Reviews

Perelandra by C.S. Lewis

lewislover's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

There is so much wisdom and Truth buried in this book, but it is a tough read. I love all Lewis, but the science-fiction books take a lot of focus.

shelbymarie516's review against another edition

3.0

Sci Fi Fairytale with biblical influence. I think I'm still more of a Narnia girl.

linneak2002's review against another edition

5.0

2024: This was either the second or third time reading this, and I got a lot more this time!

I will share a quote.

> My fear was now of another kind. I felt sure that the creature was what we call "good," but I wasn't sure whether I liked "goodness" so much as I had supposed. This is a very terrible experience. As long as what you are afraid of is something evil, you may still hope that the good may come to your rescue. But suppose you struggle through to the good and find that it also is dreadful? How if food itself turns out to be the very thing you can't eat, and home the very place you can't live, and your very comforter the person who makes you uncomfortable? Then, indeed, there is no rescue possible: the last card has been played. For a second or two I was nearly in that condition. Here at last was a bit of that world from beyond the world, which I had always supposed that I loved and desired, breaking through and appearing to my senses: and I didn't like it, I wanted it to go away. I wanted every possible distance, gulf, curtain, blanket, and barrier to be placed between it and me.

forestidylls's review against another edition

3.0

Not as good as the first, but still an interesting version of the beginning of a world, and fascinating commentary on what we believe.

cassiakarin's review against another edition

5.0

Much more difficult than the first book in this series, Out of the Silent Planet, but deep, rich, and solidly packed with references to great literature and whirlwinds of philosophical quandary. I realized halfway through this book, having dragged it out for some time, that it had to be read quickly. There are so many intricate and twisty concepts, ideas, and conversations in it that in order to remain within the emotion that Ransom is experiencing and feel the tear of his formerly held positions, and the weight of his convictions as they rise and fall and nearly slips away, you have to read it in one long breath. I am certain that I missed much of the profundity of this book. However, I got a glimpse. I felt a breeze of it. I could smell a sweet savory warmth from a fire burning just out of reach. I’m certain I will need to read this book again…maybe in fifteen years.
I also recommend watching a lecture Malcolm Guite has online that includes discussion on this book. He reveals the great profundities hidden in the book and ties them to incredible themes of life and virtue in other great literature. YouTube: “The Great Dance: Love and the Virtues from Dante to Lewis” by Malcolm Guite

Recommended by: Michael Ward & Malcolm Guite

dkatreads's review against another edition

4.0

My favorite of the series. The ending alone is worth a frequent reread.

danakinskyrocker's review

mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

drone232's review

hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is mostly theology. I liked it better when I understood that. Out of the Silent Planet, the prequel, is an adventure with some philosophy. This is just straight up The Adam and Eve story retold with aliens and author commentary. Despite some sexism, it is a good discussion on original sin.

debout's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

michaelesch's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I always feel weird writing a review for a second book in trilogy. If you are reading this book you have probably already read Out of the Silent Planet. I found this one to be a little bit more interesting. The planet is similar to Eden, but as always, it has its twists. It is classic C.S. Lewis writing on spiritual things in a such a good and unique way, while also giving great insight to true spiritual realities, mainly that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone that is a Lewis fan. If you have never read C.S Lewis, I would recommend first reading Screwtape Letters, before you start with the Space Trilogy, if you like that one, you will most definitely like these.