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The Screwtape Letters: First Ever Full-Cast Dramatization of the Diabolical Classic
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 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. 5 hours TRT.
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. 5 hours TRT.
5 pages, Audio CD
Published October 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Lewis
1,030 books47.9k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 15, 2022
You may have read The Screwtape Letters, but you haven't truly experienced it until you hear this version!
June 24, 2021
Vol. 2 (p. 758) of Lewis's Letters includes Lewis's response to a Mr. Smoot (Jan. 1947), who had indexed The Screwtape Letters. Lewis disagreed that subsequent editions should be indexed, since that would "stamp it as deadly serious." Lewis preferred to think of it as "a kind of joke." Later in 1947, Lewis appeared on the cover of TIME, with an image of a devil off to the side.
I bought this audio version at an educators' convention, probably ACSI in Raleigh, NC, in October 2011. Andy Serkis is brilliant. Behind-the-scenes video here.
Read Joe Rigney's attempts at imitation here and here. Watch Seth Dillon discuss the book here.
I really need to read a hard copy. PDF available here.
I bought this audio version at an educators' convention, probably ACSI in Raleigh, NC, in October 2011. Andy Serkis is brilliant. Behind-the-scenes video here.
Read Joe Rigney's attempts at imitation here and here. Watch Seth Dillon discuss the book here.
I really need to read a hard copy. PDF available here.
July 14, 2017
A review of the 2009 dramatized audio edition of The Screwtape Letters
I hadn't read The Screwtape Letters since college, and I guess I assumed that I wouldn't find them quite as incisive and insightful now. But this year I'm reading through a book of daily readings from C. S. Lewis, and some of those daily excerpts have come from Screwtape. As I read them, I was amazed at how profound and timeless it still is.
Lewis had a wonderful eye for seeing the absurdity and ungodliness of his time, and then reflecting that perspective back to society in interesting ways, both fictional and non-fictional. In Screwtape he employs a "negative teaching," showing the truth through characters who advocate the exact opposite. In almost every instance, the writing cuts straight to the heart of what humans are like, placing us not just within the terrestrial world of existence, but also proposing what may be happening in the unseen spiritual realm.
Though much of the writing is as current as ever, and always will remain so, there are unfortunate moments of flawed perspective, too. As great as Lewis was, he never quite understood romantic, affectionate love, nor did he understand women. Some of this is a product of his pre-feminism time, but really a lot of it is just his own personality, his life experiences that isolated him in an all-male world. And so in Screwtape women are silly, talkative creatures. Examples of women focus on physical appearance and frivolousness, while examples of men focus more on intellect. It's embarrassing, and I wish that the scriptwriter for this dramatized audio version had taken more liberty to modify (or omit) those embarrassing sections.
I also disagree with Lewis's disdain for what would come to be known as the postmodern turn in scholarship. This only comes up once in Screwtape, but it places the book very firmly, and unnecessarily, in a previous era of knowledge.
These are relatively minor criticisms (though the view of women, and of the relationship between male and female, comes up over and over again) when the bulk of the writing is so, so good. Screwtape provides a very useful mirror to look into and see my own foibles and sins.
Focus on the Family's 2009 dramatized version of The Screwtape Lettes—which we listened to on a road trip this summer—is much better than I expected. The original book is not dramatic at all, so I wondered how it could be made to be so. What they've done is to make most of the letters into conversations, giving Wormwood a voice and a personality. Wormwood plays (often hilariously) the straight man to Screwtape's increasingly over-the-top delivery. It's a relationship that works perfectly, and the added dramatization really enhances the original writing. I was surprised it worked so well.
The main reason this audio production works is Andy Serkis. If his movie roles hadn't already proved his brilliance, his performance of Screwtape definitely does. In fact, this is probably a better way of appreciating his voice talent than his movie roles are, because here he's not covered up by any CG characters. It's just him. And every line is so carefully planned and perfectly delivered; it's astounding.
I highly recommend the dramatized audio version of The Screwtape Letters—though it's probably most effective if you're already familiar with the original book. It was a lot of fun to listen to this in the car with the whole family, and it gave us a great respect for C. S. Lewis and Andy Serkis.
