Showing posts with label C.S. Lewis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C.S. Lewis. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2008
That Hideous Strength, the final installment in the trilogy which began with Out of the Silent Planet, finds Earth occupied by the enemy. The stage has been set for a decisive move in the war that's been brewing since the fall of Eden. New players are brought to the scene -- newlyweds Mark and Jane Studdock, who become embroiled in a war they knew nothing about and find themselves on opposite ends of the battlefield. Mark gets involved with the mysterious NICE institution, headed by the very enemies Ransom faced on Venus, whose sole purpose is the "reconditioning" of society through science and technology. Jane, on the other hand, finds herself suffering strange, almost prophetic dreams and meeting strange people, the strangest by far the mysterious man known as The Directer -- or Ransom to his friends and associates. He, and the group of people he has gathered to his side, must fight all that the NICE stands for in order to protect the future of humanity. But what is this about a secret weapon? And what has it to do with the clouded legend of Merlin?
The war has begun and Earth stands in the balance. Can Ransom tip the scale against the mighty NICE?
"But if men by enginry and natural philosophy learn to fly into the Heavens, and come, in the flesh, among the heavenly powers and trouble them, He has not forbidden the Powers to react. For all this is within the natural order. A wicked man did learn to do so. He came flying, by a subtle engine, to where Mars dwells in Heaven and to where Venus dwells, and took me with him as a captive. And there I spoke with the true Oyéresu face to face... And so the wicked man had brought about, even as Judas brought about, the thing he least intended... The Hideous Strength holds all this Earth in its fist to squeeze as it wishes. But for their one mistake, there would be no hope left. If of their own evil will they had not broken the frontier and let in the celestial Powers, this would be their moment of victory. Their own strength has betrayed them. They have gone to the gods who would not have come to them, and pulled down Deep Heaven on their heads."
That Hideous Strength is a climactic finish to the Out of the Silent Planet trilogy. Far more action packed than either of the previous two books, it deals with themes a bit closer to home. Rather than focusing on an alien race, this book zeroes in on Earth and the people we are all of us familiar with -- the greedy, the scared, the power-hungry, the kind, the lonely, the apathetic. That which makes up our world, that which motivates us, and, more narrowly, the conflict that even to this day resonates in our society -- the conflict between technology and nature, between science and the things that science seeks to overturn.
Lewis' writing is fast-paced and witty, with a sarcastic edge to it that seems particular to this book in the trilogy. The cast of characters increases and adds extra flavor for those who crave a bit more dialogue and human-to-human interaction rather than reflection and human-to-alien contact. While some of these characters lack the development and depth one would like to see, the majority of them are vivid and fairly well-rounded.
My only caution is this: patience. The book begins with Mark and Jane Studdock, and unfolds very much from their perspective. Ransom does play an important role, but not as large of a role as in the previous books. He becomes almost a supporting character rather than the main protagonist. The first time I read the book through I did become a bit impatient with the setup in my eagerness to see Dr. Ransom and what his plans were in the face of this conflict. However, Lewis sets the tone in such a way that the readers really care about what happens to the new characters even while they might yearn for the familiar face of Ransom. Give the new guys a chance, because as characters they certainly deliver.
Definitely one of my favorite books in the trilogy. I give it two (no, three) thumbs-up, and my hearty recommendation.
The war has begun and Earth stands in the balance. Can Ransom tip the scale against the mighty NICE?
"But if men by enginry and natural philosophy learn to fly into the Heavens, and come, in the flesh, among the heavenly powers and trouble them, He has not forbidden the Powers to react. For all this is within the natural order. A wicked man did learn to do so. He came flying, by a subtle engine, to where Mars dwells in Heaven and to where Venus dwells, and took me with him as a captive. And there I spoke with the true Oyéresu face to face... And so the wicked man had brought about, even as Judas brought about, the thing he least intended... The Hideous Strength holds all this Earth in its fist to squeeze as it wishes. But for their one mistake, there would be no hope left. If of their own evil will they had not broken the frontier and let in the celestial Powers, this would be their moment of victory. Their own strength has betrayed them. They have gone to the gods who would not have come to them, and pulled down Deep Heaven on their heads."
That Hideous Strength is a climactic finish to the Out of the Silent Planet trilogy. Far more action packed than either of the previous two books, it deals with themes a bit closer to home. Rather than focusing on an alien race, this book zeroes in on Earth and the people we are all of us familiar with -- the greedy, the scared, the power-hungry, the kind, the lonely, the apathetic. That which makes up our world, that which motivates us, and, more narrowly, the conflict that even to this day resonates in our society -- the conflict between technology and nature, between science and the things that science seeks to overturn.
Lewis' writing is fast-paced and witty, with a sarcastic edge to it that seems particular to this book in the trilogy. The cast of characters increases and adds extra flavor for those who crave a bit more dialogue and human-to-human interaction rather than reflection and human-to-alien contact. While some of these characters lack the development and depth one would like to see, the majority of them are vivid and fairly well-rounded.
