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    Many Waters
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    Many Waters
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    Many Waters
    Audiobook8 hours

    Many Waters

    Written by Madeleine L'Engle

    Narrated by Ann Marie Lee

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    A touch of computer keys, a blast of heat, and suddenly the Murry twins, Sandy and Dennys, are gasping in a shimmering desert land.  If only the brothers had normal parents, not a scientist mother and a father who experiments with space and time travel.  If only the Murry twins had noticed the note on the door of their mother's lab: Experiment In Progress.  Please Keep Out

    But it's too late for regrets.  There's a strange-and very small-person approaching, with a miniature mammoth in tow. . . .

    At last it's Sandy and Dennys's turn for an adventure-an adventure that turns serious when they discover that "many waters" are coming to flood the desert.  The twins must find a way back home soon, or they will drown.  But how will they get back to their own time?  Can they?

    From the Trade Paperback edition.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateNov 11, 2008
    ISBN9780739371985
    Author

    Madeleine L'Engle

    Madeleine L’Engle (1918–2007) was an American author of more than sixty books, including novels for children and adults, poetry, and religious meditations. Her best-known work, A Wrinkle in Time, one of the most beloved young adult books of the twentieth century and a Newbery Medal winner, has sold more than fourteen million copies since its publication in 1962. Her other novels include A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and A Ring of Endless Light. Born in New York City, L’Engle graduated from Smith College and worked in theater, where she met her husband, actor Hugh Franklin. L’Engle documented her marriage and family life in the four-book autobiographical series, the Crosswicks Journals. She also served as librarian and writer-in-residence at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan for more than thirty years.  

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    Reviews for Many Waters

    4/5

    1,279 ratings36 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 2/5
      This is the fourth book in L'Engle's time quartet, and I discovered it at McKay's long after reading the first three books. The storyline involves traveling back to the time of Noah just before the global flood.
    • 2/5
      The fourth and (IMHO) weakest of the Wrinkle in Time series (so far). This book had the most overt religious themes of the those I've read. I still have the fifth book to go, but may put it off for a while.
    • 3/5
      The twins are accidentally sent back to the time of Noah.Having the people dress in loincloths seems an odd choice for people living in a dessert. And pet miniature Mammoths. Nephilim was the name for the offspring of the angles who came to earth and humans, not the angels. That annoyed me as I read it. The disagreement between Noah and his father didn't make a lot of sense in a patriarchal society. But it gave the twins a chance to play peacemaker.And I really don't see the point of creating Yalith and her story line.
    • 2/5
      Not my favorite in the series. The twins are ok but I prefer Meg and Christopher Wallace.
    • 4/5
      I found myself tossed out of the story from time to time. "Seriously?" I'd think to myself, "She wouldn't... this could go so very badly." Ms. L'Engle drew me back into the story each time; the risks paid off lovingly, with aching beauty.
    • 5/5
      My ultimately favorite book by this author! Story of Noah and the ark complete with Nephilim. I've read it many times and I can never put it down!
    • 4/5
      I remembered this book as my favorite of the Time Quintet, so when I started reading the series to Jefferson, this was the one I was most looking forward to reading to him. It was mostly as magical as I remembered, with the nephilim and seraphim. There were some ways that what seemed to be an uncomfortable simplification of evolution annoyed me (manticores that can speak -- fine. But tiny mammoths? Really?) Then there were all the scenes of the twins' blossoming sexual awareness (all PG-rated, but still) that were vaguely awkward to read to one's ten-year-old son.

      I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book, which I don't think I ever got to when I was young.
    • 4/5
      Now it's the twins' turn to save civilization on Earth, by being transferred to the ancient biblical time of Noah and family. L'Engle does a decent job in this story--similar to the prior book--of providing some moral compass for early teens. This time, it's about sex.
    • 2/5
      This time it is the twins Dennis and Sandy who are about to have a supernatural adventure. The twins have always viewed themselves as level-headed and normal. While their genius siblings have been tearing all over the universe fighting evil the twins have remained skeptical.But when they accidentally interfere with their father's experiment, they find themselves thrown back in time to the age of Noah and the flood. The twins aren't sure why they are there or what they must do. They don't remember their Sunday school lessons too well, but they know they don't want to be stuck in the flood.This book was strange. Nothing really happened. The twins spend half the book sick in a tent from heat stroke. When they finally recover, they help their hosts with farming and building the ark, but return to their own time before the rains really begin. The book seems to be mostly about avoiding temptation with women - an odd lesson considering the book's context.
    • 2/5
      The world's biggest "Ehhhhhhhh" goes to this book. It's not good enough to like and it's not bad enough to hate. It's just *there.* Easily my least favorite of L'Engle's books so far.
    • 5/5
      These are a weird, uncommon and complex series that will change a kid's way of looking at books forever. I loved the books and the stories with such peculiar and funny characters.
      Meg and Charles have a strong connection. Charles can even read his sister's mind.
      The children use a tesseract (in the novel like a portal) to travel to other planets to save their father from evil that will attack Earth soon. Although the complex plot has a lot of science and math concepts, there's a strong Christian theme prevailing in the entire story.
    • 4/5
      Its OK, but currently my favorite book in the Time Quintet is A Swiftly Tilting Planet and The arm of the Starfish; they are both awsome.

