the complexity of relationships and emotions, of psychology and personal history of her characters with the nuance you'd expect from a master author. Told thru both present day and flashback scenes alternating and thru both grandmother and grandchild's view, the story of the Xanthakos family and their complicated family tree was a deeply satisfying read. As seems to be a habit of mine, this is the 2nd book in two book series, but I was unaware of the first one when I read it. This one, an adult novel, was preceded by a YA book called Camilla that I may seek out to see what an earlier L'Engle wrote of the earlier Dickinson. In any case, it stands quite well on its own and needs nothing further. It will have me remembering to seek out some of the other L'Engle books I've not yet read in the future.
July 5, 2008
As it is officially summer and I am trying to breeze through as many novels as possible before I start graduate school and have (yuck!) required reading, I thought I might try Madeline L'Engle. I read "A Wrinkle in Time" as a young adult, although really should probably reread it as a grownup, because I have no recollection of it. But remember absolutely LOVING her novel "A Ring of Endless Light" and reread it a few years ago and found it even more apt and delightful as I did when I was 12. So I had high hopes for this one.
However, I found the novel dated. It was published in the mid-80's but takes place in the 60's and I just couldn't relate to the characters very well. Part of it was their antiquated relationship (I mean, is "darling" the 50's equivalent of calling each other "baby"? Because it just seems so formal between lovers). Part of it was the main character's refusal to stand up for herself and what she needed and that being interpreted as "strength." I just didn't feel like it translated well to the modern woman. So I took that, and other L'Engle book back to the library. I think I'll stick to her children's books.
However, I found the novel dated. It was published in the mid-80's but takes place in the 60's and I just couldn't relate to the characters very well. Part of it was their antiquated relationship (I mean, is "darling" the 50's equivalent of calling each other "baby"? Because it just seems so formal between lovers). Part of it was the main character's refusal to stand up for herself and what she needed and that being interpreted as "strength." I just didn't feel like it translated well to the modern woman. So I took that, and other L'Engle book back to the library. I think I'll stick to her children's books.
July 24, 2018
L’engle is one of my favorite children’s authors. I read her books to my sons years ago and we all enjoyed them. This book is not of the same quality. The story drags with too many sermonettes and it’s melancholy tone permeates the pages. I was determined to finish it, hoping she would return to the richness of her children’s literature, but to no avail. Sometimes one learns to let things go without wasting time; I didn’t learn that lesson with this book.
June 9, 2019
Read "Camilla" then immediately read this book. It's good to read them back to back. Helped have context for who Camilla is and her wild life. It's like reading a soap opera. So much drama. So much pain and hardship. It's like real life, only this rollercoaster has an ending. Would have loved to have had an epilogue to know the results of Taxi's.
July 27, 2011
Madeleine L'Engle was an amazing author. How could she write so honestly, so deeply with such grace and truth? This was such a powerful novel!
December 15, 2023
Reminded me of Hannah Coulter...a very good thing. Haven't read a book this quickly for a while.
April 16, 2021
Picking up almost a decade after Camilla ends, L'Engle uses the life of Camilla to enact a family drama. Camilla meets a young minster and marries, at the same time finishing her PhD in astronomy. At the same time, despite her attempts to distance herself from her mother Rose, Rose keeps changing the course of Camilla's life, sometimes radically.
L'Engle returns again and again to introspection, relationships and the search for authenticity. Which is fine with me, because she's great at it. Here, she examines what it means to find oneself when surrounded by imperfect others, especially when those imperfections are visited upon oneself. She also explores the relationships between parents and children, and what it means to live with the sins of the father (or mother). As I'm writing this out, these themes seem trite and overdone. But L'Engle is brilliant, and as always, handles them with grace and compassion.
Also evident in this book, especially through Camilla's fasciation with the stars, is L'Engle's spirituality. Her wonder and joy in the beauty and complexity of the universe shine through, and it's beautiful.
L'Engle returns again and again to introspection, relationships and the search for authenticity. Which is fine with me, because she's great at it. Here, she examines what it means to find oneself when surrounded by imperfect others, especially when those imperfections are visited upon oneself. She also explores the relationships between parents and children, and what it means to live with the sins of the father (or mother). As I'm writing this out, these themes seem trite and overdone. But L'Engle is brilliant, and as always, handles them with grace and compassion.
Also evident in this book, especially through Camilla's fasciation with the stars, is L'Engle's spirituality. Her wonder and joy in the beauty and complexity of the universe shine through, and it's beautiful.
