Now a USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestseller! “Patti Callahan seems to have found the story she was born to tell in this tale of unlikely friendship turned true love between Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis, that tests the bounds of faith and radically alters both of their lives. Their connection comes to life in Callahan’s expert hands, revealing a connection so persuasive and affecting, we … affecting, we wonder if there’s another like it in history. Luminous and penetrating.” –Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife
In a most improbable friendship, she found love. In a world where women were silenced, she found her voice.
From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis–known as Jack–she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy.
In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice–and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had.
At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story–a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.
“Patti Callahan Henry breathes wondrous fresh life into one of the greatest literary love stories of all time . . . The result is a deeply moving story about love and loss that is transformative and magical.” –Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale
“I was swept along, filled with hope, and entirely beguiled, not only by the life lived behind the veil of C. S. Lewis’s books but also by the woman who won his heart. A literary treasure from first page to last.” –Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
“Profoundly evocative, revealing an intimate view of a woman whose love and story had never been fully told . . . until now . . . Becoming Mrs. Lewis is a tour de force and the must-read of the season!” –Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of Beach House Reunion
“Patti Callahan somehow inhabits Davidman, taking her readers inside the writer’s hungry mind and heart. We keenly feel Davidman’s struggle to become her own person at a time (the 1950s) when women had few options . . . An astonishing work of biographical fiction.” –Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe
“Patti Callahan breathes life into this fascinating woman whose hunger for knowledge leads her to buck tradition at every turn.” –Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author of The Dream Daughter
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I was attracted to this book because I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis. I learned of this book at the C.S. Lewis retreat where I had the pleasure of hearing author, Patti Callahan, speak. The writing and philosophy of Joy Davidman is inspiring. The words of Patti Callahan are beautiful, including paragraphs which took my breath away.
This book is about the journey of Joy Davidman ‘becoming’ not only the wife of C. S. ‘Jack’ Lewis, but of ‘becoming’ her true self as a child of God. I knew the timeline of most of their story, but there was much of the story I had not understood before this book. t had accepted it on faith. This book brought these areas toile and completion.
It is the story of a woman who had great academic accomplishments, and yet never found recognition for her work or for her personal life. The one man who realized her true value, first through her letter writing, was an ocean and a universe away.
Both Joy and Jack had to overcome personal circumstances, issues with friends, church, and most importantly how their relationship fit within God’s will for their lives. These struggles never detracted from their ability to collaborate and influence each other’s work.
Love is rewarding and heartbreaking.
Things I liked about this book – I enjoyed Patti’a approach of using historical fiction to tell this story. She combined Joy’s writing, the available research on their lives, and her liberty of being able to tell a beautiful, inspiring and heartfelt story. Coming to appreciate the depth and beauty of Joy Davidman’s writing was an added bonus for me.
Why you should read this book – to be inspired to stay focused on what you believe is your life’s goal, to continue the striving for meaning and to seek for a close relationship to our Father and Savior.
If you are a writer, this story will inspire and encourage you to continue your journey. And it is a powerful reminder, even the greatest among us needed someone to trust with their words, struggles, imagination and yes, even a partner for Scrabble.
This book lived up to the back cover copy This book is an incredible read. For those of us who admire and crave anything about C.S.Lewis. it is a must read. For everyone else, it is a moment in time to realize peace with God and love is obtainable in this world of chaos where we reside.
I’ve known about CSLewis most of my life, though little about Joy Davidson, the woman he married late in life. But what a surprise and sense of satisfaction to read this delightful historical biography of Joy’s relationship with Lewis.I’m recommending it to all my friends who enjoy literary fiction, especially about a woman we’ve known little about.
One of the most conflicting books I’ve ever read. I was drawn in by the realness but was troubled by it as well. Wanted to hear their story but was disturbed by it too. Joy came across as extremely self focused but there was still a message in the mess. I’m glad I read it, even in the conflictions.
So I never knew anything about C.S. Lewis other than he’s the author of the marina series, which I enjoyed. It was great to learn about him and also his wife and how they came to be together. As for Mrs. Lewis, she was a very interesting character, especially for the time. Very enjoyable read.
I bought this book because I’m a big fan of C. S. Lewis, Aslan, and Narnia. But it was the writing style and the story that hooked me right from the start and kept me intrigued on every page. Can’t put this book down!
As a professional freelance editor, I have a hard time getting into most books because I can’t stop editing and/or proofreading. Not so with this one! Not only is it a delight to read, it’s clean writing without the little mistakes that typically distract me. What a joy that is!
I’ve read virtually everything CS Lewis wrote and have long been fascinated by his late in life love, and marriage to Joy Davidman. Patti Callahan beautifully brings to life Joy and CS Lewis’s relationship, but also, Joy herself. I found BECOMING MRS LEWIS utterly compelling and read the book, cover to cover, in one day because I had to keep turning pages. A beautifully crafted, uplifting story. I cried at the end (even though I knew what was coming!) and highly recommend this one to all. One of the best books I’ve read in years & years!
This book started out strong for me, but the last quarter of it became a little maudlin. It was a decent enough read overall.
Overall, I enjoyed this fascinating novel. But I have to admit the structure threw me in Part One. The interspersed letter snippets in the middle of scenes didn’t always seem to fit. They were jarring. But as the book progressed, the letter excerpts were woven in much more seamlessly, and I enjoyed them. The prose was beautiful throughout, and I’m impressed with how Callahan handled the characters (real people) and their journeys. I can understand how this book has profoundly touched a lot of readers. If you’re looking for a more cerebral love story with genuine spiritual wrestling in it, or if you have any interest in C.S. Lewis’s wife at all, this book is for you. I’m glad I read it.
I didn’t expect to adore this book as much as I did, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan is a compelling book, one that I learned a lot from and greatly enjoyed in the process. I have long admired C. S. Lewis – his conversion, creative writing, and the intellect with which he defends the faith – but knew next to nothing about him personally, other than that he and Joy Davidman shared a deep love and that A Grief Observed was written after her death. Becoming Mrs. Lewis fleshes out these two people in a realistic and honest way that I found refreshing.
A large part of this story rests on the foundation of vast correspondence between Lewis and Davidman, of which none is actually available today. But in drawing from many other sources, the author has done an incredible job in piecing together what their lives might have been like. This story is historical fiction, yet often has the feel of a memoir. Callahan has beautifully captured the feel of the times in which they lived, and I loved that the characters’ flaws and failings were not glossed over. In getting to know Joy Davidman, I also came to know C. S. Lewis, the man (Jack). Callahan mentions some historical events along the way, giving a great sense of place and time. One of my favorite parts was a glimpse into the inspiration and background behind the writing of some of Lewis’s books, such as Screwtape Letters and the Wormwood character, which came out of World War II.
Joy, while trying to make a go of a difficult marriage, considered herself an atheist when God entered her life. Her story is one of trust, surrender, and transformation – but often taking a step or two backward in failure – and that reflects the human nature that I experience personally.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis might not appeal to every reader of Christian fiction, for in its openness and honesty of this couple’s lives, you will find the mention of abusive behavior, affairs, and alcohol, both social and abusive. Personally, I enjoyed Callahan’s writing style and creativity in bringing these two people to life. Jack and Joy brought out the best in each other and had a positive influence on each other’s writing, allowing me to read Lewis’s works with fresh eyes.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This book was so unexpected in so many ways. I really enjoyed reading this story and felt drawn in from early on. The author describes the scenes so vividly that I could see them. After reading this book, I want to read some of Joy Davidman’s writings and more of CS Lewis’s. There were some nuggets of wisdom to reflect upon as well.
I enjoyed reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. Though the story was long, the beautiful writing style had me so invested in the characters that the plot didn’t drag. The detailed descriptions of England, particularly Oxford, made me want to visit.
