That Hideous Strength

Ransom Trilogy, Book 3

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

In this, the final book in C.S. Lewis's acclaimed Space Trilogy, which includes Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra, That Hideous Strength concludes the adventures of the matchless Dr. Ransom. Finding himself in a world of superior alien beings and scientific experiments run amok, Dr. Ransom struggles with questions of ethics and morality, applying age-old wisdom to a brave new universe dominated by science. His quest for truth is a journey filled with intrigue and suspense.

©1946 Clive Staples Lewis (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Well-written, fast-paced satirical fantasy." (Time)
"Biting wit, superlatively nonsensical excitement, challenging implications." (New York Times)

Superior Book

I loved the story and the reading was done with impressive skill. Would certainly recommend along with Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra, the first two books in the series.

incredible. That is the only way to describe it.

once the charachters were developed I had to pry myself away from it. enlightening to say the least

Left me wanting more.

Where does That Hideous Strength rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As a true C.S. Lewis fan it is difficult to rank his work. I would have to say that his works in general would rank number one of the audiobooks I have listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

Lewis' style is unequalled. The space trilogy of which That Hideous Strength is the conclusion, is an excellent blend of true fiction with clear theological application. Together they provide enough fiction to keep you well entertained, but also add that layer of fundamental Christian conflict of God versus sin that provokes deeper reflection.

The only disappointment I had was that with the first two books, "Out of the Silent Planet" "Perelandra" and the majority of "That Hideous Strength," Lewis had built such a momentum and depth of story that when it ended I felt a little disappointed and cheated. Certainly another book or two would have been nice to develop a more powerful and fulfilling ending.

Have you listened to any of Geoffrey Howard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Geoffrey Howard's performance is his best yet. He is simply amazing in his ability to continue the dialogue of each character in a way you know and can imagine is phenomenal.

Good parts, just too long...

I love Lewis' space trilogy, but this book is the most drawn out of the series. Out of the Silent Planet is wonderful on all counts, Perelandra is a great story and philosophical masterpiece. That Hideous Strength just never pays the dividends that make it worthwhile, in my opinion. Good ending in some ways to the trilogy, but less than it could have been.

This last of 3 in the Ransom Trilogy spellbounds

The story picks up with Ransom living as a "director" to people and animals that surround him. But, he is not to be taken lightly as the impending battle takes place.

Weaker than expected

This is the third in the Space Trilogy. I expected a glorious ending. It fell flat, for me, at least. The author I believe , intended to wrap it all up , but , after the first two, expectations are High. Perhaps Mr. Lewis contemplated a fourth book in this series. If so, he never got around to it.
While all around , it was an amazing Trilogy , I am nonetheless disappointed.
Do not get me wrong . One the whole , it is an amazing series. The breath of imagination in this series is astounding , give the time they were written. Nonetheless , I expected a glorious battle , ending in the ultimate defeat of Satan. Alas , instead , only the defeat , and destruction of his earthly tools was provided.
Written at the time of the Nazi defeat , I guess I can understand that.
And , given the hints , at the end , of a new beginning on Earth , I still wonder , was Satan's rule on Earth vanquished forever?
The series is still highly recommended.
The breathtaking vistas that are painted with a pen, are a marvel of a creative genius at work.
The dictation of the reader is incredible. His breath and range of voices , while clearly masculine, lends credence to even the female voices in the story.
If you are a lover of science fiction, as I was , in an earlier time, or a searcher for answers , or even more , this series will thrill you.

Excellent in every way

The story is gripping and well written as you would expect of anything by Lewis. But the narration makes this audio book especially good. The narrator does a wonderful job of reading each character with a unique voice while at the same time not overdoing it. It's really just perfect. I loved it!

Glorious experience!

I’ve read this Trilogy several times over the last 50 years, and I will read it again. The Audible book made it twice as good, and the narrator made me feel as though different persons were speaking!
Thank you!

prophetic; speaks about today's society

cs Lewis was a visionary intouch with truth we do not believe today. listen and see how it relates with today!!!!!

A Tremendous Tale

This has long been one for the literary bucket list. it took a bit to really get rolling, but once it did, I could not stop. I laughed, I cried, I was devastated when it was over. Do yourself a favor and read this breathtaking work!