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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
Not my favorite CS Lewis book, however it is compelling at many points. The book seems to be a reflection on pride, almost a fictionalized version of chapter 8 of Mere Christianity. Lewis makes the point that even outward "virtues" such as familial love, piety, and charity can be used as masks for self-obsession and manipulation of others. Lewis' portrayal of George MacDonald is heartwarming, you can feel his admiration. His discussions of eternity and the inability for human sin and ultimate goodness to coexist, and God's respect for human free will to reject him are classically Christian, dare I say patristic.
This book may be responsible for the idea that everyone who goes to hell chooses it, and perhaps the inspiration for the idea that the same glory of god that is the joy of the saints is the fires of hell for those who reject God (a popular idea in Orthodox circles). I find these ideas biblically suspect (“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”), and from an Orthodox perspective they don't seem to have much patristic backing.
One of the weaker elements of this book is the sci-fi conceit that Lewis credits at the beginning of the book (the "hardness" and "heaviness" representing eternity and the shades/ghosts being subject to impossibly heavy leaves and grass as sharp as diamonds). Much of the book is spent discussing this metaphor. I understand the point he is making here but I find it gimmicky. The second part I found weak is the dialogue between the saints and the shades where the saints try to convince the shades to abandon their pride/sin and come to heaven. The saints come across as callous and unfeeling and the sinners are quite cartoonish in their obstinance.
This book may be responsible for the idea that everyone who goes to hell chooses it, and perhaps the inspiration for the idea that the same glory of god that is the joy of the saints is the fires of hell for those who reject God (a popular idea in Orthodox circles). I find these ideas biblically suspect (“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”), and from an Orthodox perspective they don't seem to have much patristic backing.
One of the weaker elements of this book is the sci-fi conceit that Lewis credits at the beginning of the book (the "hardness" and "heaviness" representing eternity and the shades/ghosts being subject to impossibly heavy leaves and grass as sharp as diamonds). Much of the book is spent discussing this metaphor. I understand the point he is making here but I find it gimmicky. The second part I found weak is the dialogue between the saints and the shades where the saints try to convince the shades to abandon their pride/sin and come to heaven. The saints come across as callous and unfeeling and the sinners are quite cartoonish in their obstinance.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Beautiful!
I will return to this book again, for sure. Highly recommend for everyone. It’s a fantastic study on human nature and sin. I loved it.
George MacDonald is the goat.
I will return to this book again, for sure. Highly recommend for everyone. It’s a fantastic study on human nature and sin. I loved it.
George MacDonald is the goat.
audiobook! reminds me of screw tape letters- full of imagery and symbolism. Would love to read again and study more deeply.
4.5 stars.
This book really highlighted a lot of great concepts about heaven and hell and was so nuanced. Personally, I didn't enjoy reading this one as much as The Screwtape Letters, but that was already a very high bar to reach. This book was incredible and very eye opening.
So far one of my favorite things about C.S. Lewis' books is the prefaces. Though he is an older author, and his books are considered nearly classics in the literature sense, no one else writes the prefaces like some other classics. I find hearing from the author himself on his works beforehand really enhances the experience and gives a lot of insight into who Lewis was as a person and his beliefs beyond what he expresses in his writing.
I really liked the fact he placed disclaimers about the content, frequently expressing that he wasn't writing based on fact, but more to express an insanely transcendent concept most, if not all, people have immense trouble wrapping their heads around. Even outside of the preface, imbedded into the work, the main character (I interpreted as simply Lewis himself) continues to express his complications in understanding, and his Teacher simply says that he won't truly ever be able to understand until he is there, until he meets God in the end and is in his love.
This is such a beautiful story, with incredible writing, an engaging story, and intense topics. I felt each issue was handled and explained very eloquently. So far, every book by Lewis addressing these topics and issues many Christians struggle with and to understand, feels like a warm hug. They are so comforting and bring about a whole new perspective to how transcendent God's love is, and how amazing and unfathomable the concepts of heaven and hell are, but also how we don't need to understand them. We only need to have faith and trust in God.
This book really highlighted a lot of great concepts about heaven and hell and was so nuanced. Personally, I didn't enjoy reading this one as much as The Screwtape Letters, but that was already a very high bar to reach. This book was incredible and very eye opening.
