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Stanley Tillinghast's avatar

I usually gave a cup of coffee before settling down in my Stressless chair to read Steve’s latest. But so fascinating did I find it that I am sitting still on the edge of my bed, sans coffee, sans loo, sans everything. There’s still some unread C.S. Lewis on the shelf; but at least I’ve read through all, I think, of Dostoevsky.

And I gave grandchildren. I’ve started the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with the younger granddaughter; the older one has listened to the whole series; and is now capable of reading them. Under the guidance of their wonderful mother, they have a blessed start in life. Seeing your children as parents is one of the great blessings of age.

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BigE's avatar

NS Lyons also endorsed “That Hideous Strength” as the most prescient of the 20th century dystopian titles. Orwell and Huxley, “1984” and “Brave New World” notwithstanding.

To me, familiar with academic life, its culture of credentialism and haughty pride, the novel is a touchstone. I even have a custom-made N.I.C.E. baseball cap and coffee cup. (Speaking of credentialism!)

I am happy to see Mr. Hayward bring this masterpiece forward again. However, I respectfully take issue with his characterization of Mark Stoddard as the protagonist. Rather he is the morally weak victim and social climber, even to the detriment of his lovely wife, Jane. Jane is the protagonist, and the true object of the cloud of demons surrounding her husband. It is her strength of character, and courage (though fearful) that saves the day.

The chapter titled “Banquet at Belbury” could be seen as prophetic, framing the nonsense-language infused performance of President Biden’s disastrous debate one year ago. And the double-speak denial of in its aftermath.

As a final note; Lewis’s “Out of the Silent Planet”, “Perelandra” and “That Hideous Strength” are often called his Space Trilogy. Rather, they should be called the Ransom Trilogy. He is the common character in all three, the protagonist in the first two, becoming less human and more spirit as the trilogy progresses. I recommend the audio book version, narrated by Geoffrey Howard. Well done.

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