The third and final installment of the Space Trilogy finds the dark forces repulsed in the first books unleashed for an attack on planet Earth. But...
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May 03, 2011
Stephen
rated it: 
FIRST: A complaint from a member of my reading group who read the book ONLY because of the very cool bear on the cover:
In defense of Mr. Angry Bear, I must agree that while the giant, kick-ass bear on the cover may not be exactly false advertising, it is certainly in the category of misleading...similar to beer commercials telling you "drink this beer and hot people will be all over you” when the reality is closer to “drink enough of our beer and you will think the people all o More...
In defense of Mr. Angry Bear, I must agree that while the giant, kick-ass bear on the cover may not be exactly false advertising, it is certainly in the category of misleading...similar to beer commercials telling you "drink this beer and hot people will be all over you” when the reality is closer to “drink enough of our beer and you will think the people all o More...
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Aug 09, 2007
Emilia
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That Hideous Strength is the final book in the C.S. Lewis's Ransom trilogy. The first two books find Ransom on Mars and then Venus, exploring their flora and fauna,meeting their inhabitants and speaking with their eldils, which are somewhere between the planets spiritual essence and its guardian angel..while we discover how (the Christian) God works on other planets.
This third book finds Ransom back on earth, preparing for an interplanetary response to the threat of apocalypse, which More...
This third book finds Ransom back on earth, preparing for an interplanetary response to the threat of apocalypse, which More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Mandy
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I finished it while 30,000 feet in the air. It was a night-time flight, and after I finished the last page i set it down, turned to look out the window and while my mind wandered and mulled on what i had just experienced with the book, I saw that we were skirting to the side of a storm. The lightning was bouncing from cloud to cloud and it wasn't unlike my thoughts and the way my heart felt; I was elated, and I couldn't think of anywhere I'd rather be when I finished that book -- short of outs
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Dec 17, 2009
Fr.Bill
rated it:
This is Lewis' best treatment of sex, and probably the best treatment of sex by anyone, cast in the form of a novel. It is sooooooooo retro on the modern scene that it will either shock or outrage most folks who read it for the first time in the modern context.
It is also some of the funniest stuff i've ever read in my life. Only a few paragraphs into a scene near the end of the book, which draws on the goings on at Babel, when the languages were confused -- well, it set off a laugh More...
It is also some of the funniest stuff i've ever read in my life. Only a few paragraphs into a scene near the end of the book, which draws on the goings on at Babel, when the languages were confused -- well, it set off a laugh More...
Aug 16, 2011
John
rated it:
I've read "That Hideous Strength" several times, and it always has been my favorite of C.S. Lewis' space trilogy. But this time through, it captivated me in a way that it never has before. Only C.S. Lewis, with his combination of brilliance, scholarly knowledge, writing ability, wit and Christian world view, could have written this book.
It is Lewis' most satirical book, even more so than "Screwtape Letters." It is probably his most sophisticated fiction work with the ex More...
It is Lewis' most satirical book, even more so than "Screwtape Letters." It is probably his most sophisticated fiction work with the ex More...
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Mar 10, 2007
Alicia
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I wrote my college essay on this book as it had the most profound influeI wrote my college essay on this book as it had the most profound influence on me in my teenage years. But that's not to say that it's a book aimed at young people. C.S. Lewis is known as a Christian writer and it's true that there are elements of Christianity in this book, as well as some very conservative ideas about women, I might add! But that's not what the book is really about. The hideous strength that Lewis write
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Mar 21, 2008
Katie
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This is a review for the entire Space Trilogy:
I guess these books fall into the “Science Fiction” category, since they involve interplanetary travel. But it’s a misnomer to call it the Space Trilogy - the books are based on the idea that Space - what we think of as a cold vacuum - is a rich, vibrant, more-than-real world filled with life. And that’s just the start - there are so many other interesting concepts about the universe (spiritual and physical), explored in the series.
