The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters, written by C. S. Lewis, is a Christian satire about a senior demon named Screwtape who attempts to teach his younger apprentice, Wormwood, about how best to tempt humans. Originally published in 1942, this novel is not written in a traditional format, instead, it is written in the form of a letter. Each chapter is a letter written by Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. This style of writing provides a more personal appeal in that it provides direct insight into what the senior demon in thinking and the topics he discusses. Addressing topics such as religion, war, love, and human pride, The Screwtape Letters should only be read by high schoolers who are able to understand the complex connotations attached to these topics. Each topic Screwtape addresses is meant to make the reader question their own beliefs on these specific topics as well. This 175 page book is not action packed or filled with crime or adventure. Instead, The Screwtape Letters is a novel written to make its reader think about his or her attitude towards certain topics such as religion, love, war, and to their pride.

Reviewed by BHS student J. Birney