C.S. Lewis’ novel, The Screwtape Letters, first appeared in London’s Guardian newspaper during World War II as a series of letters from the demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. They were instructions on how the junior demon could secure the damnation of a man referred to as “the patient.” The short stories soon became wildly popular and were published in book form in 1942. The book was released in America the following year, and has never gone out of print.
Generations of Christians have enjoyed this profound and startling novel. Now, Focus on the Family has partnered with Tyndale Publishers to produce a groundbreaking audio dramatization of The Screwtape Letters.
A Dramatic Twist on a Diabolical Comedy
“From the award-winning audio drama team that brought you Radio Theatre’s Amazing Grace and The Chronicles of Narnia. In his enduringly popular masterpiece The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis re-imagines Hell as a gruesome bureaucracy. With spiritual insight and wry wit, Lewis suggests that demons, laboring in a vast enterprise, have horribly recognizable human attributes: competition, greed, and totalitarian punishment. Avoiding their own painful torture as well as a desire to dominate are what drive demons to torment their “patients.” The style and unique dark humor of The Screwtape Letters are retained in this full-cast dramatization, as is the original setting of London during World War II. The story is carried by the senior demon Screwtape played magnificently by award-winning actor Andy Serkis (“Gollum” in Lord of the Rings) as he shares correspondence to his apprentice demon Wormwood. All 31 letters lead into dramatic scenes, set in either Hell or the real world with humans–aka “the patient,” as the demons say–along with his circle of friends and family. This Radio Theatre release also stars Geoffrey Palmer (Tomorrow Never Dies), Laura Michelle Kelly (Sweeney Todd), Eileen Page (The Secret Garden), and other world-class actors. Includes 10 new songs inspired by the classic book, four behind-the-scenes video documentary featurettes, and a 5.1 surround sound mix. Four CDs, approx. 4 hours total.”
My Take:
I recently received a review copy of the this project from Tyndale and five minutes into it I was reminded why certain books become classics. They deserve to be. And The Screwtape Letters is no different. Not just wry entertainment, it is an insightful glimpse into a world few people take seriously in our day and age: the spiritual realm. Focus on the Family’s audio rendition takes this book beyond entertainment and transforms it into an experience. The only downside in this product for me is that my children are not yet old enough for it (it is recommended for ages 12 and up). I encourage any serious reader – especially fans of C.S. Lewis – to pick up a copy of of this full-cast dramatization. It is a mind-blowing illustration of the spiritual battle detailed in scripture.
You can visit www.screwtape.com for audio samples, video trailers, and assorted bonus material.
I had a hard time seeing The Screwtape Letters through to the end when I read it, but I bet I would enjoy hearing this audio version.
The Screwtape Letters is an amazing book centered on our propensity to fall into all sorts of temptations. I started to reread it recently, but couldn’t take myself down that dark path right now. Do you know if Focus on the Family updates any of the language or situations in their version? Or do they stick with the original text?
I’m pretty sure I’m C.S. Lewis’ biggest fan.
Thanks for this review.