Troubling a Star

Starred review from August 29, 1994
Vicky Austin, the poetry-writing heroine of four of the Newbery Medalist's previous novels, finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue in this exotic, multilayered thriller. The high school junior is overjoyed when given the opportunity to travel to Antarctica to visit good friend Adam Eddington (introduced in A Ring of Endless Light ), a college student majoring in marine biology. Her enthusiasm wanes only slightly after she receives mysterious notes warning her to stay home. When she embarks on her journey, danger indeed seems to lurk around every corner--in one tense scene atop a pyramid, she is nearly pushed to her death. Her traveling companions, a colorful lot, include Otto, prince of Zlatovica; Esteban, a tour guide; and various eccentrics; as the voyage continues, their odd behavior intensifies Vicky's suspicions. Interspersed with flash-forwards of Vicky stranded on an iceberg, the intricate story line mounts in suspense. L'Engle, writing for a sophisticated audience, contrasts the purity of a frozen paradise with the burning greed of humans, and her stunning descriptions of the Antarctic waters and their inhabitants transmit a strong ecological message. Good overcomes evil in the end, but enough loose threads remain to suggest further adventures for the intrepid Vicky and Adam. Ages 12-up. 50,000 first printing.

Narrator Jorjeana Marie's dreamy voice suits the story of the curious young poet Vicky, who finds herself entangled in an Antarctic conspiracy. When her boyfriend's elderly aunt gives Vicky the opportunity to visit Antarctica, she leaps at the adventure. Marie's youthful voice recounts Vicky's friendship with Aunt Serena, which develops over many philosophical conversations. Marie moves easily between the voices of Vicky's large family and the global passengers she travels with at sea, and she creates palpable joy as Vicky encounters the wonders and wildlife of the Southern Hemisphere. Listeners will feel the chill and desperation set in when Vicky is left stranded on an iceberg with only seals for company. L'Engle's granddaughter, Charlotte Voiklis, gives context for this work in her introduction. E.E.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine