Book Review

As someone who has spent years studying the creative genius of C.S.Lewis and his journey to Christianity, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  I must admit that I was unaware of the tremendous influence his wife (Joy Davidman) had on his life and masterful body of work. One of the reasons why I enjoyed the book so much was simply due to the beautiful way it was written. Patti Callahan’s writing is art. She so vividly captures Joy’s life story and the many health and emotional challenges she faced early in life.  Her description of Joy’s delightful first time experience of England’s beauty was exceptional. I often felt like I could actually see Oxford’s wonder and historical heritage as Joy was taking it all in. As a mother raising two sons while coping with an alcoholic and affair seeking husband, she went through so much struggle that went on for years. Not just in her marriage, but in her search to find and bring real meaning to the faith in God. As an atheist she came to believe in God’s existence and devoted her life to discovering what it means to be a Christian.  That journey ultimately led to her relationship with C.S.Lewis that began following three years of writing letters back and forth.   Though I am still torn as many people are at her decision to leave her children for England, I do respect the depth of her courage to risk everything for the chance to change the painful circumstances of her life.  She does so by pursuing her own dreams as an author to save herself and  two sons by starting life anew in another part of the world. I think every person can relate to how hard that must have been.

Though the book is historical fiction, I was so pleased at just how much Patti tried to keep the book as factual as possible. The resources and references listed at the back are terrific.  My love for C.S.Lewis only quadrupled after reading this story. What an incredible human being. Lewis was indeed an individual who had reason to boast.  He was so gifted and yet so humble.  He was there to help Joy during a time when she was struggling to make the dreams living in her soul come true.  I also loved the brotherly bond he had with the elder Warren. Their story and world created as children was also magically captured.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis is a wonderful love story with a gripping ending. There is no question about the devoted love Lewis and Joy found in each other. Joy loved Lewis right from the very first letter he wrote. And he loved her to the very last day of her life.  Thank you Patti for publishing such a wonderful capture of their relationship and how it all came to be. I read it in under a week because I just couldn’t put it down.