Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)
by C.S. Lewis
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Book Summary Information
Author: C.S. LewisBrand: Simon & Schuster
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-04-01
ISBN: 074323491X
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: Scribner
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780743234917
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)
Book Review: A Large Step Backword
Summary: 2 Stars
When I was reading the first book in this series, "Out of the Silent Planet" (1938), several people commented to me that the sequel, "Perelandra" (1943), was much better. As a result, my expectations were fairly high going into this book. My expectations were not met, as I found this to be a very disappointing book. While the first book was very imaginative and free flowing, this one was much less imaginative and felt very forced and contrived. Lewis' conception of the planet was the one area where he allowed his imagination to really shine. For his Venusians though, he reverted back to what are essentially humans, as he retells the story of Adam and Eve.
The story is narrated by a friend of Dr. Ransom, who was summoned to see Ransom at his cottage and learns that Ransom is to be sent to Perelandra (Venus) to counter the diabolical forces of the bent Oyarsa who is trying to subvert the people of that world. Since the book's narration is written from the future, we already know that Dr. Ransom has successfully made the trip to Perelandra and back. This differs from the first book, in which we didn't know what would happen to him, which added to the suspense.
Dr. Ransom is sent to Perelandra in what appears to be a coffin, powered by supernatural forces. Once there, he encounters the Lady, who is the Eve for her planet. Shortly after that, he discovers that Weston has also traveled to Perelandra, and that he is in fact the agent of the bent Oyarsa who is attempting to cause the fall of humanity on that planet as occurred on Earth. While Weston thinks he is spreading his new faith, he clearly is being controlled by a diabolical force and ultimately only his body remains as the domination becomes more complete.
There are some interesting moral discussions, as Weston (or the Un-man as he is then referred to) and Ransom try to win over the Lady with their words. Ultimately though, Ransom is called upon to use physical violence to destroy the demon/Weston, and I question what Lewis was trying to say with this turn of events. Is he indicating that violence is a justifiable method of spreading your message? Lewis took the higher moral ground when one compares "Out of the Silent Planet" with what he perceived to be Stapledon's message in "The Last and First Men", but here he seems to be taking the low road. He appears to be taking the position that it is okay to turn to violence to push one's beliefs when one's words prove to be insufficient.
This book is not completely without merit, but it is not nearly as good, in my opinion, as "Out of the Silent Planet". It is a bit longer than the first book, but at 190 pages it is still fairly short for a novel. While it is not necessary to read "Out of the Silent Planet" before reading this book, it certainly does fill in the back story and enhances the experience. "Perelandra" was originally published in 1943, and has also been published under the alternate title of "Voyage to Venus".
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