C. S. Lewis takes us on a profound journey through both heaven and hell in this engaging allegorical tale. Using his extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis introduces us to supernatural beings who will change the way we think about good and evil.
The Great Divorce
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The Great Divorce is C.S. Lewis's Divine Comedy: the narrator bears strong resemblance to Lewis (by way of Dante); his Virgil is the fantasy writer George MacDonald; and upon boarding a bus in a nondescript neighborhood, the narrator is taken to Heaven and Hell. The book's primary message is presented with almost oblique tidiness--"There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" However, the narrator's descriptions of sin and temptation will hit quite close to home for many readers. Lewis has a genius for describing the intricacies of vanity and self-deception, and this book is tremendously persistent in forcing its reader to consider the ultimate consequences of everyday pettiness. --Michael Joseph Gross
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
“Much deserves to be quoted... attractive imagery, amusing satire, exciting speculations... Lewis rouses curiosity about life after death only to sharpen awareness of this world.” (Guardian)
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More About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
289 of 296 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Only C.S. Lewis can write a story like this. A man takes a bus ride through Hell, then Heaven and witnesses the choices made by others in their lives.
The vivid stories within the story show that indecision is still a decision... it underscores the petty things in our lives that we allow to dominate us, things that will still plague us in Hell for eternity if we don't abandon them.
Lewis' concepts (fantasized, of course) of the substance of spirit versus the substance of flesh and blood are incredibly thought provoking. There are mental images I got from reading this book that I will never forget.
It is basic truth - you choose life, you choose death, or you choose not to choose. You will either give up the things that are holding you down (whether they be bitter resentments, anger, material gain, control, etc.) or you will cling to them until they become your master and you their slave.
The book presents these concepts in such a non-threatening way that you've gotten a life lesson that you don't realize until you've finished this short, yet vibrant book.
149 of 155 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although this book is written as a novella, it contains TONS of thinly disguised theological truths and brain-shaking ideas. This is one of those books where everything means something. Every bit of the scenic description of Heaven and Hell reveals something that Lewis believes to be true about the two places and how people respond to them. Other fascinating things about this book are the fictional characters and seeing how different types of people respond to being in Heaven. There is one man who realizes that now that he is in Heaven, and in the presence of God, he is no longer useful. But he doesn't want to start feeling useless, and so cannot enter the presence of God--because in Heaven God provides for everyone's needs. This book really makes you contemplate whether Christianity is more about the journey or the destination. It's entertaining and full of wisdom, and is a must-read.
99 of 104 people found the following review helpful
By NotATameLion
Format:Paperback
Some folks only know Beethoven for his 9th symphony. Some folks only know C.S. Lewis for one of his "greater" works. (Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia etc..) What a loss. Anyone who has read any C.S. Lewis should make the time over the course of their lives to read THIS C.S. Lewis. I loved this book. No writer in the twentieth century ever hit the nail more directly on the head when dealing with human nature than did Clive Staples Lewis. This book is a perfect example of his talent in this area. Not even the Screwtape Letters did it better. I heartily recommend this book to all readers.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This was a great book. it is very short and sweet. My fav author is CS Lewis and really enjoyed reading this book on the train ride to work.
Published 2 days ago by R. SHARIFF
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for CS Lewis fans!
A thought provoking read. I am always intrigued by CSL's insight into mankind's motives and perceptions.
I get the most out of CS Lewis' writings over several readings.
I get the most out of CS Lewis' writings over several readings.
Published 2 days ago by Blessedsax
5.0 out of 5 stars
wow, what a book
What an amazing way to think about our time here, on earth, and our future. Our best intentions, though mixed with our own mortality, viewed through heaven's perspective.
Published 7 days ago by William S. Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Lewis' Best Works
Most are familiar with Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, and Narnia. In my view, The Great Divorce is as good if not better than these. Read more
Published 8 days ago by ironman96
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterful Look At If Hell Is Looked From The Inside
This is the first Lewis book that I've read and it lived up to all the recommendations. I don't think it's a stretch to say that C.S. Lewis as master storyteller. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Dennis Meek
3.0 out of 5 stars
very revealing
So far I haven't got to far into the book, I'm thrilled to read something by C S Lewis, considering he was an atheist and then the Holy Spirit moved on his heart and he met the... Read more
Published 11 days ago by KATHIE G GRACE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleaverly Written
Short chapters that pack a punch. Wonderful contemplation of the afterlife. A must read for everyone and it should be on your reading list!
Published 12 days ago by Michele P. Hayes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not my favorite Lewis
It's definitely a book you should try reading if you have enjoyed his other religious works, but it's personally not my favorite. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Katie Luther
5.0 out of 5 stars
book
I am not sure if I understand why the book has this title. I did enjoy it and like how it makes you think outside of the box!
Published 19 days ago by Ruth Edwards
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting point of view
Wonderful book to help open your mind and consider how we all create our own 'hell' or 'heaven' here on this earthly plane and how we may carry it through to our eternity.
Published 19 days ago by Sarna
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