In this collection of essays, Madeleine L'Engle writes about the powers of good and evil active in the universe. She begins with a trip to Antarctica where she sees penguins as spiritual teachers about vulnerability. L'Engle goes on to meditate on other icons, or "windows to God," such as words, stories, places, and houses.
As an active Protestant, the author is cognizant of the danger of turning icons into idols which throw a shadow on the face of God. One of the best pieces in the book looks at how the stars reveal the signature of the divine. Another provides a very a thought-provoking interpretation of Jesus cursing the fig tree.
