This is the third and final book in CS Lewis' "Space Trilogy", and in many ways the best of the bunch. Described by some as a "fairy tale for grown-ups", "Hideous Strength" brings to an apocalyptic conclusion the battle between good and evil that was developed in the first two books.
The action, in part, is centered on and around the National Institute for Controlled Experimentation (NICE)- located somewhere in England- whose leaders have embarked upon a ghastly endeavor- to keep alive the recently decapitated head of a criminal.
What begins as a barbaric experiment soon turns into something much more demonic as the head starts to take on a life of its own, while slowly but surely gaining power over the leadership of the institute.
The main characters, Mark and Jane Studdard, are pulled apart as Mark takes a job as a journalist/propagandist at the sinister Institute, while his wife finds herself drawn more and more to the small group of "believers" staying at a house in the country.
As the story progresses, and NICE grows from a consortium of professors and scientists to a political and pseudo-military force, the believers start receiving messages via Ransom (a type of prophet) that they have a calling/mission to perform, upon which the spiritual fate of their country (and maybe the world), hinges.
Add to this the unexpected appearance of Merlin, political machinations and intrigue reminiscent of the Nazi regime, and an excellent cast of supporting characters, and you have a tale that you will come back to again and again.
Lewis had very definite things to say about the dangers of spiritual malaise, the establishment of a secular religion controlled and fostered by the State, as well as the dehumanizing effects of a type of "science" that would dare to create life and ultimately attempt to replace God.
This book will make you think about where you stand in the battle between good and evil, and the price (and ultimate reward), one pays for standing up for what they believe in.
It is a wonderful book- one you won't soon forget.

Generating religious discussion.

Go back and read the Trilogy all over again.

Hope for the world.

CS Lewis

It will make you thankful for the freedoms you have.

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Created Mar 19, 2007 at 8:07pm • Submit your own review...