nickadams's review against another edition
5.0
I have to concede that I somehow escaped adolescence without reading any of Lewis's work. The Great Divorce first came on to my radar nearly six years ago, thanks to Kris McDaniel (lead pastor at Trinity Anglican in ATL), however I just now made the effort to read it.
With that preface, I found The Great Divorce to be just as thought-provoking and enlightening as promised. As many have noted, the premise is essentially a day trip from purgatory (or Hell), to Heaven, in which the narrator comes to a better understanding of both, as well as humanity. The revelations play-out through allegorical vignettes and conversations overheard in Heaven, all building upon another to create a vivid decription of what could be (as well as what could not).
If you are predisposed to disliking didactic stories, Christianity, or extended metaphors - don't waste your time, unless you're simply looking to revel in that disdain. All others will likely find The Great Divorce, even if only parts, to be a thoughtful, considered, and refined story of the afterlife (as well as present life) and the seeming dichotomies of our potential paths. I certainly did.
With that preface, I found The Great Divorce to be just as thought-provoking and enlightening as promised. As many have noted, the premise is essentially a day trip from purgatory (or Hell), to Heaven, in which the narrator comes to a better understanding of both, as well as humanity. The revelations play-out through allegorical vignettes and conversations overheard in Heaven, all building upon another to create a vivid decription of what could be (as well as what could not).
If you are predisposed to disliking didactic stories, Christianity, or extended metaphors - don't waste your time, unless you're simply looking to revel in that disdain. All others will likely find The Great Divorce, even if only parts, to be a thoughtful, considered, and refined story of the afterlife (as well as present life) and the seeming dichotomies of our potential paths. I certainly did.
emmbutler26's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seforana's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? Yes
3.0
hannahfletcher's review against another edition
5.0
Vibes: Mind Bending and soul churning …kinda like that scene with Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange (1 obvi) where she shows him the power of magic for the first time. (If you get this reference please tell me in the comments)
Media: eBook. It was the same version I read before so I could track my highlighted sections but also turn on the scroll up function. So it feels the same as scrolling through instagram/twitter
Media: eBook. It was the same version I read before so I could track my highlighted sections but also turn on the scroll up function. So it feels the same as scrolling through instagram/twitter
naomipro's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
finnigan913's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
_thereadinghermit_'s review against another edition
5.0
Super short book but really spiritually convicts you. Sometimes can be like holding up a mirror - but always reminds you of God’s mercy.
apabst's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
4.25