192 pages
English language
Published April 8, 2003
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
I honestly wanted to give this a 4.5 out of 5. It is a fantastic story. The emotional reaction Lewis gave me while reading was greater than any book in my recent recollection. I had to stop multiple times to simply think about the implications of what was just said. I found this fantastic. Unfortunately the ending takes a wild turn. Upon listening to these great arguments, Ransom brings up some new ones with the "King" and the debate (which happened earlier and often in the story) was just cut off. At one point the King laughs off Ransom's suggestion and the story moves on. Really would have like some more fleshing out of the arguments then as Lewis did earlier in the book. Definitely recommend it, though.
