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puella63's review against another edition
5.0
Inspired, I guess, by Dante, we get a picture of what Hell and Heaven really are and what Love is. A very inspiring book.
abbyaj's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
myahadden's review against another edition
5.0
The book really made me think! Such an interesting perspective on afterlife and presented many common human arguments for life after death in cool ways. Had really great points on being stubborn and prideful, the ultimate choice we have in if we go to heaven or hell, and the reality of human ability love verse Gods greater love. Loved this book!
miissamy9023's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible and moving story. Really got me thinking.
xmurbef's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
andrewtrybusreads's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Probably my favorite Lewis so far. Very cool idea about a journey through Heaven and Hell.
shannelmerical's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
missmadamemoon's review
5.0
I just listened to the audio of "The Great Divorce." It was my first reading of this book, and I know there will be many re-readings in my future. I feel a first reading was really just a glimpse of what it will be like to delve into it again and again. First of all, I must say that I adore Lewis's writing style and that his stories really resonate with me. And I know I'm just beginning to touch the surface. I have read Narnia a couple times and I read "The Problem with Pain" last year. I'm eager to continue venturing into his writings. His Christian perspective is inspiring and is quite a good fit to my own ideas/musings/wonderings/beliefs.
My favorite part of "The Great Divorce" :
In great anguish, a woman declares, "I'd rather die!"
She is reminded, "You are already dead."
In further anguish, she cries out, "Then I wish I were never born!! What are we born for??"
She is answered, "For infinite happiness. You can step out into it at any moment."
The idea of happiness always being accessible, always being available, is beautiful. We don't have to wait for heaven. It's already here...
My favorite part of "The Great Divorce" :
In great anguish, a woman declares, "I'd rather die!"
She is reminded, "You are already dead."
In further anguish, she cries out, "Then I wish I were never born!! What are we born for??"
She is answered, "For infinite happiness. You can step out into it at any moment."
The idea of happiness always being accessible, always being available, is beautiful. We don't have to wait for heaven. It's already here...
yourbestbreaux's review
5.0
The great divorce is a spiritual masterwork in every sense of the term. Managing to be both powerful and poignant, delicate and forceful; Lewis paints a tapestry of humanity's struggle with itself that can hardly be duplicated in a book review. While not strictly dogmatic in the sense that we mostly mean the term when we use it, the book bears the spiritual weight of a man who understands not only Christianity's essence, but also the reason for its extension.
The book is a narrative in the same vein as Dante's divine comedy. It follows the narrator as he is visiting the edge of heaven. Through observation of several encounters with souls meeting their heavenly emissaries, Lewis paints a picture of how purgition might look; he shows us the consequence of sin, and the difficulty with which one might overcome it even in the pivotal moments. From painful, to humorous, to touching, to challenging, Lewis leaves no one assured that they could withstand the test.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christianity or Christian thought. As I mentioned before, here is not to be found apologetics or argument but if you're looking for a quick, emotionally compelling, and spiritually reinvigorating read, this is your book. I finished it in one sitting, roughly 3 hours. And I was stopping to write down quotes.
The book is a narrative in the same vein as Dante's divine comedy. It follows the narrator as he is visiting the edge of heaven. Through observation of several encounters with souls meeting their heavenly emissaries, Lewis paints a picture of how purgition might look; he shows us the consequence of sin, and the difficulty with which one might overcome it even in the pivotal moments. From painful, to humorous, to touching, to challenging, Lewis leaves no one assured that they could withstand the test.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christianity or Christian thought. As I mentioned before, here is not to be found apologetics or argument but if you're looking for a quick, emotionally compelling, and spiritually reinvigorating read, this is your book. I finished it in one sitting, roughly 3 hours. And I was stopping to write down quotes.