I hadn't read The Screwtape Letters since college, and I guess I assumed that I wouldn't find them quite as incisive and insightful now. But this year I'm reading through a book of daily readings from C. S. Lewis, and some of those daily excerpts have come from Screwtape. As I read them, I was amazed at how profound and timeless it still is.
Lewis had a wonderful eye for seeing the absurdity and ungodliness of his time, and then reflecting that perspective back to society in interesting ways, both fictional and non-fictional. In Screwtape he employs a "negative teaching," showing the truth through characters who advocate the exact opposite. In almost every instance, the writing cuts straight to the heart of what humans are like, placing us not just within the terrestrial world of existence, but also proposing what may be happening in the unseen spiritual realm.
Though much of the writing is as current as ever, and always will remain so, there are unfortunate moments of flawed perspective, too. As great as Lewis was, he never quite understood romantic, affectionate love, nor did he understand women. Some of this is a product of his pre-feminism time, but really a lot of it is just his own personality, his life experiences that isolated him in an all-male world. And so in Screwtape women are silly, talkative creatures. Examples of women focus on physical appearance and frivolousness, while examples of men focus more on intellect. It's embarrassing, and I wish that the scriptwriter for this dramatized audio version had taken more liberty to modify (or omit) those embarrassing sections.
I also disagree with Lewis's disdain for what would come to be known as the postmodern turn in scholarship. This only comes up once in Screwtape, but it places the book very firmly, and unnecessarily, in a previous era of knowledge.
These are relatively minor criticisms (though the view of women, and of the relationship between male and female, comes up over and over again) when the bulk of the writing is so, so good. Screwtape provides a very useful mirror to look into and see my own foibles and sins.
Focus on the Family's 2009 dramatized version of The Screwtape Lettes—which we listened to on a road trip this summer—is much better than I expected. The original book is not dramatic at all, so I wondered how it could be made to be so. What they've done is to make most of the letters into conversations, giving Wormwood a voice and a personality. Wormwood plays (often hilariously) the straight man to Screwtape's increasingly over-the-top delivery. It's a relationship that works perfectly, and the added dramatization really enhances the original writing. I was surprised it worked so well.
The main reason this audio production works is Andy Serkis. If his movie roles hadn't already proved his brilliance, his performance of Screwtape definitely does. In fact, this is probably a better way of appreciating his voice talent than his movie roles are, because here he's not covered up by any CG characters. It's just him. And every line is so carefully planned and perfectly delivered; it's astounding.
I highly recommend the dramatized audio version of The Screwtape Letters—though it's probably most effective if you're already familiar with the original book. It was a lot of fun to listen to this in the car with the whole family, and it gave us a great respect for C. S. Lewis and Andy Serkis.
November 3, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Goose bumps. Chills. Heightened awareness.
These are a few of the things that this incredible dramatized audio book will give you as you sit on the edge of your seat with your ear tuned into the hair-raising suspense created by the master of writing - C.S. Lewis. He paints a vivid picture of what could be...what just might be...the life and purpose of demons. Be prepared to have your view of spiritual warfare forever altered by this heart-pounding fictional - yet not so fictional - tale of a demons plans and strategy for a believer's life.
Focus on the Family has brought this vivid imagery to audio life through amazing vocal talent and brilliant sound effects. In fact it is so realistic that I would be very cautious as to who I allowed to listen to this series. Most likely it is best for 12-years and older, but still with parental direction for a teen. However, let me not discourage you from listening together with your teen since it presents a powerful message that may be just what your teen needs to hear in our culture of apathy.
Goose bumps. Chills. Heightened awareness.
These are a few of the things that this incredible dramatized audio book will give you as you sit on the edge of your seat with your ear tuned into the hair-raising suspense created by the master of writing - C.S. Lewis. He paints a vivid picture of what could be...what just might be...the life and purpose of demons. Be prepared to have your view of spiritual warfare forever altered by this heart-pounding fictional - yet not so fictional - tale of a demons plans and strategy for a believer's life.
Focus on the Family has brought this vivid imagery to audio life through amazing vocal talent and brilliant sound effects. In fact it is so realistic that I would be very cautious as to who I allowed to listen to this series. Most likely it is best for 12-years and older, but still with parental direction for a teen. However, let me not discourage you from listening together with your teen since it presents a powerful message that may be just what your teen needs to hear in our culture of apathy.
