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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
classic allegory of Christian faith. there is much to be considered here.
I read and enjoyed this as a young teen, but even then, I felt how didactic it was. More of a 3.5-star classic.
I’ve not read this book since I was a young child and I very much enjoyed reading it again. While it gets difficult in places due to the style of writing and some of it can feel repetitive, some of the allegories are so powerful that they make this an essential read for any Christian, as proved by its ongoing popularity throughout the years.
This was an interesting story...one that I'm glad I audiobooked, because I think it would have been quite tedious to read. I was not so into the religious aspect of it, but I found it much more enjoyable once I reminded myself to look upon it not like a tract, but rather like The Odyssey, which was also the fantastical story of a journey, fraught with many dangers such as giants and maliciousness intent upon keeping the hero from his ultimate destination. So was this much like that - there was much "magic" to this story, which I would never have thought. Blatantly allegorical (characters had names which declared what they were, i.e., Mr. Timorous, Mr. Little Faith, Mr. Valiant, etc.), but amusing in its own way, which I do believe Bunyan intended to an extent. He wanted to entertain the common people he expected would read the story, while teaching them. And boy, did I learn more about the Bible from this book than I ever have! Hah.
The first half is mostly a delight, despite being a good bit arduous to read given the antiquated language. The second half has its moments, but they are few and far between. Painfully repetitive at times, copying and pasting Christian's journey. I'm glad to have read it. I'm grateful for its impact on countless Christians over time. But I did not find it the tour de force Christian classic that so many consider it. Maybe when I'm older and wiser.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love it for the quest and fairytale bits. It’s my second read through and I could still do without all the didacticism. And Christiana really becomes quite insufferable.
In old English, so took awhile to warm up to the style. The premise was fabulous...the road to Heaven. But, I didn’t understand all the references and found my mind wandering during it.
Just a fantastic, encouraging, book. It's filled with appropriate warnings for pilgrim's and holds up the hope of life eternal with Christ so beautifully, it helps the reader set the minds and hearts on things above. It's my fourth read so far, and I know I will read it many more times.