Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan ~ Review

My Review:

Poet and writer, Joy Davidman Gresham, is looking for spiritual answers and struggling day to day in her marriage to fellow writer Bill, when she first writes to C.S. Lewis "Jack". Jack and Joy develop a regular correspondence, their friendship spanning decades and the Atlantic Ocean.

This book is an absolute masterpiece, telling of the improbable love story between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Callahan, she is a gifted writer, the words float off the page and seamlessly into my consciousness, she always seems to find the perfect verb or adjective that fits the tone and brings you right into the heat of moment.

 Joy is very self-aware, she is far from perfect, and at times feels far from God, she struggles with every human emotion, jealousy, fear, desire, and I loved how I got to see Jack through her eyes. Joy is a wife, mother, poet, writer, divorcee, Jew, former Atheist, Christian, amateur theologian, and more, her quick wit and writer's sensibilities, honesty and faith bring her and Jack together. Their unique friendship is a comfort and well of strength to each other through the years, they were able to share deep conversations and multiple topics--most especially literature.

Overall, a magnificent read that lives up to and exceeds the tall expectations set by tackling the literary love of Jack and Joy. I'd read many books by C.S. Lewis before reading this book but hadn't known much of Joy Davidman, I immensely enjoyed the introduction to her works and snippets of her sonnets at the start of every chapter. An utterly fantastic read, the gravity of the characters, and how Ms. Callahan painted a picture of Jack and Joy that will forever influence how I think of them, she captures their wit, humor, honesty, faith, and convictions in a real, yet otherworldly way. A must read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."