Rating: Not rated
Tags: History of Ideas, Lang:en
Summary
C.S. Lewis' novel, The Great Divorce, about a man who takes
a bus trip from Hell to Heaven, is full of fascinating
characters and conversations. C.S. Lewis Goes to Heaven is the
first book dedicated to exploring this story, revealing many
important secrets that have gone undetected since its
publication in 1946. Discover how leaving a train station in
the wrong direction provided Lewis a model for Hell. Learn the
real names of an Impressionist painter and a famous detective
writer that Lewis placed (anonymously) in Hell. With
considerable detective work of his own, David Clark carefully
expands ideas found in The Great Divorce using supporting
references from Lewis' personal correspondence and other books,
particularly Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters,
Surprised by Joy and Letters to Malcolm.
* Clark looks at the story through three different
lenses. First, he introduces the characters and their
interactions chapter by chapter, including a brief narrative so
readers new to Lewis will feel at home. Second, he reveals how
even the book's landscapes convey the theology of Lewis. Then
the author comes "alongside" Lewis, explaining his theological
ideas and insights, showing their far-reaching implications,
and providing scriptural references. By these three approaches,
the astonishing grasp of Lewis' theology is revealed in
accessible language. The book concludes with three appendices,
including 40 pages of historical character sketches, literary
references, and concepts.
* Considering that Lewis himself thought it surpassed
his classic book, The Screwtape Letters, it's regrettable that
The Great Divorce has been neglected for so long. Now for the
first time, there is a comprehensive guide to help readers
appreciate this profound and entertaining novel, and be
awestruck by the grace of God it reveals. *
* "If you want a great guide to The Great Divorce, you
can't do better than David Clark, who introduces readers to a
host of fascinating historical and literary characters -
illuminating this popular novel with theological insight and
devotional delight. Clark's tour of C. S. Lewis' version of
Heaven and Hell provides a truly refreshing holiday." * *
Terry Lindvall, author of Surprised by Laughter: The Comic
World of C.S. Lewis **