C. S. Lewis Goes to Heaven

Book excerpt: C.S. Lewis' novel, The Great Divorce, about a man who takes a bus trip from Hell to Heaven, is full of fascinating characters and conversations. C.S. Lewis Goes to Heaven is the first book dedicated to exploring this story, revealing many important secrets that have gone undetected since its publication in 1946. Discover how leaving a train station in the wrong direction provided Lewis a model for Hell. Learn the real names of an Impressionist painter and a famous detective writer that Lewis placed (anonymously) in Hell. With considerable detective work of his own, David Clark carefully expands ideas found in The Great Divorce using supporting references from Lewis' personal correspondence and other books, particularly Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, Surprised by Joy and Letters to Malcolm.* * * Clark looks at the story through three different lenses. First, he introduces the characters and their interactions chapter by chapter, including a brief narrative so readers new to Lewis will feel at home. Second, he reveals how even the book's landscapes convey the theology of Lewis. Then the author comes "alongside" Lewis, explaining his theological ideas and insights, showing their far-reaching implications, and providing scriptural references. By these three approaches, the astonishing grasp of Lewis' theology is revealed in accessible language. The book concludes with three appendices, including 40 pages of historical character sketches, literary references, and concepts.* * * Considering that Lewis himself thought it surpassed his classic book, The Screwtape Letters, it's regrettable that The Great Divorce has been neglected for so long. Now for the first time, there is a comprehensive guide to help readers appreciate this profound and entertaining novel, and be awestruck by the grace of God it reveals. * * * "If you want a great guide to The Great Divorce, you can't do better than David Clark, who introduces readers to a host of fascinating historical and literary characters - illuminating this popular novel with theological insight and devotional delight. Clark's tour of C. S. Lewis' version of Heaven and Hell provides a truly refreshing holiday." * * * Terry Lindvall, author of Surprised by Laughter: The Comic World of C.S. Lewis