June 19, 2021
THIS WAS FANTASTIC. Beyond words. Firstly, can comprehend better the contents of "the letters" because this dramatisation is made as conversation between the senior devil, Screwtape, uncle to a junior devil named Wormwood. English (in this case, British speaking) to me is fascinating because of 'the music' created by the language is obviously different from Indonesian. There were parts I noticed Screwtape said the word 'love' in a disgusted manner bcs it's a trait of their enemy, but in every letter (in the book) he ended with 'your affectionate uncle, Screwtape' which is funny, because the affection shown are very odd, just like what I imagined had the devil can be affectionate to one another...
I can not stop thinking and replaying Screwtape's words on my mind, how the devil works, how the king of lies whispers and twist the truth. I can totally see all what C.S. Lewis means, and the fact that a lot of what he wrote in 1942 is happening in our culture right now, globally. I wish more people are reading this book so I can discuss together. Totally a gem.
I can not stop thinking and replaying Screwtape's words on my mind, how the devil works, how the king of lies whispers and twist the truth. I can totally see all what C.S. Lewis means, and the fact that a lot of what he wrote in 1942 is happening in our culture right now, globally. I wish more people are reading this book so I can discuss together. Totally a gem.
June 25, 2025
Outstanding production! I'm really impressed with this perspective of Lewis' piece. The only disappointment is that it does not include the "toast."
January 14, 2021
SO well performed. I highly recommend.
November 8, 2024
The first time I read The Screwtape Letters, I was a teenager and found it brilliant and convicting. This radio drama is also convicting but a lot more fun; the writers, voice actors, and everyone else involved did a fantastic job.
I had forgotten how strongly the story depended on a belief in purgatory (actually, I didn’t remember anything about purgatory from my first reading). Since I see no biblical evidence for believing in purgatory, I am sad to say that this book now leaves me with a bittersweet taste. I cannot enjoy it as I wish I could.
I had forgotten how strongly the story depended on a belief in purgatory (actually, I didn’t remember anything about purgatory from my first reading). Since I see no biblical evidence for believing in purgatory, I am sad to say that this book now leaves me with a bittersweet taste. I cannot enjoy it as I wish I could.
January 23, 2021
This really is a good book. Very convicting at times and scary how real when you think of the demons at work in the spiritual realm. However, it was creepy, albeit intentionally, and because screw tape talks constantly, it was sometimes hard to keep up.
August 22, 2011
Loved it!
September 16, 2012
Second go around...still great!
June 23, 2013
Rich feast. Way too much to fully digest.
Read in 1995. Listened in 2013.
Read in 1995. Listened in 2013.
December 4, 2015
I love dramatizations of beloved books, and this one did not disappoint. The voice actors are talented, and imbued C.S. Lewis's words with a great deal of immediacy.
July 24, 2016
As per usual, Lewis approaches a life of faith in a completely different way--that makes so much more sense than most things you hear. Absolutely worth a read or, in this case, a listen.
February 23, 2022
Fascinating as always. Excellent dramatization.
February 7, 2025
4 stars for the story itself, 5 stars for the dramatization
Hardly remembering the story from my first read, listening to this was like getting acquainted with Screwtape's world for the first time. Lewis was indeed a genius, and an experienced christian, exactly one of those whom Screwtape would have kept his patients away from. The strategies that are revealed are painfully real and most christians can probably identify themselves as ”patients”. I think the book can be a great help for struggling christians but at the same time I think we might start to focus on the evil too much, thinking about all the different ways demons might attack us. This was probably not Lewis' intention when writing the book, as he himself wrote: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them". But human minds get easily twisted. So this is a good book to read if one's knowledge of evil or temptations is limited, but if one is focusing on those too much already it might not be the best choice.
Back to the story, I would have liked some more descriptions about John Hamilton; how he was tempted, his thoughts, life etc. The viewpoint was quite lopsided, but perhaps that was the point.
The surround audio was amazing and Andy Serkis did a remarkable job as Screwtape. A good quality production all in all.
