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1618mihijo's review
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This collection of short manuscripts lends insight to Lewis's genius. Even his first drafts, unfinished works, and, in his opinion, worst stories are edifying and well written.
wildweasel105's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, this is a collection of works that showcases the inimitable genius and intellect of C.S. Lewis. Sometimes you are whisked away into the darkest realm of reality, and at other times you find yourself faced with a surprise straight out of Greek mythology. A rare blend of early science fiction and an attempt to continue Homer's Iliad are perhaps just a few ways to describe this minor anthology of one of the 20th century's greatest writers.
This book has some manuscript missing, which was one of Lewis's quirks. But, a few of his contemporaries add their analysis at the end of the book, which gives a little more insight into what Lewis was thinking when he wrote these stories. I'd give this a 3 and a half.... just because Lewis made me think beyond the limits of imagination, despite the fact that there were a few omissions in his manuscript.
This book has some manuscript missing, which was one of Lewis's quirks. But, a few of his contemporaries add their analysis at the end of the book, which gives a little more insight into what Lewis was thinking when he wrote these stories. I'd give this a 3 and a half.... just because Lewis made me think beyond the limits of imagination, despite the fact that there were a few omissions in his manuscript.
classical_learner's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
Really fascinating to hear other head canons from Lewis. I totally see how they morphed into his other work or emerged from trending interests of his (Helen of Troy? The Iliad? Now that is “fan fiction” I’d read). So sad Joy’s death killed his story making spirit!
Also, what could have been an awkward and contextless anthology was instead a comprehensive guide that enabled me to enjoy the story snippets.
Also, what could have been an awkward and contextless anthology was instead a comprehensive guide that enabled me to enjoy the story snippets.
icvelx's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tocy777's review
4.0
The Dark Tower story is genius...but I guess we will never know the ending...or maybe we will. The short stories...well, I'm not gonna lie they were weird, but I enjoyed them as well. An interesting sneak peak into his drafts and ideas.
enolas's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adore the tantalising glimpses into Lewis' creative process here.
anna_kristina_nord's review against another edition
5.0
This was the book which convinced me beyond a reasonable doubt that CSL was a genius and also had a time machine (but: don’t read it after dark)
caitlin_89's review against another edition
3.0
Previously unaware of its existence, I was excited to stumble upon this at the library.
The Dark Tower I found intriguing, and wished that Lewis had developed and completed it.
The Man Born Blind, reminiscent of Poe. (that threw me for a loop.)
After Ten Years, a myth retold, also made me wish it had been completed. Reading the opening, and gradually realizing where you are and what's going on was exciting.
Basically, every story was pretty interesting in its own right, if not polished. But of course they weren't polished - they were unfinished manuscripts. I see a lot of people aren't impressed with this work, but obviously Lewis wasn't either, or it would have been published, right? I just kind of get the impression that I've been let in on a little secret - the unpublished scribblings and revelations of ideas from the mind of a great author.
The Dark Tower I found intriguing, and wished that Lewis had developed and completed it.
The Man Born Blind, reminiscent of Poe. (that threw me for a loop.)
After Ten Years, a myth retold, also made me wish it had been completed. Reading the opening, and gradually realizing where you are and what's going on was exciting.
Basically, every story was pretty interesting in its own right, if not polished. But of course they weren't polished - they were unfinished manuscripts. I see a lot of people aren't impressed with this work, but obviously Lewis wasn't either, or it would have been published, right? I just kind of get the impression that I've been let in on a little secret - the unpublished scribblings and revelations of ideas from the mind of a great author.