August 10, 2025
Lots of twists and turns
I loved all the twists and turns of this story. The author did an excellent job of showing how even the most dysfunctional families can be improved with love and understanding.
I loved all the twists and turns of this story. The author did an excellent job of showing how even the most dysfunctional families can be improved with love and understanding.
October 31, 2018
Over the course of the last 3 years, I've been returning to Madeleine L'Engle's books. Covering the ones that I read as a kid (Wrinkle, Wind, Swiftly) and onto the rest of that series and the books that tie into her other works. Of all of those, the 1964 visit with teenage Camilla remains a standout. I wish I could say the same for this follow-up volume. If you're a sucker for melodrama and soapy story lines, here's your book. All the family issues are meant to be framed with L'Engle's consideration of the role of science (focused on math and astronomy here) and religious faith (focused on mercy here).
But, seriously this is so flipping soapy. I told my wife the outline of family secrets and her eyes nearly fell out from rolling in circles. And that was only in the first part of my summary. It is so freaking ridiculous. L'eagle wrote many books for children, but this is definitely in the adult realm, which she signifies by dropping an "f-bomb" early in the book and by sharing Camilla's first reaction to sex: "When she had her first orgasm she ascended like Elijah in a chariot of fire."
My star rating for this book is probably a little generous. It really falls in the "it was okay" two-star camp...but my reading experience was better because this book pushes James Patterson down one more notch on my GR Most Read Authors list. Soon, he will be purged from my top 20. That alone is worth a star.
"Dear Mrs. Xanthakos!" There was shock in the other woman's voice. "Perhaps this is science, I gather you're quite scientific, but the young people are supposed to be given religion during their youth group meetings. I was shocked by what my nephew Gordie told me."
"But don't you see," Camilla urged, "this is religion. It's an affirmation of the wonderful interdependence of the universe."
"Mrs. Xanthakos, we expect the young people to study what is in the Bible."
But, seriously this is so flipping soapy. I told my wife the outline of family secrets and her eyes nearly fell out from rolling in circles. And that was only in the first part of my summary. It is so freaking ridiculous. L'eagle wrote many books for children, but this is definitely in the adult realm, which she signifies by dropping an "f-bomb" early in the book and by sharing Camilla's first reaction to sex: "When she had her first orgasm she ascended like Elijah in a chariot of fire."
My star rating for this book is probably a little generous. It really falls in the "it was okay" two-star camp...but my reading experience was better because this book pushes James Patterson down one more notch on my GR Most Read Authors list. Soon, he will be purged from my top 20. That alone is worth a star.
November 23, 2019
I received this book as a wedding present, and at the time, it got lost in the swirl of events and ended up sitting on the bookshelves for several years.
Having just recently finished it, I understand why it would be a wedding present. The book covers several marriages in different stages over the lifetime of its protagonist, Camilla Xanthakos, a college astronomy professor.
The events that shape her life and the lives of those around her are pretty extreme: infidelity, brainwashing in the Korean War, bizarre progenitors of children. But the underlying message seems to be that you can manage through nearly any problem if you are prepared to be forgiving and understanding.
Still, that is an over-simplification, given the magnitude of the problems that the characters face in the book.
There were a few issues I had with the book. Luisa is supposed to be a good friend of Camilla, but there is nothing about how that friendship developed. Mostly the descriptions of the relationship are how they are apart.
All the men in the story seem to be deeply flawed characters, and it is hard sometimes to see what is redeeming about any of them.
Finally, Camilla's granddaughter says something about Camilla having an awful life, and Camilla answers with platitudes about having a marvelous life. Hey, Camilla, that was some pretty crummy stuff that happened. It is great that you learned something from it, but at least admit that some of the bad times were truly bad, okay? I think that we too often gloss over the fact that bad times are bad, and some things really are drag.
Having just recently finished it, I understand why it would be a wedding present. The book covers several marriages in different stages over the lifetime of its protagonist, Camilla Xanthakos, a college astronomy professor.
The events that shape her life and the lives of those around her are pretty extreme: infidelity, brainwashing in the Korean War, bizarre progenitors of children. But the underlying message seems to be that you can manage through nearly any problem if you are prepared to be forgiving and understanding.
Still, that is an over-simplification, given the magnitude of the problems that the characters face in the book.
