My Least Favorite of the Trilogy | That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Book 3)

A fantastic classic | That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Book 3) | C.S. Lewis

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	• That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Book 3) C.S. Lewis Scribner, 2003 - 384 pages average customer review:based on 99 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The abolition of man

"That hideous strength" is a science fiction/fantasy novel by British writer C.S. Lewis, otherwise mostly known for his children's tales about Narnia. Lewis wrote a "space trilogy" for adults, of which "That hideous strength" is the concluding part. The novels of the trilogy can be read independently of each other.

The plot of the novel revolves around a secret, evil brotherhood. The brotherhood, known as NICE, are a kind of anti-humanist, technology-worshipping Satanists. Their ostensible goal is to give humans eternal life through some kind of cloning. NICE probably symbolize the evils of modern, industrial civilization (and its enchanting allure). Their real goal is, in effect, the abolition of man. The rituals of NICE are based on conspiracy theories about secret Templar and Masonic rituals. Indeed, there is a strong atmosphere of conspiracy thinking in the novel. I'm surprised that it's almost never referenced by conspiracy theorists. Of course, the conspiracism is a literary device. There is nothing in Lewis' non-fiction indicating that he believed in conspiracies. Once again, my guess is that NICE is a symbol of modern science gone mad, and modernity in general being turned against humanity.

Lewis was a fairly conservative Christian, and "That hideous strength" is therefore imbued with a Christian message and various supernatural elements. The scientists of NICE, at least initially, believe that they have cracked the secret of immortality through scientific means. In reality, their bizarre laboratory has been taken over by demons! NICE are challenged by a small group of Christians, led by the mysterious Elwin Ransom, who always reminded me of Jesus. Another supernatural character is the wizard Merlin. More annoying are the patriarchal elements of the story: marriage is for life, women should obey their husbands, and so on. Ransom is a pretty bad marriage counsellor! Another disturbing kind of Christian morality comes across when Merlin exclaims: "I'm not immoral. The only people I ever killed were heathen Saxons". So that makes it alright, then?

Still, my main problem with "That hideous strength" isn't the conservative Christian message. Obviously, a Christian writer will write Christian books. The novel goes somewhat astray on two other points. First, there is a disconnect between the first part of the novel (almost a suspense thriller) and the second part, where Lewis introduces elements of Arthurian romance and a unexpected cross-over with the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien (!). I don't mind supernatural elements in sci fi novels, but these feel like the wrong kinds of supernatural elements. A charismatic revival is thrown in for good measure at the end, presumably as a foretaste of the apocalypse. Once again, the reader is left wondering what on earth is going on...

The other problem I have is that Lewis somehow wanted to write a novel about pretty much everything. The introduction of a bear in the story becomes an opportunity to preach against pantheism. On another page, Lewis discusses various ways of approaching a spiritual conversion experience. And what attitude should true Christians have towards the House of Windsor? Stay tuned for a theologically correct answer. Rather than developing two or three (Christian) themes, Lewis wants to develop them all. It's almost as if he forgot that he was writing a novel, rather than a non-fiction book!

That being said, I nevertheless found "That hideous strength" interesting, even intriguing. The criticism of mad science, phoney progress and secret elites was particularly interesting. As a secular "leftist", I presumably criticize society from almost exactly the opposite vantage point compared to a conservative Anglican.

Still, it can hardly be denied that "science" and "progress" untempered with morality are...evil.

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My Least Favorite of the Trilogy

In 2004, I decided to begin reading through C.S. Lewis' "Space Trilogy." I loved the first book, Out of the Silent Planet. Lewis turned upside down my expectations, as he imagined how sin would affect (or not affect) life on other planets. In 2005, I read the second book in the series, Perelandra. While I did not enjoy the second as much as the first, I recognized and appreciated Lewis' literary genius in recasting the Adam and Eve story.

It took four years to get around to the third book in Lewis' trilogy. That Hideous Strength is quite different than the first two. All the action takes place on Earth. The book is about twice as long as the others. And the main character from the other books doesn't appear until midway through the story. This work reminds me of 1984, except that it starts out much slower and ends up with an explicitly Christian interpretation. I enjoyed parts of this book, particularly the ways in which Lewis pointed out the ease with which men of the academy can be led astray by the desire for popularity. But That Hideous Strength was my least favorite of the trilogy.

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A fantastic classic

I came to this trilogy late, thanks to a friend who gave me the first book for my birthday. I read the three books in a row, almost without stopping.

The narrative is rich and complex, the language beautiful and evocative ... This third volume, though, is a bit different from the first two, where the hero travelled to other planets. It might surprise, maybe even disappoint some readers, and yet, it concludes the trilogy beautifully, and effortlessly mingles elements of fantasy, science fiction and literary prowess.

A must-read for Tolkien fans, or people who enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia as children.

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Dated but Timely

The third book of Lewis's Space Trilogy takes place on earth. Since it was written many decades ago the advances of science and the shifts in society make it seem dated, but the book is still relevant since human nature and the results of a lust for power have not changed. Lewis combines philosophy with a page-turner of a suspense story. Some people may be shocked at the introduction of Roman and Druidic mythology into what is basically a solid Christian viewpoint.

Takes effort, but so worth it.

This is the third book in C. S. Lewis's science fiction trilogy. These books get progressivley more detailed, theological, "heady" as the series goes on. I think I would say that this is my favorite of the three, perhaps because it sums up the story of Elwin Ransom that was started in "Out of the Silent Planet", or perhaps because it is just plain the weirdest out of the three. It has a rather gory ending, which is not to my personal taste, but the story ends very satisfactorily. I totally recommend the whole series, but this book especially is not for children. Also, it is not "light" reading, and takes some concentration and perseverance. Absolutely worth reading, if you like this genre and/or author. I would also receommend reading the three books in order.

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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. The dark forces that were repulsed in Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra are massed for an assault on the planet Earth itself. Word is on the wind that the mighty wizard Merlin has come back to the land of the living after many centuries, holding the key to ultimate power for that force which can find him and bend him to its will. A sinister technocratic organization is gaining power throughout Europe with a plan to "recondition" society, and it is up to Ransom and his friends to squelch this threat by applying age-old wisdom to a new universe dominated by science. The two groups struggle to a climactic resolution that brings the Space Trilogy to a magnificent, crashing close.

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