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kaitielondon's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.75
ardently_always's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about Joy Davidman and actually know very little about C.S. Lewis. I wasn't even aware that he had been married. Then I read this book...
It's beautifully written. The relationship described is truly an intellectual love affair with such a beautiful progression. The foundation of their courtship is based heavily on their faith which was interesting to me as I am not religious. Although this was a large part of the book, it wasn't overly preachy so didn't make me uncomfortable or hesitant to continue reading.
All in all, I think I will be searching out other books about this topic. A truly eye opening read.
It's beautifully written. The relationship described is truly an intellectual love affair with such a beautiful progression. The foundation of their courtship is based heavily on their faith which was interesting to me as I am not religious. Although this was a large part of the book, it wasn't overly preachy so didn't make me uncomfortable or hesitant to continue reading.
All in all, I think I will be searching out other books about this topic. A truly eye opening read.
creedmk's review
5.0
I love everything CS Lewis and this historical fiction about the love he found late in life was delightful. I learned more about this wonderful apologist, and his companion, who was also a delightful writer. I can't wait to delve into her work.
elysahenegar's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've read and enjoyed a few of Patti Callahan's books, but this one, for its well-researched and thoughtful rendering of the romance between C. S. Lewis and Joy Davidman, for it's careful and beautiful rendering of them as human beings, and for its significant consideration of love, will always stay with me. This book will be one I remember as I yield to my own spiritual formation. After reading Callahan's wonderfully written and thoroughly engaging novel, I feel like Joy Davidman is my friend and a sister in Christ with whom I could chat about the Jesus Way authentically. The cover art doesn't do this beautiful story justice!
lizisreadingagain's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s difficult to review this fictionalized story of the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. I found most of the book to be a page-turner because of the way it is written and how I’m intrigued by C.S. Lewis, but some things bothered me that leave me torn on my opinion.
I’m very fond of letter writing, so when ongoing correspondence is an element in a story, it has my attention. This book had plenty of it.
I really loved the story, the people, and the literary atmosphere, and I was prepared to say it’s probably the best book I’ll read this year. So what has me torn? It’s the way Joy was portrayed. I felt uncomfortable at times. The book is written in Joy’s voice, and as she begins realizing she’s in love with Jack, the descriptions of her feelings and thoughts were sensual. It was clear that she wanted to be intimate with him. After a couple of these descriptions, I checked the back of the book to make sure it was a Christian publisher. It seemed out of place to me and unnecessary. There was enough information to know she was in love with him without inserting the sensual. I know I’m quite conservative and understand that other readers will not be bothered by it at all.
I want to give 5 stars for the storytelling but pull back for this bit of content that bugs me. I guess I’ll land on 4 stars.
Content Warnings:
🙊: Mild language
❤️: Several sensual descriptions, and one brief married intimacy scene without graphic descriptions
⚠️: Emotional abuse, infidelity, frequent alcohol consumption
I’m very fond of letter writing, so when ongoing correspondence is an element in a story, it has my attention. This book had plenty of it.
I really loved the story, the people, and the literary atmosphere, and I was prepared to say it’s probably the best book I’ll read this year. So what has me torn? It’s the way Joy was portrayed. I felt uncomfortable at times. The book is written in Joy’s voice, and as she begins realizing she’s in love with Jack, the descriptions of her feelings and thoughts were sensual. It was clear that she wanted to be intimate with him. After a couple of these descriptions, I checked the back of the book to make sure it was a Christian publisher. It seemed out of place to me and unnecessary. There was enough information to know she was in love with him without inserting the sensual. I know I’m quite conservative and understand that other readers will not be bothered by it at all.
I want to give 5 stars for the storytelling but pull back for this bit of content that bugs me. I guess I’ll land on 4 stars.
Content Warnings:
🙊: Mild language
❤️: Several sensual descriptions, and one brief married intimacy scene without graphic descriptions
⚠️: Emotional abuse, infidelity, frequent alcohol consumption
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma and Infidelity
Minor: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Antisemitism, Alcohol, and Sexual content
amy_j18's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kitkat175's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book at the end, that is why I rated 4 stars, but the beginning and the middle of the book were just either boring or very mediocre. The ending however was my favourite part. I will say that I liked Once upon a wardrobe better than becoming Mrs. Lewis. This book was lovely on showing their relationship and how they came together as a couple and how they came together as friends. For this book I was mostly listening to the audiobook, there were a couple of quotes that I wish I could have highlighted, but since I was listening to the audiobook I missed my opportunity. I love the Narnia movies, but I have yet to read the books. The ex- husband was my least favorite character as he should be.