Joy is a complex and authentic character, perhaps a bit too realistic for some readers. She is flawed and didn’t always make wise decisions. I did not care for Joy’s blatant sexual desire for Jack (C. S. Lewis) as it was over done. Though there is no erotica, I started cringing after a bit at the repetitious statements about wanting him. Joy does have insights about her behavior and desires later on in the story, but I’m not sure it fully redeems the past actions and intentions. It’s reality and life experience portrayed authentically on the page.
I did like the author’s treatment of the characters’ faith journeys. Both Joy and Jack have this organic faith that is full of honesty about life’s struggles, spiritual doubt, and searching for peace with God. Joy’s heart, in particular, is laid bare throughout the story and one of my favorite moments was Chapter 44 when she has a great insight and prays, “I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away.” Toward the end, Jack seems to become more philosophical, but as this book covers at least a decade, perhaps that simply reflects life’s changes.
Though I’ve read lots of Christian fiction in the last ten years, I’ve not read any books by C. S. Lewis. I do know that he is a revered figure in Christianity for his non-fiction books and the Christian themes in his fiction. Other than the author’s note at the back, I have no knowledge as to how closely Becoming Mrs. Lewis adheres to the reality of their relationship. This novel does not sanitize him as some have perhaps done. There is frequent drinking and smoking in the novel. Mild, but unnecessary, profanity is occasionally present, no f-bombs.
I recommend Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan to readers interested in Joy Davidman, C. S. Lewis, or their relationship. It is a biographical fiction novel with lots of spirituality, but a bit saltier than standard Christian fiction so I do recommend it for adults only.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
I really enjoyed reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis. It gave some new insight into CS Lewis.
Wow. If anyone could be a match for the deep, intelligent but imaginative C. S. Lewis, Joy is the one. The title is apt, because becoming his wife was a process, a relationship that grew from Agape to Philo to Eros – and beautiful to watch. Two minds coming together as one. You may question whether they were free to marry (as many did), but you can’t question their compatibility and depth of relationship, which is envious. I have never witnessed such a relationship of total devotion such as theirs – a meeting of minds and hearts, other than the Vanaukens in “A Severe Mercy.” Incidentally, they were friends of C.S. When Joy’s health was finally assessed, I wanted to scream “No, Lord- not them!” But even here, we need to trust in God’s sovereignty. This is a historical novel you do NOT want to miss. If you love Lewis and all his writings (the Narnia series, too!) this account will bring them to life!
Although it started slow about 1/3 way in it took off.
This story follows the life of Joy Davidman and her struggles with Christianity, her marriage, and the letters she wrote to CS Lewis . At the end of the war Joy struggles with her husbands infidelity and rages, trying to keep a roof over her familys head with her own writing and her awakening to God. She starts corresponding with CS Lewis who has turned from atheism to a seeker of God also. They write back and forth between New York and England and start a friendship that evolves into love. I really enjoyed this look into The author of Narnia fame and his love of Joy Davidman.
Very well written. Her prose draws you in to the story from the beginning. I learned much about both Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. I will think about this book for a long time to come. It is not a Christian book per se. However, it does follow Joy’s journey to faith in God. That faith was an integral part of the lives of both Joy and Jack and so it is rightly an integral part of the story line. Non-Christians will enjoy it as well for the love story and for the excellent writing.
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.”
I loved parts of this book and other parts seemed to drag and I would lose interest, but something about it compelled me to keep reading. I was bothered by the amount of alcohol that was consumed and wondered if C.S. Lewis and Joy actually drank that often. It was refreshing to see the real life struggles that Joy faced and came out stronger because of the faith she found. She led an interesting life after meeting Jack and her love for him must have been based on the deep respect she had for him. I enjoyed reading about the their developing relationship and even though I knew how it ended I still needed a tissue.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Exquisite! Perhaps the best book I’ve read this year!
“Here the whole world (stars, water, air,
And field, and forest, as they were
Reflected in a single mind)…”
~epitaph for Joy (Davidman) Lewis by C.S. Lewis
When I first began reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, by Patti Callahan, I was uncertain whether I wanted to continue.
For more, go to http://www.kindredconnection.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/book-review-becoming-mrs-lewis/.