There were a few issues I had with the book. Luisa is supposed to be a good friend of Camilla, but there is nothing about how that friendship developed. Mostly the descriptions of the relationship are how they are apart.
All the men in the story seem to be deeply flawed characters, and it is hard sometimes to see what is redeeming about any of them.
Finally, Camilla's granddaughter says something about Camilla having an awful life, and Camilla answers with platitudes about having a marvelous life. Hey, Camilla, that was some pretty crummy stuff that happened. It is great that you learned something from it, but at least admit that some of the bad times were truly bad, okay? I think that we too often gloss over the fact that bad times are bad, and some things really are drag.
August 14, 2011
This was a strange story - not at all what I was expecting, but then again I don't think I have read any other adult books by L'Engle. I mainly picked it up as the central character is a female scientist, although her work is very much background. The book however does have some very interesting mediations on science and religion, and how - at least in the persons and lives of the main family in the book - they can be reconciled, or at least harmoniously co-exist. The deep dark secret of this family drama is slowly and painfully revealed, as is the centrality of the metaphor encapsulated in the title. In the end, the book is about family, marriages, children and ultimately, the quality of mercy.
What i found really difficult with this book was what to me felt like incredibly stilted dialogue. Perhaps because it has been so long since i have read anything but spec-fic (and the odd romance /chick lit) and I'm unused to realist fiction? Or perhaps this is just her writing style.
An interesting and thought provoking read, at any rate.
What i found really difficult with this book was what to me felt like incredibly stilted dialogue. Perhaps because it has been so long since i have read anything but spec-fic (and the odd romance /chick lit) and I'm unused to realist fiction? Or perhaps this is just her writing style.
An interesting and thought provoking read, at any rate.
October 2, 2009
I love Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time series so I thought I'd give one of her adult books a try.
Pros- she develops her characters thoughtfully. They are three-dimensional characters with faults and strengths and each character is shown doing things within and outside of their moral scope, much like in real life. She has a remarkable ability to incorporate her spirituality and beliefs without being offensive or overbearing and without the book reading like a crappy religious novel.
Cons- this book read like a soap opera. Every family has their dark little secrets and none of them are perfect but really?!! I won't give anything away, but I have to say if you're not a fan of the melodramatic, then you probably won't care for this.
Pros- she develops her characters thoughtfully. They are three-dimensional characters with faults and strengths and each character is shown doing things within and outside of their moral scope, much like in real life. She has a remarkable ability to incorporate her spirituality and beliefs without being offensive or overbearing and without the book reading like a crappy religious novel.
Cons- this book read like a soap opera. Every family has their dark little secrets and none of them are perfect but really?!! I won't give anything away, but I have to say if you're not a fan of the melodramatic, then you probably won't care for this.
November 22, 2010
An ambitious book by the author of A Wrinkle In Time (a personal childhood favorite); this story of interconnectedness, mercy, forgiveness and a belief system able to embrace the wonders of both clear-headed science and an Almighty God, is admirable in concept if not entirely successful (IMO) in its execution.
I'm not entirely comfortable with the ending. I wonder at Camilla's troubled son Taxi's joy in discovering, finally, his blood father's identity. Why, with all the transience of emotion in this man's life, we are expected to believe that this will be a key, a source of happiness that will somehow allow him to rise above the debris of his youth and permanently calm his inner windstorms.
I'm not entirely comfortable with the ending. I wonder at Camilla's troubled son Taxi's joy in discovering, finally, his blood father's identity. Why, with all the transience of emotion in this man's life, we are expected to believe that this will be a key, a source of happiness that will somehow allow him to rise above the debris of his youth and permanently calm his inner windstorms.
June 7, 2017
Short Review: I liked this, especially since it was written about 45 years after the first book in the series and approximately 45 years passed in the time of the story. This is Camilla in her mid to late 60s. Most of the story is either directly telling her granddaughter about her own life or the life of her family or memories that are brought on by the stories.
There is a twist that I didn't expect at the end and that solved the book a little too neatly for my taste. Especially since the book as a whole seemed to focus on the messiness of the actual world.
I have one reservation about the book that is pretty spoiler-y. I have a discussion about it on my longer review on my blog.
The longer review is posted at http://bookwi.se/a-live-coal-in-the-sea/
There is a twist that I didn't expect at the end and that solved the book a little too neatly for my taste. Especially since the book as a whole seemed to focus on the messiness of the actual world.
I have one reservation about the book that is pretty spoiler-y. I have a discussion about it on my longer review on my blog.