So far one of my favorite things about C.S. Lewis' books is the prefaces. Though he is an older author, and his books are considered nearly classics in the literature sense, no one else writes the prefaces like some other classics. I find hearing from the author himself on his works beforehand really enhances the experience and gives a lot of insight into who Lewis was as a person and his beliefs beyond what he expresses in his writing.
I really liked the fact he placed disclaimers about the content, frequently expressing that he wasn't writing based on fact, but more to express an insanely transcendent concept most, if not all, people have immense trouble wrapping their heads around. Even outside of the preface, imbedded into the work, the main character (I interpreted as simply Lewis himself) continues to express his complications in understanding, and his Teacher simply says that he won't truly ever be able to understand until he is there, until he meets God in the end and is in his love.
This is such a beautiful story, with incredible writing, an engaging story, and intense topics. I felt each issue was handled and explained very eloquently. So far, every book by Lewis addressing these topics and issues many Christians struggle with and to understand, feels like a warm hug. They are so comforting and bring about a whole new perspective to how transcendent God's love is, and how amazing and unfathomable the concepts of heaven and hell are, but also how we don't need to understand them. We only need to have faith and trust in God.
[2023] Read this for the first time as a sophomore in college taking an honors English class. That class changed my life. I picked it up this year after a coworker brought it up again.
It’s just so incredible. The stories, lessons, symbols, metaphors. I had forgotten. And now, reading it with a much more mature eye, I was able to feel and things I didn’t capture as a 19 year old.
The scene with the man and the lizard. Pages 106-112 made me cry. That kind of transformation is a literal miracle. I’ve recently felt that and while I’m not yet on my own horse, racing toward the mountains, we’re getting closer. The description of Sarah Smith (p. 118-120) was really beautiful. It reminds me of a Caitlin Connolly painting I own.
Such a great book. Read it and then let’s chat.
It’s just so incredible. The stories, lessons, symbols, metaphors. I had forgotten. And now, reading it with a much more mature eye, I was able to feel and things I didn’t capture as a 19 year old.
The scene with the man and the lizard. Pages 106-112 made me cry. That kind of transformation is a literal miracle. I’ve recently felt that and while I’m not yet on my own horse, racing toward the mountains, we’re getting closer. The description of Sarah Smith (p. 118-120) was really beautiful. It reminds me of a Caitlin Connolly painting I own.
Such a great book. Read it and then let’s chat.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A regular re-read for me. I gain something new every time.
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Journey to Joy’s True Source
4.5/5
C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce is a compelling exploration of human nature and divine truth, delivered with prose that’s clear and beautiful. The story’s imaginative journey from a dreary town to a vibrant, heavenly realm hooked me, its settings alive with meaning. Lewis’s characters, flawed and relatable, wrestle with desires and choices in ways that spark deep reflection. I loved how he weaves faith into the narrative, showing, as he writes, “You cannot love a fellow-creature fully till you love God.” The discussion of loss, like the mother grieving her son, hit home, offering insight into life’s toughest questions. Nothing felt lacking—Lewis’s creativity and pacing kept me engaged. Overall, it’s a profound, enjoyable read that frames heaven, hell, and human longing in a fresh way, leaving me thoughtful about joy’s true source. It’s a book I’d recommend to anyone seeking depth.
4.5/5
C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce is a compelling exploration of human nature and divine truth, delivered with prose that’s clear and beautiful. The story’s imaginative journey from a dreary town to a vibrant, heavenly realm hooked me, its settings alive with meaning. Lewis’s characters, flawed and relatable, wrestle with desires and choices in ways that spark deep reflection. I loved how he weaves faith into the narrative, showing, as he writes, “You cannot love a fellow-creature fully till you love God.” The discussion of loss, like the mother grieving her son, hit home, offering insight into life’s toughest questions. Nothing felt lacking—Lewis’s creativity and pacing kept me engaged. Overall, it’s a profound, enjoyable read that frames heaven, hell, and human longing in a fresh way, leaving me thoughtful about joy’s true source. It’s a book I’d recommend to anyone seeking depth.
I'm re-reading Lewis after more than 20 years. He's certainly clever and nuanced, but still problematic - this is not one of the books I'd previously read, though, and I certainly enjoyed it, however many issues I have with the theology.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No