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Jack's Life: The Life Story of CS Lewis
C S 'Jack' Lewis - author of "Prince Caspian" - was not the academic recluse, shielded from life's difficulties, that he is usually made out to be. Find out just what the man behind "The Chronicles of Narnia" was really like, and learn from his example how to be a 'saint'. As he is Jack's stepson, Douglas Gresham is in a unique position to provide insight into Lewis' domestic life - where greatness is most accurately judged. C S Lewis was not only one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, but also a man of fatherly care, warmth and wisdom. This highly personal, eyewitness account shows how the power of the Holy Spirit can flow through our lives, making us far more than we could ever be on our own.
165 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
13 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Gresham
21 books52 followersDouglas Howard Gresham (born November 10, 1945)[1] is an American British stage and voice-over actor, biographer, film producer, and executive record producer. He is one of the two stepsons of C. S. Lewis.
Gresham has written an autobiography, Lenten Lands, of his life to the age of 28 in 1973. A fictionalized young Douglas Gresham is a character in the 1993 film Shadowlands, in part derived from Lenten Lands. In the film, Gresham is played by the American actor Joseph Mazzello.
Gresham was the son of writers William Lindsay Gresham and Joy Davidman. After his parents' divorce in 1954, he relocated to England with his mother and elder brother. Joy later married author C.S. Lewis, whom adopted Joy's two sons.
Gresham has written an autobiography, Lenten Lands, of his life to the age of 28 in 1973. A fictionalized young Douglas Gresham is a character in the 1993 film Shadowlands, in part derived from Lenten Lands. In the film, Gresham is played by the American actor Joseph Mazzello.
Gresham was the son of writers William Lindsay Gresham and Joy Davidman. After his parents' divorce in 1954, he relocated to England with his mother and elder brother. Joy later married author C.S. Lewis, whom adopted Joy's two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 23, 2008
Douglas Gresham is C.S. Lewis's stepson, and his biography of Lewis is nothing short of glowing. It provides some good insight into Lewis's formative experiences, particularly his service in World War I. What it doesn't do is describe much about the author's relationship with the subject, which surprised me.
Gresham is almost hopelessly partisan in favor of Lewis, which is understandable but a bit distracting. It also makes it harder to trust his authority in telling the story (no one is as perfect as Lewis comes off in this book). He is also prone to editorializing, a habit that would make more sense if he had known Lewis for a greater portion of his life. The book is mostly chronological, but Gresham repeats various portions of time in multiple places, which is frustrating.
To me, the most interesting Lewis tidbits were that he failed (twice) his entrance exam to Oxford and that the Malcolm of "Letters to Malcolm" was not a real person. I hadn't known much about Lewis's relationship with the Moores, the mother and sister of his friend Paddy who died in combat, but I found that part of the book more overbearing than enlightening.
Reading "Jack's Life" made me wish I was reading Lewis's own clear prose. Gresham isn't a bad writer, but he's not a great one, either. The book is meant to be less heady than other Lewis biographies, and in this it succeeds. I'm just not sure that's much of an accomplishment; I would have liked to see Lewis in a bit more complexity.
Gresham is almost hopelessly partisan in favor of Lewis, which is understandable but a bit distracting. It also makes it harder to trust his authority in telling the story (no one is as perfect as Lewis comes off in this book). He is also prone to editorializing, a habit that would make more sense if he had known Lewis for a greater portion of his life. The book is mostly chronological, but Gresham repeats various portions of time in multiple places, which is frustrating.
To me, the most interesting Lewis tidbits were that he failed (twice) his entrance exam to Oxford and that the Malcolm of "Letters to Malcolm" was not a real person. I hadn't known much about Lewis's relationship with the Moores, the mother and sister of his friend Paddy who died in combat, but I found that part of the book more overbearing than enlightening.
Reading "Jack's Life" made me wish I was reading Lewis's own clear prose. Gresham isn't a bad writer, but he's not a great one, either. The book is meant to be less heady than other Lewis biographies, and in this it succeeds. I'm just not sure that's much of an accomplishment; I would have liked to see Lewis in a bit more complexity.