The longer review is posted at http://bookwi.se/a-live-coal-in-the-sea/
November 28, 2007
Madeleine L'Engle is my new chain-reading author. After being woefully disappointed in AS Byatt, I needed a pick-me-up. So, in honor of the life of one of my favorite adolescent lit authors, I decided to do a little more ma-toor reading of this one.
L'Engle writing is so full of love. Her dialogue can seem awkward at times, but it is written so lovingly that I find its awkwardness adorably open and honest. This book deals with a very complex family tree, and skillfully flows from past to present to further past and back. Though full of pain, it is so beautifully written that every page is a pleasure.
L'Engle writing is so full of love. Her dialogue can seem awkward at times, but it is written so lovingly that I find its awkwardness adorably open and honest. This book deals with a very complex family tree, and skillfully flows from past to present to further past and back. Though full of pain, it is so beautifully written that every page is a pleasure.
Read
July 17, 2022Overarching themes of love and mercy
But also
Multi generational
Trauma
Hope
Healing
Trust
The sins of the fathers
Relationships
And
Deeply flawed characters
Dual perspectives
Loved this one by Madeleine L'Engle ... she's becoming one of my favourites
4.5 stars
But also
Multi generational
Trauma
Hope
Healing
Trust
The sins of the fathers
Relationships
And
Deeply flawed characters
Dual perspectives
Loved this one by Madeleine L'Engle ... she's becoming one of my favourites
4.5 stars
June 28, 2008
I read it because I like other books she wrote, but had to force myself to finish it. I guess the teachings about love and mercy were nice, but I just didn't like the book.
August 7, 2017
Have been reading/rereading L'Engle's fiction for the collection of L'Engle interviews I've been editing. This one is a first read for me, this last adult novel L'Engle wrote (published in 1996, after the death of her husband in 1986, but before the death of her son in 1999). L'Engle's novels are often quite autobiographical, and this one feels very much so, especially the depiction of the long-lasting but occasionally troubled marriage of Camilla, an astronomer, and her husband, Mac, an Episcopal priest. The novel flashes back and forth in time; in the present, Camilla and her granddaughter are talking about her family history, after Camilla's son, Taxi, implies to his daughter that Camilla might in fact not be her biological grandmother; in flashbacks, we see the many family members and friends from Camilla's past that help contextualize Taxi's passive aggressive suggestion.
The theme of the book is mercy: "But all the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea." Lots of things that Camilla's family members do cause her pain, and deep anger, especially actions by her husband and her son (Mac has a tendency to run away, or close in on himself, when things get tense; Taxi strikes out in anger, both verbal and occasionally physical, when he feels insecure). Something similar happens in the marriage of Camilla's in-laws. The message seems to be quite gendered; the men cause the pain, the woman have to suffer and have mercy.
It's interesting to me that L'Engle has trouble depicting emotional intimacy between lovers/spouses, here and throughout her oeuvre. We are told that Camilla loves Mac, but we don't really see what the two have in common, or why they care for one another; Mac runs away for more than a year after the two initially started dating (something L'Engle's husband, did, too, if Cynthia Zarin's NEW YORKER profile of L'Engle is correct), but as soon as he returns and asks her to marry him, she does. She commonly writes at an emotional distance, something that makes it difficult to get close to feelings of people in love.
I wondered if the depiction of Camilla's troubled son Taxi, whom the novel says is not bipolar but certainly appears to have mental health issues, is related to L'Engle's own son, Bion, who suffered from alcoholism that L'Engle apparently never could acknowledge. This part of the novel is so sad; Camilla's daughter has basically had to exile herself from the family, to get away from the jealousy and demandingness of Taxi; Taxi, for his part, sees psychiatrists as a child, but they don't seem to be able to help him, or help the family deal with him. L'Engle mentioned in several interviews that no one who kept a journal would ever have to visit a psychiatrist; I wonder if this denial of the biological realities of mental illness proved a problem in her own family? The ending of the novel seems a sop of sorts to Taxi, but a sop that doesn't really address the deep problems that his life, and its effects on the other members of his family, has posed throughout the story.
Homophobia, a subtext that runs through many of L'Engle's fictions, pokes its head up here in quite unpleasant ways, something I think I may have to write about in essay form sometime. It seems clear that the author associated homosexuality (both gay and lesbian) with fear and shock and trauma for some as yet unknown reason.
