《An Acceptable Time (Time Quintet #5 / O'Keefe Family #4)》摘要

"An Acceptable Time (Time Quintet #5 / O'Keefe Family #4)" by Madeleine L'Engle continues the saga of the O'Keefe family while intertwining themes of time travel and the interplay of science and spirituality. Set in the fictional town of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the story follows the protagonist, Poly O'Keefe, the daughter of Meg Murry and Calvin O'Keefe, as she grapples with her identity and her family legacy while stepping into a new phase of her life. The novel opens as Poly is preparing to spend time with her friends at her family's rural home. The narrative delves into Poly's journey as she uncovers a mysterious stone circle near her home, which serves as a portal to the past. When she accidentally travels to the time of the ancient Celts, she encounters both the local inhabitants and the complexities of their beliefs and customs. This temporal excursion leads Poly to question not only her own understanding of love and sacrifice but also the nature of time itself—whether it is linear or cyclical. L'Engle employs rich philosophical and metaphysical discussions throughout the book, exploring themes such as the significance of choice and the interconnectedness of all beings across time. The interactions between Poly and characters from both her time and the past provide a framework for introducing ideas about destiny, free will, and the challenges of reconciling different worldviews. As Poly navigates these ancient relationships while attempting to find her way back home, "An Acceptable Time" stands as a compelling exploration of personal growth against the backdrop of time travel and family legacy.