      I don't really understand why Yalith is in the story and find no inclination to like her.

      I personally reccomend this book for 11 and up.
    • 3/5
      It's been a long time since I read the first three books in this series, so I have relatively vague memories of the various kids. Still, I recalled enough to know that this is the first time the twins Sandy and Denny get to enjoy the spotlight. In this story, the twins are sent back in time to live with Noah and his relatives, pre-ark. It's a pleasant read that nicely straddles both the line between child and adult, and between religious faith and scepticism. It is by nature a religious story, but not so much that it hits you over the head. The twins themselves seem unconvinced by the end of the book.

      All in all, a nice read that doesn't so much continue the Murry story's family, as send two of its characters on a tangential adventure.
    • 4/5
      I thought the book was better than the second in the series but not as good as the first or third ones. The events in this one should have been reflected in the twins' reactions in the third book since chronologically it takes place before it. But the book wasn't written until after the third book was written, so they aren't. One of the hazards of writig the evnets of a series out of order.The kids enjoyed the book, but I think we all thought A Wrinkle in Time was the best of the bunch.
    • 4/5
      Many Waters suffers by comparison with the other books in The Quintet of Time series. Any reader familiar with the story of Noah knows the framework of the novel. Still, these themes are timeless: choices made have consequences, evil fears and tries to destroy good, love is essential, and doing good things is necessary to stem evil.This quotation stuck with me: Goodness has never been a guarantee of safety. And I think this quotation sums up the book: Many waters cannot quench the thirst for love, nor can the floods drown it.
    • 4/5
      15-year-old twins Dennys and Sandy accidentally transport themselves from their mother's home laboratory to the days of Noah, just before the flood. The twins are tall for their age, but they're giants compared to the humans of Noah's age. Dennys and Sandy are at first mistaken for the nephilim, the shape-shifting giants who have begun to take human wives. They soon become accustomed to other strange creatures like mammoths and the shape-shifting seraphim. The twins become part of Noah's household and they grow attached to his family, especially his young daughter, Yalith. But what will become of Yalith once the ark is built? They know the story. Only Noah, his three sons, and their wives will be passengers on the ark.This is the fourth book in L'Engle's Time Quartet, but it will stand on its own. Most readers will be familiar with the basic story elements of Noah and the ark. Additional familiarity with Genesis, the patriarchal era, Old Testament theology, and biblical cosmology will add depth to the novel. L'Engle is evidently well-versed in these subjects.This book is marketed for grade 5 and up/age 10 and up. However, there is an unusual amount of sexual content for a book for middle readers. I'd recommend it for 13 and older.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      This is about Dennys and Sandy Murry, who appear as minor characters in the other 'Time Quintet' books. They are considered the ordinary, practical people in their family, as they enjoy sports and gardening rather than obscure scientific theories. The story starts when the twins access their father’s computer and are suddenly transported to a very hot climate. They have no idea where (or when) they are, although it quickly becomes obvious to the reader as they meet people whose names are familiar from a Bible history context. The novel is primarily historical fiction with some low-key fantasy which is almost indistinguishable from supernatural elements. Seraphim and nephilim mix with humans. Unicorns appear when summoned, and mammoths, smaller than their name implies, function as family pets. L’Engle has created a believable world, based in an oasis, with people living in tents. Sandy and Dennys, at first considered alien giants, are gradually drawn into the community, and are both attracted to the same girl. Since this is the only book to involve the twins as major characters, it could easily be read as a standalone novel rather than as part of the series. I thought the ending rather abrupt, and would have liked more about the twins’ family at the end, but it’s really my only minor complaint about what was other wise an excellent book. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The blend of history, fantasy and faith works extremely well, in my opinion, and could be read by anyone, whatever their belief (or lack thereof). It’s not a book for younger children, but could be read by anyone from the age of about ten and upwards who enjoys intelligent historical fiction and doesn’t mind a bit of fantasy. It's not a long book and inevitably the characterisation and and conversations aren't particularly deep; yet I was caught up in the story, and could hardly put it down at times. Highly recommended.
    • 3/5
      I think I liked it better than A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and definitely better than A Wind in the Door. Unique take on pre-history, and nice to see real female characters placed into a familiar story...

