Dear Perelandra,
I would love to sleep in the ocean, it sounded so peaceful and wonderful. You awaken my desire for space travel and poke at my imagination. Thank you for sharing such an original story.
With Love,
Hannah
P.S. Book Details
Author: C.S. Lewis
Book Length: 288 pages/8 hours
Book Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Publication Date: 1943
Awards: Retro Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel (2019)
Synopsis: 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.
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I listened to this book simply because I was struggling to read it without feeling tired. I must say, listening was a great decision, Perelandra was made to be listened to. The story felt more alive, the characters monologues were more realistic, and I also really enjoyed being read aloud to.
The narrator was an engaging speaker. There were times when I got tired of the book, but I wonder if that was the narrator or the plot itself…? There were many slow spots or times when I did not see the plot moving forward. The characters were stagnant and (as much as I hate to say it) boring.
Perelandra had a beautiful setting, one I would love to visit. How amazing would it be to sleep on the water and wake up without any sore spots? Sign me up. However, the characters felt a little shallow to me. We know two of the three main characters, but for me they fell a bit flat. They didn’t have unique personalities and I found “innocence” to be portrayed as repelling. The woman felt like the victim, rather than honored for sticking to her morals. I didn’t connect with them, which made the book hard to read.
I did enjoy Perelandra more than Out of the Silent Planet, because of the setting. It also had more interpersonal development, while the other was more of an outer journey. I can see the merit of the book and why so many people enjoy the book. However, it just didn’t do it for me. Out of the Silent Planet did not feel up my alley, and this book followed in suite.
If you enjoyed Out of the Silent Planet, or enjoy C.S. Lewis’ fiction, this is a book you will enjoy. Also, if you have an audible account, this is a book free with membership. Wait time is 4 weeks for my library district, so if you’re eager to read it, this may be the way. C.S. Lewis’ writing style has stayed consistent, I find his voice to be unique. While I find his non-fiction to be captivating, I have found this trilogy to lacking so far.
To Books, With Love 