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I guess these books fall into the “Science Fiction” category, since they involve interplanetary travel. But it’s a misnomer to call it the Space Trilogy - the books are based on the idea that Space - what we think of as a cold vacuum - is a rich, vibrant, more-than-real world filled with life. And that’s just the start - there are so many other interesting concepts about the universe (spiritual and physical), explored in the series.
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Jul 18, 2009
Kelli
rated it: 
I am about 50 pages in on this book, and I'm not impressed so far. I love CS Lewis, and I loved the first two in the series, but this one has SO much intro. I'm about a 6th of the way through and I still don't know what the story will be about... I don't like books that keep me confused for so long.... I'm sure it will get better, though.
This book made me not like CS Lewis as much, which is sad for me because he was my favorite author... Halfway through the book More...
This book made me not like CS Lewis as much, which is sad for me because he was my favorite author... Halfway through the book More...
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Sep 25, 2007
Mark
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I didn't love the book, but I enjoyed it. (For some reason this seems to be my general response to C.S. Lewis' fiction; always good, but not quite great.) I thought the plot started off particularly slow but picked up some in the end, particularly after Merlin showed up. I never can get enough of Merlin. The work as a whole was mainly a fictionalization of the ideas presented in his Abolition of Man. (Science progressing to the point where it will be able to re-make human nature; which turn
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Aug 29, 2007
Andrew
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this review first appeared on [http://intraspace.blogspot.com]
this is the last book in lewis's space trilogy - although this one never goes into space. the interstellar supernatural spiritual battle between good and evil visits earth itself. dr ransom again features as the hero, although not so much the main character this time.
in this book, lewis focuses on jane and mark studdock - a somewhat unhappily married newlywed couple who find themselves on opposite sides of the More...
this is the last book in lewis's space trilogy - although this one never goes into space. the interstellar supernatural spiritual battle between good and evil visits earth itself. dr ransom again features as the hero, although not so much the main character this time.
in this book, lewis focuses on jane and mark studdock - a somewhat unhappily married newlywed couple who find themselves on opposite sides of the More...
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Aug 16, 2007
Oliver
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The last book of C.S. Lewis' Space or Cosmic Trilogy, it is also markedly different in style and theme from the previous two, and the main character from the previous two books, Ransom, doesn't even show up until a few chapters into the book. Though interplanetary forces are involved, all the action takes place on Earth. As well, the story is written as "a modern fairytale for grownups."
Indeed, on the surface we get a simple, almost mundane, tale of a young couple and the More...
Indeed, on the surface we get a simple, almost mundane, tale of a young couple and the More...
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Aug 16, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it:
First edition I ever read of this wonderful book.
The finial book in the (C.S.Lewis Space) trilogy oddly applicable for today. (Those in the UK might find the "name" of the evil group interesting as the book was written many years before the National Health system was set up.)
This book is in some ways more "traditionally" a modern fantasy novel touching on figures from myth and folklore and bringing in national legend. It tells a good allegorical tale w More...
The finial book in the (C.S.Lewis Space) trilogy oddly applicable for today. (Those in the UK might find the "name" of the evil group interesting as the book was written many years before the National Health system was set up.)
This book is in some ways more "traditionally" a modern fantasy novel touching on figures from myth and folklore and bringing in national legend. It tells a good allegorical tale w More...
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Aug 06, 2011
Ok, good versus evil in a final battle. No problem, I understood that but there were whole sections of this book that just didn’t make sense to me. Maybe Lewis was trying to be subtle and leave little interesting threads to leave us thinking but to be honest, I just didn’t get it. Maybe Lewis didn’t develop the ideas enough or maybe Lewis tried to place you the reader in the position of most of the good characters in the book, that of complete bewilderment. I don’t get the bit about the far side
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Aug 04, 2011
This is easily human literature's finest hour. CS Lewis, in what is easily his masterpiece, gets in one's face about the reality of the New World Order and of the possibilities of real, effective Christian resistance to it.
But the true evil is not democracy. It is diabolical, to be sure, and monarchy is definitely to be preferred, but the true battle takes place on "the unseen world."
Lewis puts "spiritual warfare" in a rather direct, most uncomfortable light. Christian More...
