Flu and its books 2

I got hold of a copy of The Screwtape Letters by accident. Indeed, it was hidden in the theology section at Blackwell's in Oxford. Impossible to find, unless you're looking for it. But trust me: if you need to choose only one book to read this Xmas or indeed for the whole 2008, this is the one.

The plot is easily summarised. This is the one-sided correspondence (thirty-one letters) between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew, a junior tempter named Wormwood. The topic is advises by Screwtape to Wormwood about ways in which he might secure the damnation of an man, known as 'the Patient'", of whom Wormwood is in charge. No letters from Wormwood are available, nor any communication from the Enemy (i.e. the angels). I shall not spoil the end.

Screwtape's letters are a refined, brilliant and subtle dissection of human attitudes towards life. This is a masterpiece, whose sarcasm and wit allow the reader to reflect, at almost every sentence, on our condition, our petty vices and small virtues, and the great, inevitable issue of what meaning life might ever had. Don't miss it.

PS
If you happen to be a philosophy student, I would suggest you try to learn as much as you can from the first letter. And if you like ethics and the philosophy of mind this book should be in your essential collection.