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dwlejcjvg's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the vision/dream sequences are long and effusive but overall pretty good.
helena_blythe's review against another edition
5.0
I may never have read this on my own, but I am so glad that it was a part of my assigned college reading.
It reads best when one is familiar with Dante, but I think a general knowledge would suffice. Charles Williams anchors this book in a concept called "co-inherence" -- that what happens to one, affects all. All individuals are part of an interconnected whole, and exist in relationship to each other. Williams balances (or tries to) this rather Eastern concept in a deep and mystical Catholicism. (The mystical conception of the fully God, fully man Christ in the fully human, sin natured Mary being the most complete illustration of this co-inherence.) The structure of the novel is unique, with the major characters existing as foils to each other -- as one slips into self-determined damnation, another reaches out for salvation.
I feel that I could read this book a dozen times and still get something fresh from it each time.
It reads best when one is familiar with Dante, but I think a general knowledge would suffice. Charles Williams anchors this book in a concept called "co-inherence" -- that what happens to one, affects all. All individuals are part of an interconnected whole, and exist in relationship to each other. Williams balances (or tries to) this rather Eastern concept in a deep and mystical Catholicism. (The mystical conception of the fully God, fully man Christ in the fully human, sin natured Mary being the most complete illustration of this co-inherence.) The structure of the novel is unique, with the major characters existing as foils to each other -- as one slips into self-determined damnation, another reaches out for salvation.
I feel that I could read this book a dozen times and still get something fresh from it each time.
marie_maude's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
turtletrackz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
spacejamz's review against another edition
4.0
There are some incredible moments in this book, and while I appreciate its density (it's only 220 pages, and took me three months to read), I think it's ultimately weighed down by trying to say too much in too many ways. Virginia Woolf, Dante, existentialism, the average nightmare, and his friend C. S. Lewis seemed the most obvious influences, but this list could go on forever.
chl0e_c's review against another edition
3.0
I was intrigued to read this "theological thriller" when I realized that the author, Charles Williams, was a member of the “Inklings" and a friend of Tolkien and Lewis. For me, this was a difficult read—and very, very weird. The concepts of time and dimension are confusing, as the past, present, physical world, and spiritual world all simultaneously intersect/connect with each other somehow.
I did enjoy the challenge of the read, although I felt much of the theological depth and allusion went over my head. Nevertheless, after reading this, the Scriptural command to "bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" has taken on a new powerful & redeeming meaning for me. Also, I’m definitely still pondering the vivid, haunting portrayal that the real horror of the “descent into hell” is not an external torment—but a torment originating *internally* from one’s willful & deliberate choices to live for self-fulfillment.
I did enjoy the challenge of the read, although I felt much of the theological depth and allusion went over my head. Nevertheless, after reading this, the Scriptural command to "bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" has taken on a new powerful & redeeming meaning for me. Also, I’m definitely still pondering the vivid, haunting portrayal that the real horror of the “descent into hell” is not an external torment—but a torment originating *internally* from one’s willful & deliberate choices to live for self-fulfillment.
helenahvg's review
dark
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
raybob23's review against another edition
5.0
Williams has a way of tying together intricate poetic language with an underlying, and very serious message. He woos and teaches at the same time.