Honest review of Lilith: A Romance - Remastered Original Classic

by George MacDonald (Author)

Updated at: 27/02/2025

George MacDonald's Lilith: A Romance - Remastered Original Classic offers a captivating journey into a realm where fantasy and spirituality intertwine. This dark fantasy masterpiece, a foundational text for authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, explores profound themes of redemption, death, and rebirth. Follow Mr. Vane as he enters a parallel world through a mysterious mirror, encountering Lilith, Adam's first wife, reimagined in a tale of spiritual awakening. MacDonald's haunting prose delves into philosophical questions about existence and morality, weaving rich symbolism and allegory. Prepare for a transformative literary experience that transcends mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

3.8 / 31 ratings

Review Lilith

George MacDonald's Lilith: A Romance is a captivating, if challenging, read. I’ve enjoyed other works by him, like Phantastes and his short stories, but this one presented a different kind of hurdle—not in comprehension, necessarily, but in the physical book itself. My copy, printed by Amazon, left much to be desired. The print quality was abysmal, reminiscent of a poorly-produced photocopy, with small, cramped text that demanded a magnifying glass for comfortable reading. The paper felt thin and cheap, and the binding felt flimsy. This is a major disappointment, especially considering the rich and intricate world MacDonald creates within the novel. It felt like a disservice to the author and the story.

That being said, the story itself is breathtaking. It's a dream-like journey, a wild ride through a landscape of shifting realities, fantastical creatures, and profound spiritual questioning. The opening scene, featuring a talking raven with a sass that would rival the Mad Hatter, immediately sets the tone for this extraordinary adventure. The narrative weaves together elements reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and Gulliver’s Travels, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. Mr. Vane's journey is long and winding, filled with mysterious women, shape-shifting animals, and hallucinatory imagery that keeps you guessing. MacDonald effortlessly blends the fantastical with the philosophical, raising questions about the nature of reality, dreams, and the boundaries between good and evil.

The comparisons to Poe, Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis are entirely justified; the influence of these authors on MacDonald is clear, but Lilith holds its own unique place. It’s a testament to MacDonald’s power as a storyteller that he could construct such a complex and symbolic narrative while still retaining a captivating narrative drive. The ending, after a sometimes meandering journey, delivers a satisfying conclusion, leaving you awestruck by the imagery and the depth of the themes explored.

The book's beauty lies in its ambiguity; it’s a story that rewards multiple readings, inviting deep contemplation of its layered symbolism and allegorical meanings. The sheer imaginative power on display is impressive, and although the poor quality of my copy marred the experience somewhat, the story itself is something I’d recommend to fans of dark fantasy, philosophical fiction, and anyone who appreciates a truly unique and immersive reading experience. I just urge potential readers to seek out a better edition than the one I unfortunately received. The quality of the book itself doesn’t diminish the beauty and importance of the story within. Finding a higher-quality edition would undoubtedly elevate the experience to another level, allowing the reader to fully appreciate MacDonald’s masterpiece without the distraction of poor printing and binding.