But the true evil is not democracy. It is diabolical, to be sure, and monarchy is definitely to be preferred, but the true battle takes place on "the unseen world."
Lewis puts "spiritual warfare" in a rather direct, most uncomfortable light. Christian More...
Jan 01, 2009
Russell
rated it:
Wow, this book was drastically different than the first two. There are a lot more characters and the 3rd-person perspective expands as the story quickly develops. One thing I love to experience when reading is being able to develop a humanistic understanding, even a connection, with the main characters. Part of the appreciation and respect I have for the author, and the work, is a great deal dependent upon my perception of realistic characters and lifelike elements of relationships, choices and
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Nov 23, 2008
That Hideous Strength has important weaknesses as a integrated narrative. From the start Lewis doesnt establish comfortably the place or identity of the narrator: sometimes it seems to be the familiar invisible one, sometimes he allows himself to comment on his characters as Mr Lewis. There are less skillful moments where he actually speaks to the reader as though in a lecture room, telling you directly about a character instead of allowing the independent actions thoughts and feelings of the ch
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Oct 17, 2011
Christopher
rated it:
Well, this was very disappointing. In the final chapter of C.S. Lewis' space trilogy, he completely abandons almost everything that made the first two novels interesting. First, Dr. Ransom, the main character from the last books, is no longer the main character. Rather, two new characters, Mark and Jane, are the ones the reader sees most of the story through. Also, Lewis abandons most of the space theme as the characters stay Earthbound, losing much of the awe and wonder that characterized the s
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Sep 23, 2011
Faith
rated it:
This is an engaging fantasy mingled with sci-fi. It tells the story of a young couple who are caught between good and evil. On the side of good is the old-fashioned England, the spirits of the deep heavens, and characters like Mr. Bultitude and Ivy Maggs that charm and delight. McPhee is hilarious while Ramson himself is wise and yet human. On the side of evil there is the movement towards 'social progress' with characters like Frost and Withers that fascinate with their perverse logic. Lord Fev
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Sep 13, 2011
Jael
rated it: 
Okay, so first of all this book took me months to read. I started it, was so bored by the beginning that I put it aside for several months, and I really only picked it up again because I was literally without Anything Else to Do.
I will grant that it did start picking up the pace a little after I started re-reading. However, in the end I found it a very unsatisfactory piece of work, especially following the brilliance of "Perelandra".
Let's just say I didn't care for More...
I will grant that it did start picking up the pace a little after I started re-reading. However, in the end I found it a very unsatisfactory piece of work, especially following the brilliance of "Perelandra".
Let's just say I didn't care for More...
Jun 17, 2011
Sally
rated it:
That Hideous Strength is an amazing book. Although I read it as a young person, I did not have the wisdom to understand or appreciate what Lewis was saying. His depiction of those who make Science their god and what that worship will mean for our future was horrifying.
There are several archetypes presented: the man who cares for nothing but power, and is willing to do anything to have it; the scientist who is so consumed with knowledge that he loses sight of ethics; the intellectua More...
There are several archetypes presented: the man who cares for nothing but power, and is willing to do anything to have it; the scientist who is so consumed with knowledge that he loses sight of ethics; the intellectua More...
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May 31, 2011
Karly
rated it:
As a longtime Lewis fan, I am always fascinated to see what forms his imagination takes in his fiction, and none is more imaginative than That Hideous Strength the final book in his Space Trilogy. That title is somewhat deceptive though. Whereas the previous books dealt with Dr. Ransom’s travels on other planets, this book takes place on earth in the midst of a growing conflict that will determine the fate of all of England and from there, the entire planet. Set in the midst of this conflict as
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Mar 13, 2011
Chris
rated it:
Not what I expected as the end to the trilogy, but still a very good read. Things started slow, as Lewis introduced and developed a slew of new characters, but everything picked up as pieces of the plot revealed themselves. Writing it this way actually made sense since it puts the reader in a similar position as the main characters - we don't exactly know what's going on even though we're thrust into this world where the cogs and gears are already spinning beneath the surface. Lewis also does an
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Mar 04, 2011
Graham
rated it:
Lewis, like his friend and fellow philologist Tolkien, dealt in the creation of realistic myth. This well paced novel culminates his Space Trilogy, commencing with Out of the Silent Planet and continuing with Perelandra, based on the theme of natural and beneficial order versus the illusion of unchecked, destructive "human progress."
