Reviews

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

melissa_muses's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Amusing dark humour with deep insight into human behaviour. Probably inspired the likes of Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, and The Good Place tv series. 

I am religiously agnostic and enjoyed this as simply an entertaining read. 

proudbookworm123's review

challenging dark informative reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

travelinglibrary's review against another edition

dark reflective slow-paced

4.25

hannaem's review against another edition

challenging reflective fast-paced

4.75

susanshilton's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

caffeinatedbookwoorm's review

inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

sci_fi_cottagecore's review against another edition

challenging dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

It's true to say that this book is emblematic of the best of Christian literature, but I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs. It's witty satire on human nature is entertaining and enlightening, and I found myself having to reflect on my own thought processes and behaviour throughout. 

The only reason I'm withholding 5 stars (by a very small margin) is because some ideas seem, to me, a little dated in places, or there are a few brief moments when C.S. Lewis's own biases are clear, rather than being theologically based. However, I think it's quite amazing that a book published in 1942 gives an analysis of society and human nature that is still so shockingly relevant. 

I found many parts of this book profound and it's eye opening probes into the human psyche, through the eyes of forces trying to warp it, gave me awareness of how easy it is to fall into those traps. I definitely feel more spiritually developed after reading than before.

kubaca's review

dark funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

happylilkt's review against another edition

4.0

Superb reading by Joss Ackland. 1.15x speed was about right.

CS Lewis is one of the most effective teachers of Christianity and its quest. These imagined letters of counsel and advice from an experienced devil to a novice tempter nephew is such an effective method of exposing our foibles and rationalizations. I definitely want to read the text and take notes.

lilyloveslit's review against another edition

5.0

This book was incredible. Humorous, heavy, entertaining, thought provoking in all ways. This is a book I will surely enjoy more than once. In typical Lewis fashion, he gives so much to think about in one book that it's nearly impossible to digest, let alone appreciate, in one reading. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to understanding it more the next time around.