Like his celebrated "Chronicles of Narnia", C. S. Lewis’s "Space Trilogy" is essentially profound Christian allegory. However, unlike Narnia, Lewis explores the powers of evil, especially in this last book in the trilogy, at a deeper, more psychological level. This could present difficulties for younger readers, as the dark forces are depicted at times with frighteningly graphic realism.
The two main characters of the novel, Mark and Jane, are a young married couple who find themselves in the middle of a sinister plot to take over the world on the part of a "technocratic" organization that wants to eradicate any sense of morality. Mark, fascinated by the success of the organization, is tempted to join them because of his immature ambitions. Jane, on the other hand, is taken under the wing of allies of the good forces -among them Ransom, the protagonist of the first two books in the trilogy. One of the underlying themes of the novel is the ideal of married life as it is meant to be, something that Mark and Jane need to discover through being absent from one another. Lewis explores Mark’s conflicting feelings for Jane as an object of pleasure or as a spouse and friend and helpmate. Jane learns to trust and to love, attracted by the profound goodness of Ransom, the "director" of the good forces; and ultimately decides to give herself completely to her husband.
Sexual love is portrayed as something that becomes empty of meaning when it is sought simply for pleasure. Despite being a clear message, there are explicit references to sexual desire and lust that might disturb younger readers. Another theme that could be disturbing is the reality of diabolic possession. The leaders of the sinister organization attempt to dialogue with evil through the mediation of a severed "Head" (extremely gruesome in its portrayal) with alarming and disgusting rituals. In the end all are annihilated by the very forces of evil that they have been trying to dominate. Mark flees, appalled by the turn events have taken, and the book ends with an epic if mystical encounter between the powers of good and evil. Throughout the book, Lewis’s typical humour and fantastical descriptions are never lacking. A morally excellent and entertaining novel, nevertheless some of the subject matter is not appropriate for younger readers.
M.H. (Canada, 2016)