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      This isn't my favorite book in the Time Quintent, but it's close. I love that the focus changes from Meg and/or Charles Wallace to Sandy and Dennys-- the "ordinary" ones of the family, as they say. They have their own adventure as well, which is handled with the complexity that it deserves. Looking back, there's a lot of issue packed in the book, given it's size. Sandy and Dennys can't deny that they've traveled through time and space, but they don't just accept everything either. It's refreshing to see them struggle with belief, knowledge of what happens in the future, and their own feelings. I always thought the biblical setting was extremely well-done.
    • 3/5
      I've got no memory at all of this, though I could have sworn I read it. I liked seeing Sandy and Dennys away from the rest of the Murry clan, and I really enjoyed what can only be called a Biblically-inspired romp in the desert. I found L'Engle's take on the supernatural beings interesting, and I'd love one of those pocket mammoths.

      And yet there wasn't any blood here. No juice. No essence. No matter the faults of the other Murry books, they are juicy and full of life. This one struck me as extraordinarily dry. Also, what's with all the rosy breasts? Every single breast in this book was rosy.

    • 3/5
      This is one of the few L'Engle novels that I don't love. I think it has to do with my lack of Biblical knowledge ... there are a lot of references in here that I just don't get. Still good though - Sandy and Dennys (the Murray twins) really did need their own story.
    • 4/5
      Although I'm not a fan of most biblically based stories, this one was an interesting enough take on the basic story to catch my interest. I also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know two of the lesser-known Murry siblings, and I found it to an interesting journey through the maturing process of two teenage boys.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Many Waters is the 4th book in the Time Quintet series. This book the twins Sandy and Denny get their turn at an adventure. After accidentally interfering with an experiment their dad had in progress they find themselves sent to the middle of the desert, and slowly discover they've gone back in time, before the great flood. They make friends with Noah and his family as well as meet a host of interesting people and animals.Overall, a fun quick read and I don't think it was as good as the last one A Swiftly Tilting Planet. The time line seemed a little weak and inconsistent and the point of the whole story seemed to be the twins growing up into men and making grow-up decisions. The strange thing is the book seems to imply support for both a young earth and evolution. It also has a few other mutually exclusive ideas presented. A fun little story but not very deep.
    • 4/5
      Jumping back in time from "A Swiftly Tilting Planet", this book puts the twins, Sandy & Dennys on center stage. I particularly enjoyed this novel and it's imaginative rendering of the time just before The Flood as the twins live among Noah's extended family. The seraphim and nephilim are interesting because they raise all kinds of questions about power and choices and harmony. Well done.
    • 4/5
      Second favorite Time Quartet book. I find it really interesting because of Madeleine L'Engle's interpretation of pre-flood society. A lot of her books that I've read deal with religious or theological themes, but this is the one that explores it most literally. Also, it's a good book.
    • 4/5
      Many Waters solidified in my mind what makes L'Engle a talented writer, being able to explore Noah's world without feeling as though a religious message was taking the focus from the story.As with other novels by L'Engle, there was a fair amount of science interspersed with the story, and there were a few pages I found myself either reading multiple times to find some comprehension or skipping after a brief scan to make sure there was nothing major related to the plot that I was missing in the pages.Even with these moments of science, which distracted me from the important story of Dennys and Sandy (the Murray twins who were only on the sidelines of the other novels of the Time Quartet), the story was still a fun read. An exploration of a world of which they are vaguely cognizant through passed Sunday School classes, the comprehension that reality is defined within the moment of experience, these are the themes I was so in love with.Yes, the story ends before many of my questions regarding the flood could be answered. Yes, there were some pages that dragged a bit, and the exploration of the names of the nephilim got to be a bit too long-winded for me. Even with these faults, though, Many Waters was perhaps my favorite of the series. I was more at home within the story of the boys out of place within time, more at home within the story of intelligent characters but not super-geniuses.
    • 5/5
      One of the 'best' four by Madeleine L'Engle. Sandy and Dennis are the twin younger brothers of Meg Murry. They are transported back in time by a computer program built by their father, on the backs of unicorns, and find themselves in the midst of the Noah's ark tale. Recommend for Middle school and up. Some people are confused by philosophical/physics elements of the series.
    • 4/5
      In this fourth volume of L'Engle's "Time Trilogy," the twins get their turn. The "ordinary" brothers of the exceptional Meg and Charles Wallace Murray mess with an experiment and are transported to a strange desert. When they meet Japheth, the alert reader realizes what's going on: they have found their way into the story of Noah and the flood.While unexceptional in our time, the twins find they can speak the Old Language and, when they listen, understand messages from the stars. They meet seraphim and nephilim, and both fall in love with Noah's youngest daughter, Yalith. They learn that sometimes tending a garden and waiting patiently is what is called for, and that when it comes to unicorns, believing is seeing, rather than vice versa.L'Engle manages to make simple things deeply moving. She mixes in her ideas about science, magic, and faith without making them intrusive. As always, her theme is the power of love to overcome all obstacles. Highly recommended.
    • 5/5
      Meg's brothers Sandy and Dennys get their own story this time. Interfering with a computer experiment lands them in the neighborhood of Noah before the flood. The boys struggle with the knowlege of what is to come, and try to deal with the evil forces already present in the young world.
    • 3/5
      Maybe my least favorite of the time quartet, but still a good read.