Background
C.S. Lewis wrote The Screwtape Letters well before I was born. They are a collection of letters from Screwtape (a demon in hell’s administration office) to his wayward nephew Wormwood. Wormwood is given charge of a man on earth and despite Screwtape’s ‘advice’, loses him to salvation.
My thoughts
I first read this about 25 years ago. I remember it putting me in a bad mood. I felt very carnal minded after I read it. I think I wasn’t quite up the challenge of understanding what was really being said by Lewis. (Perhaps I needed a few years behind me…)
I really enjoyed the read this time. Of course, much of Screwtape’s advice is meant to be taken opposite from what he said but there were some real truths given. So much of this world is taken for granted. So much of my comforts and relative ease come so easily as to be forgotten where they came from.
I came away from this book wanting to be a better man. There isn’t much more I can ask for…
Recommendation
Even if you are a hormone stricken teenager (like I was the first time I’d read this), I would encourage everyone to read this book. It is not only witty and contains a good story, it will also given you things to think about for years to come.