As many writers have pointed out, the "trial by faith" aspect of this story is complete fiction. More distressing, the authors knew this and chose to perpetrate the lie anyway.However, Misty Bernall is one of the most compelling monsters in contemporary fiction. The idea of a child entrusted to her care is more chilling than any high school shooting.Madeline L'Engle did so much fine work. It is truly a shame that she would fall in with such bad company.