Paperback, 192 pages
English language
Published April 8, 2003 by Scribner.
The second book in C. S. Lewis's acclaimed Space Trilogy, which also includes Out of the Silent Planet and That Hideous Strength, Perelandra continues the adventures of the extraordinary Dr. Ransom. Pitted against the most destructive of human weaknesses, temptation, the great man must battle evil on a new planet -- Perelandra -- when it is invaded by a dark force. Will Perelandra succumb to this malevolent being, who strives to create a new world order and who must destroy an old and beautiful civilization to do so? Or will it throw off the yoke of corruption and achieve a spiritual perfection as yet unknown to man? The outcome of Dr. Ransom's mighty struggle alone will determine the fate of this peace-loving planet.
This feels like a true adventure book as much as it's science fiction. I suppose I'll have to complete the trilogy now. :D
For some reason, my re-read of this novel was not nearly as interesting or meaningful as my earlier readings. I guess I need to move on from this series. Nonetheless, I'm pretty certain I'll re-read the third novel in the series, anyway.
It had some 4 star moments but then it had some 1 star moments. That Hideous Strength, which I just started, seems to be much better. The climax of the story reminded me of The Exorcist (I wonder if it was an 'influence') but the ceremony at the end totally lost me. It wasn't a story any more, or even an infodump, but some kind of scripture with footnotes.
This was tougher to read than it should've been. I read it at least once before, in high school, but I don't recall it being quite so...uninteresting, for lack of a better term.
There are some moments of worth. Lewis has a knack for description, and his portrayal of Ransom's perusal of Perelandra is well done. Also, portions of dialogue between the various characters are quite well done.
However, Lewis seems to take things to the extreme. His description and dialogue become tedious at times, and his narrative devolves into tiresome reports of concepts that perhaps could be described more succinctly and clearly.
