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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
3.5 - I agreed with most, was undecided with some and disagreed with even less. What a brilliant mind C.S. Lewis has! One of those people I wish I could meet in person and have a conversation with...
funny
lighthearted
reflective
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
“Let him do anything but act…The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able to act, and in the long run, the less he will be able to feel.”
Oh wow. This book was so thought provoking. I listened to it, and would really love to go back and actually read it and spend the time to pick it apart.
So many ideas and insights into how the devil tries to worm his way into our lives. It definitely gave me a lot of things to think about!
The Screwtape Letters are an enjoyable read that delves into the tactics of both Heaven and Hell. I liked how, in a twisted reversal of what we normally hear in theology books, Screwtape refers to God as "the enemy" and Satan as "our father below." This made his signature of "your affectionate uncle" even more frightening, especially when Wormwood messes up big time and Screwtape reiterates his desire to see him soon and heaps on "your ravishingly affectionate, loving uncle", implying a darker nature to their seemingly loving relationship. Very suitable for a demon. Joss Ackland's excellent narration adds to this. I loved his mix of intellectual professor and sinister, topped upon the Britishness of his delivery.
The background story made this series of essays much more enjoyable as it helped us keep direction and clearly showed us building towards something. On that note, I loved how Wormwood was not tempting just your average sinner. No, the letters begin with the patient becoming a Christian. Wormwood is thus tasked with making a "holy man" sin. This was very eye-opening as it shows how the forces of Hell and Satan could care less about you if you are not saved. It is only when you are saved, or close to it, that they take a special interest. Interestingly enough, these letters also showed me some ways I myself am sinning. It is not the blatant sins such as lust, addiction, anger, etc. that are the most dangerous, but the subtle ones born out of good intentions. Even some of the blatant ones, such as gluttony, can still rule you; as Screwtape discussed in a particularly eye opening letter on a woman who is obsessed with her diet.
In short, this is a good way of seeing the tactics of the enemy (Satan) as well as learning the true desire of Our Father in Heaven. Who knows, you might even learn more about the ongoing battle for your own soul...
The background story made this series of essays much more enjoyable as it helped us keep direction and clearly showed us building towards something. On that note, I loved how Wormwood was not tempting just your average sinner. No, the letters begin with the patient becoming a Christian. Wormwood is thus tasked with making a "holy man" sin. This was very eye-opening as it shows how the forces of Hell and Satan could care less about you if you are not saved. It is only when you are saved, or close to it, that they take a special interest. Interestingly enough, these letters also showed me some ways I myself am sinning. It is not the blatant sins such as lust, addiction, anger, etc. that are the most dangerous, but the subtle ones born out of good intentions. Even some of the blatant ones, such as gluttony, can still rule you; as Screwtape discussed in a particularly eye opening letter on a woman who is obsessed with her diet.
In short, this is a good way of seeing the tactics of the enemy (Satan) as well as learning the true desire of Our Father in Heaven. Who knows, you might even learn more about the ongoing battle for your own soul...
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Amazing premise, but gets a bit repetitive as it goes on with the same back-and-forth conversations between Wormwood and Screwtape. I wish this concept of writing from the perspective of the villain instead of the hero was used more often as it really is grounds for a great unique story (see "Wicked")!
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just found this incredibly hard to read. Idk why. But I found myself have to reread certain parts more than once. To the point where it’s more irritating than enjoyable.
Some great wisdom was here, and shows a decent degree of understanding humanity and our vices from a fun and cheeky narrator.