Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

 Helen Joy Davidman (1915-1960) was an American poet and writer. This book brings a vivid portrayal of “a woman diverse, courageous, and complicated, and a woman whom C.S. Lewis loved with all of his being.” They seemed to be ill-matched, but at the end they offered a glimpse at what love truly means.

New York, 1946. At thirty-one years old, Joy is a writer, mother, and a wife, who also has to deal with her husband’s infidelity. She realizes that the life she pushed for outside the city is not the life that resonates with her. She misses “the hustle and bustle of the city, the publishing parties and literary gossip.” She dives into “history and philosophy books, with religious texts and pamphlets,” it changes her religious view or rather non-religious.

When she comes across a newspaper reporting on in-depth study on another writer and a converted atheist, a man named C.S. Lewis, she dives into his written work, and his works hidden wisdom. Out of hundreds letters, he responds to hers. Thus, begins correspondence between them. She seeks answers to her spiritual questions. They both “find solace and nourishment in nature.” But not everything is about logic. It’s also about surrendering. And doing it in practice is not easy.

With her cousin’s encouragement, she considers traveling to England, to immerse herself in its history and literature. She has an idea for a book set there. Seeking transformation of her heart and body, she goes on this journey across the ocean and a journey for her soul: reading, researching, writing, traveling, meeting new friends and finding a writing group. And there, she meets the famous C.S. Lewis in person. With each conversation they bond more and more. She grieves her failed marriage. He grieves his harsh childhood.

Joy reacts quickly. She is blunt and brash. He is patient and kind of sensitive nature. She recognizes her faults and tries to work on them, but it’s an up-hill battle. He struggles with changing his long-set patterns to let her in with her love. When she hurts or loves, you can feel her emotions. She is so real and her love for him.

This story brings a vibrant depiction of a woman “trying to live an authentic life while also caring for her family and pursuing her creative life” and passion.

Enjoyed the stimulating conversations between them. With flawless prose and engaging dialogue, the author weaves a beautiful love story of two literary minds. And what a love story it is. So different from what we would normally label a love story.

Release date: 24 March 2020

Source: Thomas Nelson Publisher