LETTERS FROM THE EARTH (1919) - Review

Letters from the Earth by Mark Twain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thought-provoking and witty, Mark Twain's "Letters From the Earth" is a collection of satirical essays, posthumously published in 1919. The book is a departure from Twain's more well-known works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

The book is a series of letters supposedly written by Satan who has come to earth and is sending reports back to heaven about the ways of humans. Through these letters, Twain critiques various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and human behavior. The angel's perspective is a fresh and often humorous one, and Twain uses it to shed light on some of the absurdities of human life.

One of the most striking things about "Letters From the Earth" is how relevant it is today. Many of the issues that Twain addresses, such as the excesses of organized religion and the foibles of politics, are still very much with us. Twain's writing is so timeless that it is easy to forget that the book was written over 100 years ago.

In terms of style, "Letters From the Earth" is a departure from Twain's more conventional works. The writing is more stream-of-consciousness and less structured than his other books, which gives the book a loose and informal feel. This style is well-suited to the content of the book, which is meant to be a series of informal letters rather than a formal treatise.

Twain's commentary on society and human nature is insightful and often brutal. He pulls no punches in his critiques, and is not afraid to point out the flaws and foibles of humanity. This is what makes the book so compelling, as it forces readers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions.

BOTTOM LINE: Whether you are a fan of Twain's other works or or not, this book is sure to captivate and challenge you. The wit and humor that are so characteristic of Twain's writing are in full evidence in this book, and the satire is both biting and insightful. If you are looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, "Letters From the Earth" is an excellent choice.

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