The theme of the book is mercy: "But all the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea." Lots of things that Camilla's family members do cause her pain, and deep anger, especially actions by her husband and her son (Mac has a tendency to run away, or close in on himself, when things get tense; Taxi strikes out in anger, both verbal and occasionally physical, when he feels insecure). Something similar happens in the marriage of Camilla's in-laws. The message seems to be quite gendered; the men cause the pain, the woman have to suffer and have mercy.
It's interesting to me that L'Engle has trouble depicting emotional intimacy between lovers/spouses, here and throughout her oeuvre. We are told that Camilla loves Mac, but we don't really see what the two have in common, or why they care for one another; Mac runs away for more than a year after the two initially started dating (something L'Engle's husband, did, too, if Cynthia Zarin's NEW YORKER profile of L'Engle is correct), but as soon as he returns and asks her to marry him, she does. She commonly writes at an emotional distance, something that makes it difficult to get close to feelings of people in love.
I wondered if the depiction of Camilla's troubled son Taxi, whom the novel says is not bipolar but certainly appears to have mental health issues, is related to L'Engle's own son, Bion, who suffered from alcoholism that L'Engle apparently never could acknowledge. This part of the novel is so sad; Camilla's daughter has basically had to exile herself from the family, to get away from the jealousy and demandingness of Taxi; Taxi, for his part, sees psychiatrists as a child, but they don't seem to be able to help him, or help the family deal with him. L'Engle mentioned in several interviews that no one who kept a journal would ever have to visit a psychiatrist; I wonder if this denial of the biological realities of mental illness proved a problem in her own family? The ending of the novel seems a sop of sorts to Taxi, but a sop that doesn't really address the deep problems that his life, and its effects on the other members of his family, has posed throughout the story.
Homophobia, a subtext that runs through many of L'Engle's fictions, pokes its head up here in quite unpleasant ways, something I think I may have to write about in essay form sometime. It seems clear that the author associated homosexuality (both gay and lesbian) with fear and shock and trauma for some as yet unknown reason.
April 19, 2018
Okay, this is my new favorite book ever!💖
I'll try not to fangirl too much, but this was an absolute masterpiece. I didn't want it to end and ate it up with a ravenous hunger for good literature. This'll be a spoiler free review, since I don't want to ruin the magic for you.
Everything from the writing to the characters was superb. The only complaint I really have is that this book jumps around in time, from Camilla's past to her present, and I sometimes got confused on when things were taking place. Nothing too major, though.
Also, how did L'Engle know my weakness for redheads? Early in the book (around the 9% mark), we learn that Camilla's mother was having an affair with her astronomy professor, Grantley "Red" Grange. He had reddish-gold hair, thus the nickname, and hazel eyes. I know I'm supposed to despise Professor Grange, and I do abhor his actions, the pain he caused; but his sunny curls kept me from entirely hating him. Also, his name is absolutely beautiful.
And then came the last half of the book, and he can just take his lovely hair and shove it. Gah, heart, find someone worthy of your affection. Of course, it never listens, and I fall in love with everyone.
On a different note, this book kept throwing punches and twists at me. I thought I had solved the mystery halfway through. The book even seemed to support my theory for most of the way, before turning in a similar, but different direction. I can't even be that mad, it was so well done. I'm still in awe over it.
The book did talk a fair amount on religion and astronomy, but it never felt overwhelming. L'Engle was obviously passionate about both, and it shows in her writing. I actually learnt a fair bit about the stars and Mach's Theory. It's a super minor point, but the book also addresses homosexuality in a really beautiful way
If you're looking for a book about mercy and compassion, then you'll love this one. None of the characters are perfect, but what is life if not full of imperfections?
Five stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My favorite quotes:
'If I understand the Gospel, the Good News is for everybody, and is to be shared by concern and example, not coercion or propaganda. If people matter, I have to care about the fact that they’re poor and hungry and illiterate, whether they’re Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, or whatever.'
***
“Grange and Rose both loved being loved.”
“But did they love?”
“Maybe they loved the idea of love, of being in love,” Dr. Rowan suggested. “I don’t know how to put limits on love, Raffi. People love differently. Some ways of love we recognize because they’re at least reasonably close to the way we, ourselves, love. Some of it is quite different. When it stops being love I am not sure.”
***
“When two people, lovers, or sometimes friends, have an enduring care for each other, allow each other to be human, faulted, flawed, but real, then being human becomes a glorious thing to be. If the human race ever makes progress, that is how.”