While one may take objection to many of Lewis's ideas on religion - I myself do - the unseen world of the eldils, or angels - both good and ba More...
While one may take objection to many of Lewis's ideas on religion - I myself do - the unseen world of the eldils, or angels - both good and ba More...
Dec 14, 2010
Johnnynorms
rated it:
C.S.Lewis concludes his unique space trilogy, following Mars and Venus with a show-down on Earth.
This curiosity of a book was written at the end of WWII, a time ripe for warnings against totalitarian dangers. Lewis's story of scientists intent on forming the world on ultimately dehumanising principles, languishes in obscurity, while George Orwell's much more powerful and focussed 1984 was the one that stuck four years later. In fact Orwell reviewed That Hideous Strength in 1945, commen More...
This curiosity of a book was written at the end of WWII, a time ripe for warnings against totalitarian dangers. Lewis's story of scientists intent on forming the world on ultimately dehumanising principles, languishes in obscurity, while George Orwell's much more powerful and focussed 1984 was the one that stuck four years later. In fact Orwell reviewed That Hideous Strength in 1945, commen More...
Nov 19, 2010
Felix
rated it:
This book sucks. Sure, Lewis’ Narnia books were awesome (apart from that shockingly blatant Proselytizing one, The Last Battle, in which all the characters either become good ‘Christians’ or die horrible deaths) but this one fell flat. Badly flat. It’s the third installment of the Cosmic Trilogy (beginning at Out of the Silent Planet and continuing with Paralandra) but I haven’t read the earlier books, despite spending the eight months since I bought this one in Java searching for its predecesso
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Nov 06, 2010
John
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The final book in the "Space Trilogy" is by far the longest, and has had the greatest lasting effect on society. That said, it was probably my least favorite of the three novels.
That Hideous Strength, which takes its name from a 16th century poem about the Tower of Babel (this comes into play in the story's final moments), can be evaluated in two ways: its influence, and the story itself.
There is no doubt that this has been an influential book. Along with The Abolit More...
That Hideous Strength, which takes its name from a 16th century poem about the Tower of Babel (this comes into play in the story's final moments), can be evaluated in two ways: its influence, and the story itself.
There is no doubt that this has been an influential book. Along with The Abolit More...
Jun 26, 2010
Noah
rated it:
Very, very strange, and perhaps not in a good way. I've read this book before, but it was called "The Abolition of Man." Lewis attempts, it seems, to make fiction out of the very well developed ideas in his essay, but the end result left me confused, wanting, and (surprisingly for me) rather put off.
To begin with something good, the writing of "That Hideous Strength" is very good. The problem I have is with his presentation of ideas and his story, both of which More...
To begin with something good, the writing of "That Hideous Strength" is very good. The problem I have is with his presentation of ideas and his story, both of which More...
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May 29, 2010
Surreysmum
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[These notes were made in 1983:]. This, the "Earth" novel in the planetary trilogy, has a markedly different tone from the other two. Whereas they were centred around the gradually-becoming-transcendent figure of Ransom, giving us at least a little insight into his mythic-heroic struggle, here he becomes a quite unapproachable teacher-leader, even his infirmity (the wound in his heel suffered on Perelandra) being of the entirely mythic type. The centres of the action are two fairly i
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May 08, 2010
Abby
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 30, 2010
''It is the beginning of Man Immortal and Man Ubiquitous,'' (pg. 178) is the announcement made about a machine that keeps a person's head and brain alive after the death of the body. The machine is for ''the conquest of death: or for the conquest of organic life, if you prefer. They are the same thing. It is to bring out of that cocoon of organic life which sheltered the babyhood of the mind the New Man, the man who will not die, the artificial man, free from Nature. Nature is the ladder we have
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