Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis

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Louisiana’s Way Home is an engaging and ultimately heartwarming story that explores themes of homelessness, belonging, abandonment, finding a family to love you, foster care, friendship, caring adults, determination, loss, hope, disappointment, etc. But apparently in the past I've picked up so much random knowledge that it is shocking when I don't know everything about people I admire. Even though I knew what was to going to happen to bring the book to a close, I still found a tear escaping my eye. If you’re a historical fiction fan, or someone who loves a bit of ‘faction’, then this is an ideal read for you. The couple hold hands, even kiss and as the title suggests, in 1956, finally, for only a few short years before her death from cancer, Joy becomes Mrs.

I think I'd have to know you and know what you enjoy and what you don't enjoy to know if I would recommend this book or not! Lewis” is a very different kind of novel and Henry deserves credit for risking disappointing her large readership. It could have been told in half as many pages with better clarity and theological insight (there really was none in this book). It is a long novel (like 500 pages, I think) so you have to be ready to commit if you want to finish it. I thought it read very much like a book written during that time, rather than a book written in the modern day but set then.Perhaps our culture's obsession with Lewis as a reformed theologian has forced him into an image reflective of the current culture's beliefs. In this biographical historical fiction you will be treated to a poignant love story along with beautiful descriptions of England and bookish references. After finally getting permission from the Church of England, they married the second time in a religious ceremony in her hospital room. But I loved her all the more for her faults and I loved Lewis himself all the more for the glimpses we get at his own weaknesses or uncertainty. Lewis, then a professor at Oxford, and eventually move to England to work side by side with him as an intellectual equal.

In a world without computers, mobile phones or iPads, she was keen to develop- my mind in the best way she knew. I feel, in part, that Joy may have fallen victim to today's feminist culture that demands recognition; however, I do believe Lewis has fallen victim to idolization in our churches today. With her cousin’s encouragement, she considers traveling to England, to immerse herself in its history and literature.During this time in history (1950s), Joy’s independence and decisions regarding her marriage and children were most likely questioned. 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. I find it a bit presumptuous and cheeky when an author feels comfortable in giving thoughts and words to an actual person, even if it is done under the guise of a novel. This is going to be less a review than just myself explaining how I was all over the place while reading this novel. I much preferred Douglas Gresham’s book about Jack, where he tastefully and beautifully describes their relationship.