My only caution is this: patience. The book begins with Mark and Jane Studdock, and unfolds very much from their perspective. Ransom does play an important role, but not as large of a role as in the previous books. He becomes almost a supporting character rather than the main protagonist. The first time I read the book through I did become a bit impatient with the setup in my eagerness to see Dr. Ransom and what his plans were in the face of this conflict. However, Lewis sets the tone in such a way that the readers really care about what happens to the new characters even while they might yearn for the familiar face of Ransom. Give the new guys a chance, because as characters they certainly deliver.
Definitely one of my favorite books in the trilogy. I give it two (no, three) thumbs-up, and my hearty recommendation.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Perelandra, the second book in the sci-fi trilogy which began with Out of the Silent Planet, is a surprising read. It's Lewis at his darkest, and when read with a fair eye and open mind, it presents the reader with a moral and philosophical dilemma which can do nothing but force its way into serious consideration.
Dr. Elwin Ransom's return to earth did not end his relationships with other planets. This time he has been called to far-away planet Venus, known as Perelandra to its inhabitants, by his God in order to put a stop to a force that seeks to corrupt it in the same way earth was corrupted by the fall of Eden. Ransom finds himself alone on yet another strange planet, with nothing but his knowledge of the Old Solar language and his tenacity to help him. Against what? The return of his old colleague, Weston. Or at least, that's what he used to be. But Weston finds himself keeping strange company, and they have a vested interest in the fate of Perelandra. It's one middle-aged scholar against another, and the purity of this world lies in the balance.
""So you mean to try strength," it said in English, speaking thick.
"Put down that bird," said Ransom.
"But that is very foolish," said the Un-man. "Do you not know who I am?"
"I know what you are," said Ransom. "Which of them doesn't matter."
"And you think, little one," it answered, "that you can fight with me? You think He will help you, perhaps? Many thought that. I've known Him longer than you, little one. They all think He's going to help them -- till they come to their senses screaming recantations too late in the middle of the fire, mouldering in concentration camps, writhing under saws, jibbering in mad-houses, or nailed on to crosses. Could He help Himself?" -- and the creature suddenly threw back its head and cried in a voice so loud that it seemed the golden sky-roof must break, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani."
And the moment it had done so, Ransom felt certain that the sounds it had made were perfect Aramaic of the First Century. The Un-man was not quoting; it was remembering. These were the very words spoken from the Cross, treasured through all those years in the burning memory of the outcast creature which had heard them, and now brought forward in hideous parody...
In Perelandra, Lewis unfolds for us not only the thoughtfully compelling sequel to Out of the Silent Planet; he also leaves us questions concerned with darker things, questions which may have no immediate answers. But they are questions worth considering, and Lewis brings them to life with his insightful writing.
All the warnings which applied to Out of the Silent Planet apply here, with one addendum: the themes in this book do have darker strains than those of the previous. Lewis deals with them quite thoughtfully, and in many places they're subtle, but some of the imagery he creates and the questions he raises are difficult and, in places, disturbing.
However, this book is certainly worth the read. It's a stunning continuation of the trilogy and reminds the reader just why Lewis' writing has remained so compelling throughout the years.
Dr. Elwin Ransom's return to earth did not end his relationships with other planets. This time he has been called to far-away planet Venus, known as Perelandra to its inhabitants, by his God in order to put a stop to a force that seeks to corrupt it in the same way earth was corrupted by the fall of Eden. Ransom finds himself alone on yet another strange planet, with nothing but his knowledge of the Old Solar language and his tenacity to help him. Against what? The return of his old colleague, Weston. Or at least, that's what he used to be. But Weston finds himself keeping strange company, and they have a vested interest in the fate of Perelandra. It's one middle-aged scholar against another, and the purity of this world lies in the balance.
""So you mean to try strength," it said in English, speaking thick.
"Put down that bird," said Ransom.
"But that is very foolish," said the Un-man. "Do you not know who I am?"
"I know what you are," said Ransom. "Which of them doesn't matter."
"And you think, little one," it answered, "that you can fight with me? You think He will help you, perhaps? Many thought that. I've known Him longer than you, little one. They all think He's going to help them -- till they come to their senses screaming recantations too late in the middle of the fire, mouldering in concentration camps, writhing under saws, jibbering in mad-houses, or nailed on to crosses. Could He help Himself?" -- and the creature suddenly threw back its head and cried in a voice so loud that it seemed the golden sky-roof must break, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani."
And the moment it had done so, Ransom felt certain that the sounds it had made were perfect Aramaic of the First Century. The Un-man was not quoting; it was remembering. These were the very words spoken from the Cross, treasured through all those years in the burning memory of the outcast creature which had heard them, and now brought forward in hideous parody...
In Perelandra, Lewis unfolds for us not only the thoughtfully compelling sequel to Out of the Silent Planet; he also leaves us questions concerned with darker things, questions which may have no immediate answers. But they are questions worth considering, and Lewis brings them to life with his insightful writing.
All the warnings which applied to Out of the Silent Planet apply here, with one addendum: the themes in this book do have darker strains than those of the previous. Lewis deals with them quite thoughtfully, and in many places they're subtle, but some of the imagery he creates and the questions he raises are difficult and, in places, disturbing.
