After finishing Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan I don’t want to start reading another book.
That’s the greatest compliment I can pay a story. I just want to savor this gorgeous novel and starting anything else will dilute it in my memory. Which means I’ll eventually have to read it again.
I’ve long admired C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity is an exceptional outline for the Christian faith and a book I dip into often. The Chronicles of Narnia are some of the most satisfying stories I’ve ever read. To this day.
But I mostly thought of Mr. Lewis as a brilliant mind and not as a flesh and blood man. Reading about his relationship with Joy Davidman has changed that forever. I knew he’d married a brash American, but there’s SO much more to the story. And Joy had such an impact on his ideas (plus she was an amazing poet).
Instead of starting another novel I’m picking up Lewis’ books and reading them through the lens of the divorced American who taught him how to love. A Grief Observed is breaking my heart. The Four Loves is offering insight into how and who I love. I’m eager to read Til We Have Faces.
Callahan didn’t tell us a new story. She told us a TRUE story. And I’d venture to say much of the truth isn’t about how Jack and Joy loved one another, but in how God loves us all.
It’s a gorgeous book. Read it.
I just finished “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” a couple of weeks ago and feel the same. It is beautifully written it made me want to savor every page.
It’s one of those books where you envy people who have yet to read it!
I really liked this book. It was very well researched & written. I have read a few Patti Callahan Henry books and this one showed her real talent. What an incredible love story & God story. Thank you for recommending this book.
Yes, I think this is the book she was MEANT to write!
We will be reading and discussing this in my book club, I think in November. I’m glad to read your high recommendation.
Oh, I want to come to your book club!
I have always been curious about Joy after watching Shadowlands.
I think Patti shows her flaws and all. She struck me as very “real” in this book.
I have researched Lewis but not Joy. I will look into this. Thanks!