Perelandra

Ransom Trilogy, Book 2

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

C. S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy, of which Perelandra is the second volume, stands alongside such works as Albert Camus’s The Plague and George Orwell’s 1984 as a timely parable that has become timeless, beloved by succeeding generations as much for the sheer wonder of its storytelling as for the significance of the moral concerns.

Readers who fall in love with Lewis’s fantasy series The Chronicles of Namia as children unfailingly cherish his Space Trilogy as adults; it, too, brings to life strange and magical realms in which epic battles are fought between the forces of light and those of darkness. But in the many layers of its allegory, and the sophistication and piercing brilliance of its insights into the human condition, it occupies a place among the English language’s most extraordinary works for any age, and for all time.

Perelandra is a planet of pleasure, an unearthly, misty world of strange desires, sweet smells, and delicious tastes, where beasts are friendly and naked beauty is unashamed, a new Garden of Eden, where the story of the oldest temptation is enacted in an intriguingly new way. Here, in the second part of C. S. Lewis’s acclaimed Ransom Trilogy, Dr. Ransom’s adventures continue against the backdrop of a religious allegory that, while it may seem quaint in its treatment of women today, nonetheless shows the capability of science to be an evil force tempting a ruler away from the path that has produced a paradisiacal kingdom. Will Perelandra succumb to this malevolent being, who strives to create a new world order, or will it throw off the yoke of corruption and achieve a spiritual perfection as yet unknown to man?

©1944 Clive Staples Lewis (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Geoffrey Howard's skilled narration keeps the listener riveted. His scholarly handling of the text minimizes characterization, while easily distinguishing the players. Howard's respect for the subject matter equals Lewis's own and entices the listener to address serious questions of temptation and morality." (AudioFile)

Well done.

A wonderful reading of a fantastic rich heady tale. It is a joy to meditate upon the layers of allegory. They move from almost on the nose to subtle and profound.

I loved it. it challenges your thinking.

loved it it challenges your thinking moving land is such a cool idea . loved being in another world

A Masterpiece

One of my favorite books! Narration may be difficult for those previously unacquainted with the text.

Raw and Genuine Explanation of Evil and God’s Will

This book gives an explanation of evil and God’s will in such a way that anyone should and could understand. The way the devil deceives and reasons and justifies is true and accurate and scary and this book really nails the essence of this.

Excellent book & amazing narrator!

I highly recommend this book. It will take you to another time and place!
If you have read any of CS Lewis’ other books, please read his Space Trilogy!
If you have not read his other books: read the Soace Trilogy! You will not be disappointed!
Perelandra is Book 2 of the Space Trilogy, but you can read it as a stand-alone book. Perelandra is an interesting and unusual book, and will leave you wishing you could visit another planet!

Wonderful story

Highly recommend for children and adults alike. The story is as whimsical as it is deep and thought provoking. I found I couldn't stop listening!

Deepens Understanding

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Ransom's inner struggles of self doubt and fear really do capture the experience of many who long to live a Christian life. God has called us to great things. We are the means of His work on Earth and a chosen part of His purposes, and yet we think that the powers of darkness will overtake us. He has given us the truth, and we walk around as if we have nothing to offer in the debates and lies crowding the minds of men. In the end, we are more than conquerers and our fate is known to us - if only we believe Him and stand against the enemy.

Enchanting. Gave me a new appreciating for Lewis

Greatly appreciated this as both a commentary and story. I am beginning to see why so many reference this series. Can't wait to get into book 3.

Thought provoking!

CS Lewis consistently put out thought provoking material that explored the depths of God's deeper meanings in His word.
I feel that the authors style of delivering these thoughts may be off-putting to some and seem heretical to others. To me, his stories really engage the mind and cause me to ponder the true nature of God.

C. S. Lewis Never Disappoints

Lewis’ ability to weave fiction with eternal truth is unsurpassed. Jeffrey Howard is the perfect narrator and has always done C. S. Lewis writings the justice they deserve.