Many Dimensions

Currently reading: Many Dimensions by Charles Williams 📚

This is the first Williams I've managed to finish! Well, I find him hard going. Lots of characters to keep track of, lots of talking. Most of the action takes place in dreams and visions, and it can be hard to tell what's meant to be happening sometimes. I get the impression that the plot is secondary to metaphysical or mystical considerations, so if I knew more about Sufism or whatever I'd get more out of the book. Now, you could say exactly the same about e.g. Alan Garner's adult novels, but somehow Garner terrifies and engages you; Williams, not quite. On the plus side, it's very evocative of its era, and it's good to read a book by an Inkling that has an adult female character in a major role, although ultimately passive.

He's worth a look though, if you find any of his books anywhere. At his best he reads a bit like Harriet Vane battling Satanic forces rather than solving crimes. He just doesn't reach his best often enough for me.