66 pages • 2 hours read
C. S. LewisThe Great Divorce
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, an unnamed narrator finds himself in a drab gray town and boards a bright bus that arrives to take him and other passengers to what they soon realize is Heaven. There, they meet solid, bright Spirits who try to guide them into accepting Heaven, though most Ghosts struggle with their attachments to life and sin. The narrator encounters various individuals as he explores, guided by the spirit of 19th-century writer George MacDonald, ultimately realizing he is dreaming and should share his experiences. The novel includes sensitive topics such as the afterlife and discussions of religious belief.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce is widely praised for its imaginative and provocative exploration of moral and spiritual themes. Its allegorical narrative captivates readers, though some find its theological concepts challenging. The book's concise prose and vivid imagery are admired, but its heavy-handed message may not appeal to all. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Great Divorce?
Readers who enjoy theological explorations and imaginative fiction will appreciate The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis. Fans of Dante's The Divine Comedy or Lewis's own The Screwtape Letters will relish its allegorical narrative on the afterlife, morality, and redemption. Its reflective and moralistic tone appeals to both literary and spiritual seekers.