If You Only Read One C.S. Lewis Book

Chris —  June 30, 2011

Perelandra is possibly the greatest work of the towering twentieth century Protestant Scholar-Saint.  Like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe it uses allegorical fiction to portray Christian truths.  Yet it’s depth and maturity takes it further than Narnia ever could go.

The book is more in classic Science Fiction, in the vein of H.G. Wells or Jules Verne than modern space opera.  It uses the ideas of space travel to propel a conversation about the nature of humanity.

In many ways, the book is a re-imagining of the story of Adam, Eve and the Serpent, taking place on a foreign planet, and told through the eyes of a narrator remarkably similar in character to Lewis himself.  The book delves into the depth and the dullness of evil, the nature of temptation, and the tangible reality of the spiritual realm.

Perelandra serves in many ways as an overview of Lewis’ thought, touching on ideas addressed in everything from Miracles to Screwtape Letters to The Problem With Pain.  However, he accomplishes it in a way that no other writer can: he wraps fascinating theology in a fantastical drama.

Not only will you have fun reading Perelandra, but you’ll never look at Genesis or the night sky the same.

Check out this cool photostream of Perelandra sketches!

Related posts: