Reviewed by: Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long time book discussion leader

Introduction

Book or Media Title:

Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The improbable love story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis

Author or Producer:

Patti Callahan

Publisher or Studio:

Thomas Nelson

Publication or Release Date:

2018

Format (i.e., print book, ebook, CD, DVD, movie, TV show, YouTube video, etc.):

Hardcover book

Length (i.e., 350 pages, 1 hour 45 minutes, etc.):

404 pages

OVERVIEW

I knew the story, or so I thought, of the romance between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, yet was intrigued with this book and read it as though it was all totally new to me. Callahan’s writing is smooth and easily read and brings fresh understanding into the relationship between Davidman and Lewis as well as insights into each of their personalities.

Joy, a woman endeavoring to be her own person in the 50’s, a time where that was not easy to say the least, and Lewis, a professor who is a lifelong bachelor living with his brother, begin an improbable correspondence long before they meet in England as Joy begins a time there of rest and recuperation. Their friendship and rapport builds but this bond is not a “fly by night” thing but a relationship that develops over years.

This is a book to be savored and perhaps reread, both for the story and for Callahan’s beautiful writing.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Readers who love biographical fiction and/or are fans of C.S. Lewis

Christian Impact:

Anyone who has enjoyed or profited from the writings of C.S. Lewis will be intrigued by this story of his romance with his future wife, Joy.

Other Notes

A list of suggested reading is included at the end of the book.

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