C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English: An easy to read version of a C.S. Lewis classic.

by David Harrison

C.S. Lewis' classic book, The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English.

Here is a before and after so that you can get a flavour of the rewording of the


MY DEAR WORMWOOD,
I note with grave displeasure that your patient has become a Christian. Do not indulge the hope that you will escape the usual penalties; indeed, in your better moments, I trust you would hardly even wish to do so. In the meantime we must make the best of the situation. There is no need to despair; hundreds of these adult converts have been reclaimed after a I brief sojourn in the Enemy's camp and are now with us. All the habits of the patient, both mental and bodily, are still in our favour.

EVERYDAY
My dear Wormwood,
I am not at all pleased that your patient has been turning Christian. Don’t think for a second that there won’t be consequences for this oversight. However, given the circumstances, we can still salvage the situation. Remember, plenty of adults have briefly explored Christianity only to return to our side. This guy’s habits, mentally and physically, still lean in our favour.

When I read Mere Christianity for the first time, I was left wondering if the average North American reader would be able to follow along without having an English-to-‘English’ dictionary at their side. Even I had to Google the meaning of some of Lewis’ 1940’s colloquialisms. Lewis himself makes reference to the changes in language and word usage over time. This led me to rework his book into Mere Christianity in Everyday English. Never did I expect such a positive response to my efforts, with a seventy-nine percent five-star rating on Amazon. This success has led me to tackle The Screwtape Letters which Lewis had written in the year before Mere Christianity. It is hoped that The Screwtape Letters in Everyday English will likewise enable it to be enjoyed by a broader audience.

Clive Staples Lewis was a Professor of English at Oxford University and authored many famous novels including The Chronicles of Narnia and The Problem of Pain. The most recent estimate for sales of his books is more than 200 million copies.

Enjoy!

Genres: Faith

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Katrina Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a challenging perspective in multiple meanings of the phrase, but good insight.
My book was not the easy English version, so quite a marathon for my brain to get the old English way.

[Angela Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't actually think this book needed a language update to remain relevant. But I was curious to see how it was handled.

This is the one book by Lewis that he didn't like writing, and wasn't interested in adding to. (From what I understand, the strain of keeping in the headspace of a conniving, malicious demon was more than a little unpleasant for him.) I do wonder what Harrison's opinion of the endeavor may have been. But regardless of his feelings, he did make a solid effort to stay true to the quirkily insightful source material.

And now, after reading it, I feel it did justice to the original. I can see how it could improve the wideness of its appeal and exposure--especially to a generation of American audience who may be unfamiliar with British literature.

On the whole, I think Lewis might have approved of the more modern updating of his work. At least in this instance. (Current remake of The Chronicles of Narnia notwithstanding.)

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re feeling rather full of yourself or think you’re doing a great job at the Christian walk, I think by reading this you will become very much aware of the immense amount of sin that lurks and, is indeed, present and active in your life.

I appreciate this author that took the time to put this into plain English. I couldn’t even imagine drudging through the original version after my meager attempt at Mere Christianity years ago.

[Michael McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screwtape in English

I liked the overall sense of Letters,although at certain points I became confused and had to re read it. It certainly would awaken God in the sometime believer. Hopefully we are all trying to achieve a relationship with Him.

[Natalie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful in more digestible language than the original. Probably the most thought provoking books I’ve read. The examination of faith through this perspective was very unique. Would recommend!

[Timothy Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Presenting the Screwtape Letters provides the reader with an understanding they may have never received otherwise. These lessons are just as important today as when they were first published.

[Michael Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight into the battle waged for your soul.

Lewis gives the reader insight into himself while entertaining with a fanciful view from the devil's camp. Highly recommended short read.

[Mitchell Lemond · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful translation

This work has made what was inaccessible accessible, and for that I’m truly grateful. Every letter has its own revelations. I will be studying this work more closely now that I can see the wisdom embedded. It’s also hilarious.

[Bridget Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars 🌟

I think I just read the original and this to close together.

[yam · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprisingly relevant to today's pop / social media culture!? def wanna read the actual version now

[Kimberly A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirational

A thought provoking reminder of what the enemy doesn’t want us to know and of what we must remember. The tempter is ever present but Our God is greater.

[Meredith Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible read

Everyone should read this book. The enemy is prowling and this book gives us a pretty good idea of what he’s doing to throw us off course!

[Christi Kubat · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous portrayal

This hook is a fabulous portrayal of how Satan and his cohorts operate to keep us away from the wonderful freedom God has planned for us.

[Kathi Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ An interesting, updated translation of this classic. I liked that it was easier to read and relatable.

[Cambria Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have such a hard time with classical syntax and writing and this was an amazing way to tandem read with The Screwtape Letters. By the time I got about halfway through this book, I was better able to understand the original source material and I feel like it was because of this "everyday English" version, though I still kept reading it to help me with any references C.S. Lewis may have made that I wouldn't understand because of the time period difference. I'm so glad I found this because otherwise, I would have ended up using Sparknotes A LOT.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading the book.

Outstanding insights.

Highly recommended.