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C. S. Lewis takes us on a profound journey through both heaven and hell in this engaging allegorical tale. Using his extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis introduces us to supernatural beings who will change the way we think about good and evil.

Reviews

"Only C.S. Lewis can write a story like this. A man takes a bus ride through Hell, then Heaven and witnesses the choices made by others in their lives. The vivid stories within the story show that indecision is still a decision... it underscores the petty things in our lives that we allow to dominate us, things that will still plague us in Hell for eternity if we don't abandon them. Lewis' concepts (fantasized, of course) of the substance of spirit versus the substance of flesh and blood are incredibly thought provoking. There are mental images I got from reading this book that I will never forget. It is basic truth - you choose life, you choose death, or you choose not to choose. You will either give up the things that are holding you down (whether they be bitter resentments, anger, material gain, control, etc.) or you will cling to them until they become your master and you their slave. The book presents these concepts in such a non-threatening way that you've gotten a life lesson that you don't realize until you've finished this short, yet vibrant book. "

"Although this book is written as a novella, it contains TONS of thinly disguised theological truths and brain-shaking ideas. This is one of those books where everything means something. Every bit of the scenic description of Heaven and Hell reveals something that Lewis believes to be true about the two places and how people respond to them. Other fascinating things about this book are the fictional characters and seeing how different types of people respond to being in Heaven. There is one man who realizes that now that he is in Heaven, and in the presence of God, he is no longer useful. But he doesn't want to start feeling useless, and so cannot enter the presence of God--because in Heaven God provides for everyone's needs. This book really makes you contemplate whether Christianity is more about the journey or the destination. It's entertaining and full of wisdom, and is a must-read. "

"It begins with a character who takes a mystical bus ride to a mid-point of Heaven and Hell. (Lewis' Catholic views protrude in the area of purgatory but that should stop one from reading it.) Each proceeding chapter tells of a story of a person in Hell that has the ability to go to Heaven but chooses not to because each one is too indulged in something else. Lewis' creates a different view of Hell than the original stereotype. This book may help others realize the necessity for selflessness. One should look past the fact that there is a purgatory if one disagrees (as I do). This is not the theme of the book. Any Christian can learn a valuable lesson and new perspective. "

"The Great Divorce is an enlightening novel. I began the book thinking it would be something like Dante. However, after the first thirty or forty pages I could tell it was different, but only near the end did I realize how different it was from Dante. The difference stems from the difference in their viewpoints of hell. I believe that Lewis sees hell as a separation from God while Dante sees hell as a place of torment for nonbelievers. Lewis, therefore, deals with reasons why some people will be separated from God. The narrator in the novel overhears conversations between people from hell visiting with souls from Heaven. The Great Divorce attempts to show why "good" people may end up in hell. The people the narrator overhears are not the stereotypical "bad" people who we "know" are going to hell. He attempts to show the pride, bitterness, or sin of the "good" people who most assume do not deserve hell. I enjoyed this novel. A common objection to the Christian Faith: Why a loving God would send good people to hell. Lewis attempts to show why. I recommend buying this novel, and I have already given my copy to a friend. "

"A gray man, in a gray city waits with other gray people for a gray bus. This is the opening of C.S. Lewis' THE GREAT DIVORCE, Lewis' allegory on Heaven and Hell. This isn't the Hell of Dante or Revelations, filled with fire and brimstone; this is a Hell that is the complete and total absence of God. This is a Hell that is of one's own making, the only options are to totally embrace God's love or continue to hold on to those earthly wants and desires that we all possess and remain trapped. According to Lewis, these choices are mutually exclusive; this is not a "cafeteria" relationship where one can pick and choose. Arriving at a place midway between Heaven and Hell the travelers meet various guides that have come to help move them closer to God and Heaven. Lewis creates a series of dialogues between the travelers and guides to address the questions many have regarding earthly matters and be shown how utterly insignificant they are. Choices are then made to continue to move towards God or turn back to the grayness. In his other works, Lewis has explored this vision of God, a God who is not indifferent to us but One that expects, at the very least, we make the effort to accept Him and receive the fulfillment that can only be found in His embrace. THE GREAT DIVORCE is a fine work; easily read and very clear in its presentation; this is a book to be read by any age that's ready to explore the relationship of God and man, Heaven and Hell."

"This must be the singal greatest work I have ever read, and definatly cements C.S. Lewis' place in twentieth century literature. The book is an amazing examination of religion, what makes us human, philosophy, and so much more. It provides an unparralelled picture of how we should live. An excelent, even life changing read."