A Millennial’s Review of The Screwtape Letters
C.S. Lewis, a prominent author in the 20th century known for his wide range of famous novels, is often praised by Christian apologists and theologians, who regard his novels such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Mere Christianity as seminal works.
His 1942 novel, The Screwtape Letters, is fascinating, not only because of the subject and narrative but because its unusual form and tone set it apart from his customary fiction. As a longtime fan of Lewis, I have read Till We Have Faces, Perelandra, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I was excited to read The Screwtape Letters. Though I was aware the book was Christian-focused, I knew nothing about the plot or message of the novel.
After reading the first chapter, or “letter,” from Screwtape, I was thoroughly confused. Then, I read the back cover where I learned the premise of the novel. Screwtape, a demon in the top ranks of Satan’s army, is sending letters to his nephew, Wormwood, who is trying to ensure a man’s soul is sent to Hell. Through this premise and Screwtape’s letters, Lewis tackles most of the common Christian paradoxes and dilemmas. He also proposes how demons might try to undermine Christians and their relationships with God by placing himself in the role of a demon attempting to do so.
I enjoyed The Screwtape Letters. Lewis’ novel brings something new and dynamic to Christian literature. By using a demon’s perspective, Lewis articulates common fears Christians have, and how Satan uses these fears to drive us apart from God and each other.
As an author, I appreciated how Lewis employs an opposing perspective to highlight his messages. It’s not easy to step into the shoes of those unlike you, but Lewis does a fantastic job of finding a demonic voice to channel in his story.
In a message from Lewis at the end of the novel, he laments how difficult it was for him to get into the headspace to write The Screwtape Letters. He says it took a mental toll on him to write the book, but, in the end, it was worth the turmoil to see the completed novel. I was reassured knowing other authors also feel emotionally drained when working on heavy storylines, and that emotional attachment to your work is expected.
While I do not have many critiques of this novel, I would have liked more variation in the tone and style of the letters. Many chapters were repetitive. Though repetition can be necessary to drive home important points, I would have appreciated if the storyline deviated more from the center.
If you liked The Screwtape Letters, I would suggest any of Lewis’s other novels, especially The Space Trilogy. I am fond of his pacing and stories, and The Space Trilogy provides fun and snappy novellas easy to sink your teeth into. While they don’t have as overtly Christian themes, they are still allegorical and timely for a Christian audience. If religion is not your thing, they are still entertaining and easy reads.
