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Why I Admire Authors I Dont Like: My Litmus Test for Books

May 19, 2025Literature3737
Why I Admire Authors I Dont Like: My Litmus Test for Books Deciding on

Why I Admire Authors I Don't Like: My Litmus Test for Books

Deciding on favorite authors and books is an intricate process, especially when a writer's personal traits clash with my own values. This article explores my unique litmus test for book enjoyment, focusing on two notable cases: Heinrich von Doderer and C.S. Lewis.

Heinrich von Doderer: The Asshole and His Masterpieces

Some of the most renowned authors have a dark side or are associated with controversial actions, making it difficult to reconcile their brilliant writing with their personal anecdotes. Heinrich von Doderer is a prime example. Here are a few reasons behind his reputation:

He was a Nazi for a period of his life. He was antisemitic. He was unfaithful to his wives. He was unkind to his friends.

However, despite these flaws, von Doderer remains my favorite author. His literary skills are unparalleled, and his works remain a joy to read, regardless of the personal scandals surrounding him.

The Chronicles of Narnia and C.S. Lewis: Fictional Lessons with Real-World Bias

C.S. Lewis, famous for his The Chronicles of Narnia series, is another author who, though I enjoy his books, is problematic. His lens of writing is deeply influenced by cultural and religious biases. Here are a few specific instances that highlight these issues:

The Muslim-Bashing Controversy

Recent readers of the series may overlook cultural insensitivity, especially when it involves themes of persecution and hatred. In A Horse and His Boy, a lesson suggests that Muslims will be saved by Christianity. This viewpoint is biased and promotes a simplistic and harmful perspective on religion and culture.

Christianity as Universal Religion

The overall lesson of the series is often reduced to a simplistic message: people from different cultures can be saved as long as they convert to Christianity. This points to a broader cultural and religious agenda that might not align with pluralistic or secular values.

The Last Battle and Religious Nihilism

The final book of the series, The Last Battle, is often criticized for its bizarre and seemingly nonsensical content reminiscent of LSD-fueled experiences. The Christian allegory in this book becomes lost in a haze that veers far from the intended message.

A Buddy's Perspective: Enjoying the Writing Despite Disliking the Author

Enjoying a book doesn't necessarily mean liking the author. I personally find value in vulnerability and authenticity in literature, even if the author is flawed. While C.S. Lewis' Islamic-bashing and racism are indeed troubling, his writing still stands as a significant artistic achievement. In a similar vein, despite von Doderer's shortcomings, his works offer complex and nuanced storytelling that is worth appreciating.

Conclusion and Reflection

Ultimately, the act of reading is a journey that transcends ethical boundaries. It is about finding joy, knowledge, and understanding even in the most troubling contexts. Whether it's von Doderer or C.S. Lewis, our appreciation of their works can be a testament to human complexity. It is through these contradictions that we grow and reflect on our own values.