The Moment of Tenderness

Written by Madeleine L'Engle

Narrated by Caitlin Davies

Discover stories that inspire a "great capacity for wonder" (New York Times) from the beloved author of A Wrinkle in Time: named one of the spring's most anticipated books (Good Housekeeping), this collection transcends generational divides to highlight the power of hope and joy.

This powerful collection of short stories traces an emotional arc inspired by Madeleine L'Engle's early life and career, from her lonely childhood in New York to her life as a mother in small-town Connecticut. In a selection of eighteen stories discovered by one of L'Engle's granddaughters, we see how L'Engle's personal experiences and abiding faith informed the creation of her many cherished works.

Some of these stories have never been published; others were refashioned into scenes for her novels and memoirs. Almost all were written in the 1940s and '50s, from Madeleine's college years until just before the publication of A Wrinkle in Time.

From realism to science-fiction to fantasy, there is something for everyone in this magical collection.

MOST ANTICIPATED by The Millions *Time * Salon *The Lily * BookRiot * PopSugar * Gizmodo * Bustle * Tor * SheReads * Parade * The Christian Science Monitor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Apr 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781549183690

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.  

Reviews for The Moment of Tenderness

[donnamariemerritt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'd never read any short stories by Madeleine L'Engle, one of my favorite authors. Set in chronological order, what a gift it was to watch her talent grow as a writer while reading this book.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A collection of short stories, discovered and compiled by one of the late author's granddaughters. Many of the stories are semi-autobiographical. Most are a bit bleak, though there are moments of hope and joy and, yes, tenderness. Recommended to L'Engle completists and short story aficionados.

[muddyboy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A recently released collection of short stories from an author who passed away in 2007. Her recent interest and claim to fame springs from her authorship of A Winkle in Time and the movie that was backed by Oprah. Many of these stories feature people who are either outsiders or victims.trying to find their place.. In my opinion the stories are not universally strong but are still worth reading.- even the last one about a group of people going to another planet with not much indication as to why. Its up to you on these.

[jbd1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first few stories didn't strike my fancy too well, but by about halfway through the volume they really started to improve, and by the end I was completely and totally taken in. There are some real treats in here.