I'll try not to fangirl too much, but this was an absolute masterpiece. I didn't want it to end and ate it up with a ravenous hunger for good literature. This'll be a spoiler free review, since I don't want to ruin the magic for you.
Everything from the writing to the characters was superb. The only complaint I really have is that this book jumps around in time, from Camilla's past to her present, and I sometimes got confused on when things were taking place. Nothing too major, though.
Also, how did L'Engle know my weakness for redheads? Early in the book (around the 9% mark), we learn that Camilla's mother was having an affair with her astronomy professor, Grantley "Red" Grange. He had reddish-gold hair, thus the nickname, and hazel eyes. I know I'm supposed to despise Professor Grange, and I do abhor his actions, the pain he caused; but his sunny curls kept me from entirely hating him. Also, his name is absolutely beautiful.
And then came the last half of the book, and he can just take his lovely hair and shove it. Gah, heart, find someone worthy of your affection. Of course, it never listens, and I fall in love with everyone.
On a different note, this book kept throwing punches and twists at me. I thought I had solved the mystery halfway through. The book even seemed to support my theory for most of the way, before turning in a similar, but different direction. I can't even be that mad, it was so well done. I'm still in awe over it.
The book did talk a fair amount on religion and astronomy, but it never felt overwhelming. L'Engle was obviously passionate about both, and it shows in her writing. I actually learnt a fair bit about the stars and Mach's Theory. It's a super minor point, but the book also addresses homosexuality in a really beautiful way
If you're looking for a book about mercy and compassion, then you'll love this one. None of the characters are perfect, but what is life if not full of imperfections?
Five stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My favorite quotes:
'If I understand the Gospel, the Good News is for everybody, and is to be shared by concern and example, not coercion or propaganda. If people matter, I have to care about the fact that they’re poor and hungry and illiterate, whether they’re Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, or whatever.'
***
“Grange and Rose both loved being loved.”
“But did they love?”
“Maybe they loved the idea of love, of being in love,” Dr. Rowan suggested. “I don’t know how to put limits on love, Raffi. People love differently. Some ways of love we recognize because they’re at least reasonably close to the way we, ourselves, love. Some of it is quite different. When it stops being love I am not sure.”
***
“When two people, lovers, or sometimes friends, have an enduring care for each other, allow each other to be human, faulted, flawed, but real, then being human becomes a glorious thing to be. If the human race ever makes progress, that is how.”
March 8, 2018
With L'Engle's deft touch, this stormy story of overcoming family dysfunction and abuse is brightened with references to the stars, astronomy and even math (strange for me to say that, I've never liked math!) and delicate analogies drawn between them and life.
I also loved the theme of mercy throughout, how mercy triumphs over judgement, and brings meaning to life-shattering events and even, in some cases, the strength to break the chain of abuse. Art was a man who was able to break the chain of abuse in his family, but his grandson Taxi seemed to be an example of someone who couldn't overcome the damage done to him, though the very ending seemed to hint that maybe he was finally recognizing his weakness. (Very awkward twist at the end of this book though, I think it would have been better without it).
Though I identified with Camilla and her granddaugher Raffi, arguably both main characters, they were just a touch too perfect and didn't have a strong enough character arc. However I think that's because they were - especially Camilla - meant to be anchors in the storms surrounding them.
Camilla's husband is an Episcopal priest, but the religion and spirituality in the story are very subtle and behind scene to all the family drama. Except for one small scene where her husband suddenly shines, with a glorious outpouring of faith and love, giving glory to God and Jesus.
I also loved the theme of mercy throughout, how mercy triumphs over judgement, and brings meaning to life-shattering events and even, in some cases, the strength to break the chain of abuse. Art was a man who was able to break the chain of abuse in his family, but his grandson Taxi seemed to be an example of someone who couldn't overcome the damage done to him, though the very ending seemed to hint that maybe he was finally recognizing his weakness. (Very awkward twist at the end of this book though, I think it would have been better without it).
Though I identified with Camilla and her granddaugher Raffi, arguably both main characters, they were just a touch too perfect and didn't have a strong enough character arc. However I think that's because they were - especially Camilla - meant to be anchors in the storms surrounding them.
Camilla's husband is an Episcopal priest, but the religion and spirituality in the story are very subtle and behind scene to all the family drama. Except for one small scene where her husband suddenly shines, with a glorious outpouring of faith and love, giving glory to God and Jesus.
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