However, this book is certainly worth the read. It's a stunning continuation of the trilogy and reminds the reader just why Lewis' writing has remained so compelling throughout the years.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Most people have heard of C.S. Lewis. After the Narnia series met with extraordinary acclaim, Lewis practically became a household name. However, most who have dipped their toes into the pool of Lewis' work by way of the Narnia series don't realize that Narnia was not Lewis' only venture into the fantasy world. He wrote many fantasy/sci-fi short stories (that can usually be found in Lewis anthologies), and, in fact, he wrote an entire sci-fi trilogy.
Out of the Silent Planet is the first book in the trilogy, and it opens with Dr. Elwin Ransom, middle-aged philologist and Cambridge scholar, traveling the English countryside on foot as part of a walking tour of England. Alone and in the middle of the night, Ransom blunders upon two former colleagues living in a country cottage. This seemingly innocuous reunion soon turns sour, and before he knows it, Ransom is kidnapped, bundled onto a spaceship, and finds himself hurdling through deep space towards an unknown planet, for a reason his captors refuse to disclose.
Once the three scholars have landed on this planet, Ransom seizes his chance and escapes into the wilds of a world which he knows nothing about, with no rations and no notion of how to get back to earth.
Quite unlike most sci-fi novels, this book offers a richly written, unique perspective on the idea of interplanetary travel, and just what deep space, or "Deep Heaven" would be like. It focuses on the characters, the planet, and the planet's inhabitants rather than on machinery and the technology which brought the characters to that planet, which I found a refreshing deviation from most sci-fi. Also unlike most books of this genre, Out of the Silent Planet doesn't take the hostility and maliciousness of the aliens to be a given. It focuses rather on the alien peoples as a race and the possible similarities between the alien race and humanity. Indeed, in truly Lewis fashion, this perspective of the alien race provides us with a lens through which to view our own race. What major differences between the two races that Lewis does include are written in a fresh way. It's a nice change from George Orwell style sci-fi.
The only warnings I would provide before starting the book is that if you're not one for extensive description, you might want to read cautiously. Lewis, in creating this new world, often goes to great lengths in describing it. Generally this isn't an issue, as the description of the scenery flows well with the story, but it can be lengthy and somewhat slow in places. It's also good to keep in mind that Lewis was a Christian man, and most of his works reflect that. This book isn't what I would call "overtly" Christian, but it's not hard to see the Christian influence, and, indeed, the main character is a Christian. However, it's nothing like what one encounters in Narnia -- this series is NOT an allegory in any fashion.
Peppered with wit and wisdom and beautiful prose, this book is a definite must for any C.S. Lewis enthusiast, and a great starting place for those who are new to his work. The writing and the narrative are approachable and easy to pick up, while still managing to give the reader something to hang their hat on.
Out of the Silent Planet is the first book in the trilogy, and it opens with Dr. Elwin Ransom, middle-aged philologist and Cambridge scholar, traveling the English countryside on foot as part of a walking tour of England. Alone and in the middle of the night, Ransom blunders upon two former colleagues living in a country cottage. This seemingly innocuous reunion soon turns sour, and before he knows it, Ransom is kidnapped, bundled onto a spaceship, and finds himself hurdling through deep space towards an unknown planet, for a reason his captors refuse to disclose.
Once the three scholars have landed on this planet, Ransom seizes his chance and escapes into the wilds of a world which he knows nothing about, with no rations and no notion of how to get back to earth.
Quite unlike most sci-fi novels, this book offers a richly written, unique perspective on the idea of interplanetary travel, and just what deep space, or "Deep Heaven" would be like. It focuses on the characters, the planet, and the planet's inhabitants rather than on machinery and the technology which brought the characters to that planet, which I found a refreshing deviation from most sci-fi. Also unlike most books of this genre, Out of the Silent Planet doesn't take the hostility and maliciousness of the aliens to be a given. It focuses rather on the alien peoples as a race and the possible similarities between the alien race and humanity. Indeed, in truly Lewis fashion, this perspective of the alien race provides us with a lens through which to view our own race. What major differences between the two races that Lewis does include are written in a fresh way. It's a nice change from George Orwell style sci-fi.
The only warnings I would provide before starting the book is that if you're not one for extensive description, you might want to read cautiously. Lewis, in creating this new world, often goes to great lengths in describing it. Generally this isn't an issue, as the description of the scenery flows well with the story, but it can be lengthy and somewhat slow in places. It's also good to keep in mind that Lewis was a Christian man, and most of his works reflect that. This book isn't what I would call "overtly" Christian, but it's not hard to see the Christian influence, and, indeed, the main character is a Christian. However, it's nothing like what one encounters in Narnia -- this series is NOT an allegory in any fashion.
Peppered with wit and wisdom and beautiful prose, this book is a definite must for any C.S. Lewis enthusiast, and a great starting place for those who are new to his work. The writing and the narrative are approachable and easy to pick up, while still managing to give the reader something to hang their hat on.
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