by George Macdonald
This book is the book that C.S. Lewis cites as being used as a major turning point in his conversion to Christianity. C.S. Lewis also has proclaimed that he had not written a book that he didn't quote from George Macdonald, who he also refers to as his spiritual mentor. Those are quite strong words to come from one such as C.S. Lewis, who is revered by many a Christian reader as a true master of the pen. Yet there are many who have never heard of George Macdonald, and those who have probably have never read any of his books. This is probably most true in the case of "Phantastes".
"Phantastes" is a romantic fairy-story for adults. This is not to say that other fairy-stories are not for adults. But in the case of this book, the main character is not a child or a fairy himself, but a twenty-one year old man. As well, this is a romance, and not a mere fairy-story. Of course, most fairy-stories contain a certain element of romance in them, whether it is between a man and a woman or in the wonder and awe of a new and strange land. This book contains both the wonder and awe of a new and strange land and the emotional attraction between man and woman.
Like C.S. Lewis said concerning this book, I found that the first time that I experienced this book, I was left with the numbness of purity. (I say "experienced" because I listened to the unabridged recording of this book twice before I actually read a physical copy of it) The language in itself is poetic. I mean that although there are numerous sections of verse throughout the book, the prose itself is like a flowing poem. George Macdonald has written a book that almost transcends the written word and becomes a conduit between heart and mind and senses. It is hard to believe that this book was written in 1849. That is 147 years ago. But believe me, this is not an old worn out story. To say it is original would be to make it sound mundane, and I'm sure many would cringe if I referred to it as magical. But to say the least it is mind-gripping and soul-cleansing.
Read it slow, pause often and reflect, but try not to get stuck in rationalizing. This is not a story to be figured out as a clean-cut allegory. It is an experience, it is rather like a baptism. You will find that you are plunged into this land, live, fail at life, repent, die, are buried, and then raised again from death to a sense of renewal. You will almost desire the sweetness that death will one day bring to all those who live in Christ.
Review by David Staley
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