Since our goal is to read The Great Divorce by July 15, it's time to think about reading.
Here are some ideas to get you going:
1. Start today or tomorrow and read about a chapter each day. You'll read it in less than a week, most likely, but you'll have time to re-read before we discuss.
2. Don't get bogged down in not understanding everything that is happening from the beginning. Some things are unclear, and most everything unfolds, like a mystery, as the story unfolds.
3. Remember that this is a work of fiction, and Lewis is not trying to show us heaven or hell. He is providing a "stage" on which to play out important ideas about human nature, heaven, and hell. So read to enjoy the story, and don't worry too much about every detail and reference-- at least your first time through the book.
4. Here is a synopsis that will help get you oriented (from the introduction linked at the right side-bar):
"A bus-load of inhabitants from the Grey Town (or Hell) have the opportunity to visit the outskirts of Heaven. Because of their semi-transparent appearance, the passengers are referred to as ghosts, while the citizens of Heaven have solid bodies. A representative of Heaven greets each visitor and a conversation ensues during which the solid person tries to persuade the ghost to stay.
"Each ghost has taken a virtue or natural impulse and elevated it above all else to the point of becoming distorted and destructive. In pride, they cling to self-righteousness, mother love, artistic talent, and doing one's duty, rather than grasp the joy and grace offered in Heaven."
5. This is a tough book to discuss piecemeal, so we'll wait until we've finished reading to discuss fully. But if you'd like to post comments as your read, that's fine, too.
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