Ethan Mintmire’s Reviews > Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life > Status Update
Ethan Mintmire
is on page 135 of 185
Lewis’ presentation of his schoolmaster “Smugy” or as he spelt for pronunciation’s sake, “Smewgy,” is much like a sort of incarnate Christ figure. Elements of relief, kind speech, not-too-appealing facial appearance, and calculated and controlled discipline, all tell me he is a sense of relief in an otherwise dark and twisted environment like Wyvern.
— Jan 07, 2026 06:21AM
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Ethan Mintmire
is finished
Lewis’ depiction of the countryside of Ireland is extensive, and pushed me to my limit in terms of attention. But he probably meant to push me there. His contrast between the foreign “fantastic” beauty he already appreciated against this new “homely” beauty he learned to appreciate from his friend Arthur is enjoyable to read and learn to appreciate for oneself.
— 13 hours, 10 min ago
Ethan Mintmire
is on page 83 of 185
Lewis says that he didn’t really understand guilt or experience it, unless his sin disrupted social order and excited his pity. Making the point that he has gone from experiencing no sense of guilt in his sin to his current hatred for evil in comparison to the opposite experience of the world around him, he says “I have been a converted pagan living among apostate puritans.” Wow
— Jan 04, 2026 12:45PM