Hardly remembering the story from my first read, listening to this was like getting acquainted with Screwtape's world for the first time. Lewis was indeed a genius, and an experienced christian, exactly one of those whom Screwtape would have kept his patients away from. The strategies that are revealed are painfully real and most christians can probably identify themselves as ”patients”. I think the book can be a great help for struggling christians but at the same time I think we might start to focus on the evil too much, thinking about all the different ways demons might attack us. This was probably not Lewis' intention when writing the book, as he himself wrote: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them". But human minds get easily twisted. So this is a good book to read if one's knowledge of evil or temptations is limited, but if one is focusing on those too much already it might not be the best choice.
Back to the story, I would have liked some more descriptions about John Hamilton; how he was tempted, his thoughts, life etc. The viewpoint was quite lopsided, but perhaps that was the point.
The surround audio was amazing and Andy Serkis did a remarkable job as Screwtape. A good quality production all in all.
April 4, 2025
When I was a kid, this book literally freaked me out, so I was a bit reticent to listen through an entire Radio Theatre version.
But I found this very intriguing, although I do believe the guy who voiced Screwtape might actually need an exorcism.
In all seriousness, the Radio Theatre dramatic element really brought the characters to life in a uniquely captivating way.
A few sexist comments aside, Lewis has crafted another clever and meticulous tale in his distinctly creative style that is widely appreciated while offering a unique perspective of the often less considered spiritual realm.
Musical selections at the end of the narrative along with the story commentary and comments from Lewis topped everything off.
It's interesting that this was Lewis's least favorite book to write, yet it's become one of his most renowned works.
Theological differences aside, after listening, he remains one of my favorite Christian authors.
But I found this very intriguing, although I do believe the guy who voiced Screwtape might actually need an exorcism.
In all seriousness, the Radio Theatre dramatic element really brought the characters to life in a uniquely captivating way.
A few sexist comments aside, Lewis has crafted another clever and meticulous tale in his distinctly creative style that is widely appreciated while offering a unique perspective of the often less considered spiritual realm.
Musical selections at the end of the narrative along with the story commentary and comments from Lewis topped everything off.
It's interesting that this was Lewis's least favorite book to write, yet it's become one of his most renowned works.
Theological differences aside, after listening, he remains one of my favorite Christian authors.
March 20, 2025
2.5 Stars
November 6, 2012
I was walking around my second favorite store Family Christian when I came across this radio presentation of a novel I've been wanting to read for a long time. So while looking for more Jesus stuff, I came across this full-cast dramatization of the classic novel by C.S. Lewis. After paying the full price, I'll admit that I am so happy I bought and listened to this. The fact that Andy Serkis, famous for voicing Golem from the Lord of the Rings Series, voices Screwtape makes it even better.
The story is about two demons. The first is a veteran demon named Screwtape. Through letters, he is trying to train his nephew Wormwood to become a good demon known as a "Tempter". These demons stick with people whom they call "patients" and guide them to Hell by making all the decisions against God. This such as becoming a Christian, following true joys and pleasures, and being good to fellow men. Instead, demons try to make duplicate yet fake versions of what being good is.
The dynamic between both demons is very good as in they both hate each other but the establishment of mentor and student is still shown. This seems to be a forced relationship despite the blood bond they have and it makes for an entertaining twist in the story. I will say that the moral side of the writing is very good too for it shows morals and values through the opposite shown by demons is considered as reverse teaching. This will actually teach people how to be good by showing what the demons want from us.
This audio book is phenomenal and I gave it the max rating. Maybe it was the radio presentation or maybe it was just how it was presented but this version of the book - being the audio full-dramatization on the radio - is something I would suggest for the entire family to listen to but maybe with an understanding of why it is done so the little kids don't get scared.
The story is about two demons. The first is a veteran demon named Screwtape. Through letters, he is trying to train his nephew Wormwood to become a good demon known as a "Tempter". These demons stick with people whom they call "patients" and guide them to Hell by making all the decisions against God. This such as becoming a Christian, following true joys and pleasures, and being good to fellow men. Instead, demons try to make duplicate yet fake versions of what being good is.
The dynamic between both demons is very good as in they both hate each other but the establishment of mentor and student is still shown. This seems to be a forced relationship despite the blood bond they have and it makes for an entertaining twist in the story. I will say that the moral side of the writing is very good too for it shows morals and values through the opposite shown by demons is considered as reverse teaching. This will actually teach people how to be good by showing what the demons want from us.
