Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

 

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I know I said I would be better about giving so many five star reviews, but damn this was good, too!!!

Fascinating historical fiction about the woman who loved and was loved by C. S. Lewis.  Yes, THAT C. S. Lewis.  Joy Davidman was an American housewife, mother, author and poet who began a years long correspondence with Lewis after experiencing a similar conversion into Christianity.  They finally met, developed a deep friendship, and as her marriage to an abusive husband crumbles, she realizes she feels very deeply for Lewis as their conversations and letters continue.  He is a confirmed bachelor and is troubled by her eventual divorce and how that is viewed by the church.  Their relationship is beyond special, and moves slowly through all four types of love.

Callahan imagines Joy's thoughts, letters, conversations and life in such detail that this reader was not only thoroughly engrossed, but almost convinced she was reading an autobiography from beyond.  The use of first person here is magnificent - I felt as if Joy were my best friend in the world and telling me her life story.  Mission accomplished, fair researcher and author!!!!

And research galore is to be had here.  Through interviews with Joy's son and deep dives into just about everything written by and about Joy and Lewis, Callahan gives us a true gift.  This is a love story, yes, but it is really a story of a singular, strong, ahead of her time Woman who loved fiercely, spoke her mind, raised two boys, and followed her heart, all the while respecting and nurturing the man she loved, admired, and waited for.  Miracles abound even in tragedy, and paradox is truth.  The parallel story of religion and conversion and faith is not overdone here, but is of course an important part of their lives and stories.  How fascinating to have even an imagined glimpse into the friendship between Lewis and Tolkien, the mention of other famous authors of the time, and of the character that is the city of Oxford.  I borrowed this book, but may have to purchase my own copy, as well as dive into Lewis' and Joy's works.  I have only ever read the Chronicles of Narnia, but now feel the need to read more.  

If you love to read, if you appreciate the life of writers, if you want to be engrossed in a story of England and lore and love and friendship, this is the book for you. My book club loved it and we had one of our best ever discussions about this book, their story, and what Lewis' writings have meant to us.  I especially loved the reveal of how Lewis gave himself his nickname.  Well done Callahan, I feel like this is probably the work you were meant to share with your readers the most.  Very impressive.