aritacb's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jakestillwell's review against another edition
5.0
A tongue-in-cheek correspondence between two demons trying to turn a young man toward sin that was exceedingly clever, and not too overbearing with its Christian morality.
thecesspit's review against another edition
4.0
Uncle Screwtape writes to Wormwood and advises him how to capture a young man's soul for eternal damnation. Using the conceit of letters and only one side of the dialogue, Lewis tells both a story and a philosophy of Christianity.
The story of the efforts to capture 'the patients' soul is a fair enough one. Using the second hand information, you build up a picture of the man's life during the start of world war two. More interesting is the concepts of humanity exposed through the distorted lens of Screwtape by CS Lewis. What makes a man good? More over, what makes a man damned? Mostly by inaction, lazyness and false pride.
How Lewis thinks society is changing (for the worse) is notable in that nothing really has changed in sixty years, despite proclaimations that we are losing something vital and true, that humanity is of far meaner spirit than in -his- time. Yet here we are still. Yet its worth pausing to think, what makes us strive, and the Christian apologist has as much to offer as Camus or Hemingway.
The story of the efforts to capture 'the patients' soul is a fair enough one. Using the second hand information, you build up a picture of the man's life during the start of world war two. More interesting is the concepts of humanity exposed through the distorted lens of Screwtape by CS Lewis. What makes a man good? More over, what makes a man damned? Mostly by inaction, lazyness and false pride.
How Lewis thinks society is changing (for the worse) is notable in that nothing really has changed in sixty years, despite proclaimations that we are losing something vital and true, that humanity is of far meaner spirit than in -his- time. Yet here we are still. Yet its worth pausing to think, what makes us strive, and the Christian apologist has as much to offer as Camus or Hemingway.
millie_eevee's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
corinnecarter98's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook
Cranked this out on my 12 hour (total) drive to Arkansas and back. Crazy how a perspective from the tempter Screwtape made me want to run to the Father even more.
For my own life - I honestly think this assisted in helping me realize lies that I am being told about my own life, especially “my time”. Very eye-opening in how small lies or sins or desires continue to build up over time and can threaten to take us away from the Lord’s embrace. Very easy to listen to, and I also loved the British accent from the reader (thank you Libby via Fayetteville Pub Lib).
Cranked this out on my 12 hour (total) drive to Arkansas and back. Crazy how a perspective from the tempter Screwtape made me want to run to the Father even more.
For my own life - I honestly think this assisted in helping me realize lies that I am being told about my own life, especially “my time”. Very eye-opening in how small lies or sins or desires continue to build up over time and can threaten to take us away from the Lord’s embrace. Very easy to listen to, and I also loved the British accent from the reader (thank you Libby via Fayetteville Pub Lib).
jjmann3's review against another edition
2.0
The Screwtape Letters feature journeyman correspondence from a demon to his nephew, sharing how to leverage the sinister inclinations of man to carry out a successful possession. The tale went from a strong start to a more pedantic read, and ended up not being something I honestly enjoyed.
sara_cate's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely timeless, this book is an opportunity for necessary self-reflection and awareness. With chilling insight, CS Lewis captures the enemy's mindset in such a compelling way, allowing the reader to recognize the ways they see this playing out in their own lives with deeper clarity. A perfect first CS Lewis read and a classic I would recommend to anyone looking for an insightful spiritual read.
stormhawk's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
Audio Book was well performed. While the brilliance of Lewis is here, I struggled with this one. Seemed to go on forever. Audio book probably wasn't the best format for this book. I found the juxtaposition of good and evil somewhat exhausting. It confused me. It's me, but not my favorite.
savento95's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
meecespieces's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: War