This audio book is phenomenal and I gave it the max rating. Maybe it was the radio presentation or maybe it was just how it was presented but this version of the book - being the audio full-dramatization on the radio - is something I would suggest for the entire family to listen to but maybe with an understanding of why it is done so the little kids don't get scared.
May 16, 2012
Wow wow wow! Whether or not you have read The Screwtape Letters, you have to listen to this audio production. It was fantastic! The music, the different voices for each character, the drama, all so, so good. The book itself is amazing too of course, with it's reverse teaching method.
Andy Serkis, who is the voice of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings movies, voices Screwtape, a demon mentor. His nephew, Wormwood, is trying to turn his "patient" away from the "enemy", which is God with the guidance of Screwtape.
Screwtape tells Wormwood how to get ideas into the patients mind to turn him away from God by basically turning him into a cynic. Screwtape says that their jobs are to make spouses into a relationship of anger and sarcasm. To turn fear and anxiety to a hatred of God. To not let patients have too many lows in their life because that is how the "enemy" reaches His people. He, being God, wants people to be like Him through the bible and learn from Him. The devils want patients to rely on earthly goods and turn to sexual immorality and the like because it feels good, because it is selfish.
There was so much to this short book but the reverse learning was amazing. I found myself realizing that I fall into a lot of the traps that are set to turn away from God. It's just a complete eye opener!
Andy Serkis, who is the voice of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings movies, voices Screwtape, a demon mentor. His nephew, Wormwood, is trying to turn his "patient" away from the "enemy", which is God with the guidance of Screwtape.
Screwtape tells Wormwood how to get ideas into the patients mind to turn him away from God by basically turning him into a cynic. Screwtape says that their jobs are to make spouses into a relationship of anger and sarcasm. To turn fear and anxiety to a hatred of God. To not let patients have too many lows in their life because that is how the "enemy" reaches His people. He, being God, wants people to be like Him through the bible and learn from Him. The devils want patients to rely on earthly goods and turn to sexual immorality and the like because it feels good, because it is selfish.
There was so much to this short book but the reverse learning was amazing. I found myself realizing that I fall into a lot of the traps that are set to turn away from God. It's just a complete eye opener!
November 8, 2012
This was a wonderfully done audio dramatization of a much loved and deeply insightful C.S. Lewis classic. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The music leading from one act to the next was very appropriate in setting the tone of that portion of the story. "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." (from Book Description on www.amazon.com)
I listened to it for several days while running errands and found it to be delightful listening. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who is interested in listening to a professionally done audio adaptation of this Lewis classic. rlk
I listened to it for several days while running errands and found it to be delightful listening. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who is interested in listening to a professionally done audio adaptation of this Lewis classic. rlk
April 1, 2013
Brilliant! Written by C.S. Lewis, a Christian writer, this is a satirical collection of random rants where an experienced devil is trying to explain how to win a human soul over to a younger inexperienced devil. Hilarious and intellectual. My favorite quote:
"Courtship is the time for sowing those seeds which will grow up ten years into domestic hatred."
I plan on reading more of C.S. Lewis's Christian novels.
My first audio book proved to be an amazing experience. The characters, music, and sound effects added to this great piece of literature. While others say they love to listen to audio books while they are doing something like running or driving I don't care for it. I prefer to listen with eyes closed in bed. Yes, you can read that book to me Teddy Ruxpin! Magical!
"Courtship is the time for sowing those seeds which will grow up ten years into domestic hatred."
I plan on reading more of C.S. Lewis's Christian novels.
My first audio book proved to be an amazing experience. The characters, music, and sound effects added to this great piece of literature. While others say they love to listen to audio books while they are doing something like running or driving I don't care for it. I prefer to listen with eyes closed in bed. Yes, you can read that book to me Teddy Ruxpin! Magical!
March 20, 2013
I think that Andy Serkis is a god among men -- or at least a very excellent devil!
I've read the book before -- it's entertaining, but I thought this dramatization was wonderful. Definitely worth a listen. I'd recommend it to anybody at all susceptible to Lewis's writing who likes audiobooks. It's completely enjoyable!
A caveat -- the last disc ends with several (about a dozen) original songs inspired by Screwtape, and probably not all of them will be to everybody's taste. I myself liked a couple of them, but not all of them. However, they are all very well performed, in their various styles.
