The Arm of the Starfish (1965)

An interesting, suspenseful, and sad tale of science and espionage that is overshadowed by some real bad choices that could have been thought through. A solid 3.5 stars. ( )

A teenager must choose which of two groups of people to trust, but it's easy for the reader to decide.

There is a quote from and discussion about "Two Tramps in Mudtime" by Robert Frost. The phrase, Mortal Stakes, used by Robert Parker as a title for one of his Spencer books, is in it:
"Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes,
Is the deed every really done
For Heaven and the future's sakes." [p. 124] ( )

Intended as a teenage thriler, written fifty years ago, this is a very well written book with a great deal of suspense. The action moves at just the right pace; not so rapidly that I lost track of what was going on, but with detours into sightseeing and conversation that keeps the tension, and made it quite difficult to put the book down.

The theme is a marine biology project which is perhaps unrealistic; but it doesn’t matter. If it’s science fiction rather than science, it’s very well done, and the detail is minimal. The danger of important research getting into the wrong hands, however, feels all too real as the protagonist comes up against ruthless greed.

Many of L’Engle’s books have a Christian theme, usually fairly low key. The overall story has a clear good vs evil plot which could appeal to anyone. L’Engle doesn’t make the mistake of spelling out her beliefs, but the power of love is strong.

I wasn’t sure I liked this when I was about half-way through, and the climax to the book includes a shocking scene which I should perhaps have foreseen. Having finished it, I rate it highly. Not for young children, but teenagers who have read the later ‘Harry Potter’ books, or ‘Lord of the Rings’ might well enjoy this. And as an adult, I very much appreciated it too.

Definitely recommended. ( )

One of the wonderful qualities about Madeleine L'Engle's writing is that her books feel timeless. This story could be happening now. On the surface it is a mystery/science fiction/suspense novel for young adults. Yet the reader is led to consider how do we do Good, and for whom. I think this one quotation says it all, "If you're going to care about the fall of the sparrow you can't pick and choose who's going to be the sparrow. It's everybody." ( )

What ages would I recommend it too? – Twelve and up.

Length? – Two evenings read.

Characters? – Several.

Setting? – Lisbon and nearby islands.

Written approximately? – 1968

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? This novel was set during the Cold War. many references and thought processes will not be understood by those who haven't studied the Cold War.

Short storyline: Adam flies to the island and is intercepted by one spy in a scientific health battle. Dr. O'Keefe's daughter is kidnapped. In order to get her back, Adam promises to spy for the one power hungry side. In the end, Adam spies for both sides.

Notes for the reader: The portrayal of Adam in this novel is contrary to his portrayal in earlier and later books. He would not be so naive, and just let things happen to and around him. ( )