Reviewed by:Norlan
De Groot Key words: Allegory, Christian,
Modern Work, Fiction, World Literature, English Literature
Recommended Reading Level:
Adult
Theme: An honest search
for meaning and spiritual satisfaction eventually leads to the Christian
faith.
Summary: This is the story
of John’s pilgrimage in search of an enchanted island. Along the way he
discovers all the false trails and mistaken beliefs encountered by all
those seeking the true and living faith.
Strengths: Lewis presents
a straightforward and often stinging critique of past and present philosophies
and ideologies.
Weaknesses: The book is
quite philosophical in nature. In some places it is needlessly obscure.
It also includes a number of Greek and Latin phrases which remain untranslated.
Unless you know classical Latin and Greek, you will have to skip them.
A background in the classical languages also is helpful in understanding
the names Lewis chooses for his characters and places.
Other Notes:
Be sure to read Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress before attempting Lewis’ Pilgrim’s
Regress.
Take note of the running headers at the top of each page. These were added
by Lewis in the third edition to help reduce some of the obscurity.
Be aware that some passages include swearing. Others include discussions
of sexual (and other) temptations. These are treated as a Christian ought
to treat them, but you should know that they are present.
Lewis,
C. S. Pilgrim’s Regress: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason
and Romanticism. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992.