Get it and listen to it! It's fun -- Andy Serkis is amazing.
I've read the book before -- it's entertaining, but I thought this dramatization was wonderful. Definitely worth a listen. I'd recommend it to anybody at all susceptible to Lewis's writing who likes audiobooks. It's completely enjoyable!
A caveat -- the last disc ends with several (about a dozen) original songs inspired by Screwtape, and probably not all of them will be to everybody's taste. I myself liked a couple of them, but not all of them. However, they are all very well performed, in their various styles.
Get it and listen to it! It's fun -- Andy Serkis is amazing.
October 26, 2017
I'm not very generous when giving out 5 stars, but this one really gets close. I'd give it 4.5 if I could (there were a few times the audio was not clear), but this truly is an amazing dramatization.
This is not the ordinary audiobook, but rather a performance by several excellent actors, notably Andy Serkis as Screwtape. This brings to mind the old radio plays that people would listen to, except that the narrative is C.S. Lewis's ingenious story/study of temptation.
If you are a fan of the book, you owe it to yourself to listen to this. You will not be disappointed.
If you're new to it, check it out. I think you'll like it.
This is not the ordinary audiobook, but rather a performance by several excellent actors, notably Andy Serkis as Screwtape. This brings to mind the old radio plays that people would listen to, except that the narrative is C.S. Lewis's ingenious story/study of temptation.
If you are a fan of the book, you owe it to yourself to listen to this. You will not be disappointed.
If you're new to it, check it out. I think you'll like it.
March 9, 2013
Tremendous audio version. Focus on the Family Radio Theatre did a fantastic job dramatizing the book. Andy Serkis' interpretation is quite strong, and the score supplements the text very well.
Lewis' insight about how a false sense of humility will result in nobody doing either the right thing or what they want really popped out this time, as did the relentless nature of temptation.
As much as I tried to appreciate the "songs inspired by", they really just cheapened things overall. But thankfully, they were stuffed all together on the last disc as a bonus, and not sprinkled throughout.
Lewis' insight about how a false sense of humility will result in nobody doing either the right thing or what they want really popped out this time, as did the relentless nature of temptation.
As much as I tried to appreciate the "songs inspired by", they really just cheapened things overall. But thankfully, they were stuffed all together on the last disc as a bonus, and not sprinkled throughout.
December 7, 2009
Anyone familiar with the original book by Lewis will instantly recognize his witty and timely message; nothing is lost in the translation. The actors play their part just right - not too over the top and certainly not blandly. The original score hits just the right creepy note. The benefits of the 5.1 surround sound can not be over-stated.
The full review is posted at my blog, http://ashertopia.blogspot.com. This book was provided free of charge by the publisher as a review copy.
The full review is posted at my blog, http://ashertopia.blogspot.com. This book was provided free of charge by the publisher as a review copy.
April 14, 2015
I was really hoping to get into this CD Dramatization of the book. For some reason, I just couldn't get into it. The voices are very convincing as the Devil's Master and Devil's Apprentice, most of the time. I think the problem is, the voices and style of sound- get extremely redundant. Which makes it boring for me. And you find yourself wanting a DVD or picture Format to look at, while listening. That, may make it more captivating.
April 9, 2024
I was expecting to like this book; I was surprised to love it. I may have to read the actual book at some point to confirm because when you have a dramatization with Andy Serkis playing a demon (as written by C.S. Lewis), I mean, come on, how was I not supposed to love that?
*Read the book proper. Still love it. Though I probably still prefer the dramatization, especially as I read in that voice.
*Read the book proper. Still love it. Though I probably still prefer the dramatization, especially as I read in that voice.
June 11, 2010
OMG! Every Christian must read this. I have a whole new perspective on sin now...and Satan...lol. I realized I was commiting sins I never even thought about. This is a good book to read at a slower pace though. Maybe just one letter a day as a devotional so you can really think about it. I plan to make this an Annual read!
December 30, 2019
C.S. Lewis and The Screwtape Letters get 5 stars. The overwrought radio drama style of this audio book get 3 so I averaged it out. I've read Screwtape letters before so the book wasn't new to me. I always enjoy C.S. Lewis. His philosophy of Christianity is interesting and his writing style makes for a fun read.
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