April 11, 2019
I'm not sure I would have got as much out of this book had I not read Becoming Mrs Lewis first. Having read that, however, it made this one come more alive and filled in a lot of backstory. Likewise, this book filled in some of the backstory for Becoming Mrs Lewis. I do recommend reading them in that order.
December 21, 2022
Bits of the timeline were hard to understand and I think the book could have benefited from a more thorough round of edits, but other than that I loved it. It was so refreshing and sweet to read about CS Lewis through the eyes of his stepson, someone who actually knew and loved him. Definitely recommend for all CS Lewis fans!
March 3, 2023
Wow! This is a well written, very well thought out biography of a truly great author and teacher. Douglas Gresham knew Lewis like no one else, which clearly comes through in this small work. This is a biography that Lewis would have approved.
September 1, 2018
Fast, Easy Read. The author was Lewis’ Stepson and he gives a short easy biography of Lewis’ life. I wouldn’t read it again but it was a nice break from some heavier reading. I learned much, and it has inspired me to tackle some of Lewis’ earlier writings.
September 14, 2009
It seemed as though Douglas was writing for children. His diction and syntax were very basic, elementary, if you will. This is certainly a subjective work, as everything Lewis does is either magnificent and from God, or a simple fluke that wasn't his fault.
He repeats himself often, which throws the chronolgical sequences out of sequence a bit. Often repeating himself, Gresham would reiterate Mrs. Moore's overbearing need for attention. Gresham repeated himself, sometimes too frequently, and it could become overbearing.
Now, I might have overstated how Gresham repeats himself, but he does bring something different than most other Lewis biographies have: a sense of Lewis' personality. I liked getting to know more than just the scholar.
It is a quick read, but not the greatest or best written.
He repeats himself often, which throws the chronolgical sequences out of sequence a bit. Often repeating himself, Gresham would reiterate Mrs. Moore's overbearing need for attention. Gresham repeated himself, sometimes too frequently, and it could become overbearing.
Now, I might have overstated how Gresham repeats himself, but he does bring something different than most other Lewis biographies have: a sense of Lewis' personality. I liked getting to know more than just the scholar.
It is a quick read, but not the greatest or best written.
December 20, 2019
Fantastic biography! I like that the author’s adoration for his stepfather shone through while he faced the tough facts of hard times in C.S. “Jack” Lewis’s life. Yet, there were plenty of humorous and entertaining anecdotes Mr. Gresham shared too. His style of writing was nearly novel-like at times, and it made me wonder if he gleaned many tips in writing from his prolific-writer stepdad. What a legacy!
Content: alcohol, suicide
Content: alcohol, suicide
September 14, 2020
This includes fresh insights and newer information, supplementary to Lenten Lands (1988) also published by Douglas Gresham. No-one still living knew Lewis as well as he. Gresham is particularly good on the developing romance with his Mother, and the quality of the love between the couple. But I also appreciate the detail about Lewis' exemplary character in daily life.
I'm surprised to note at least two dozen ugly and unnecessary slips of presentation as well as factual errors; Lenten Lands
is virtually clean by contrast. Really Douglas ought to republish his good book with a press where the people do not take money for 'editing' like this. No, Lewis did not get a degree out of Classical Mods., because that is not a degree examination. No, the Fellows of an Oxbridge college are not called 'faculty'. Publisher please note. I could remedy all of this with two hours of my time.
I'm surprised to note at least two dozen ugly and unnecessary slips of presentation as well as factual errors; Lenten Lands
is virtually clean by contrast. Really Douglas ought to republish his good book with a press where the people do not take money for 'editing' like this. No, Lewis did not get a degree out of Classical Mods., because that is not a degree examination. No, the Fellows of an Oxbridge college are not called 'faculty'. Publisher please note. I could remedy all of this with two hours of my time.
December 22, 2025
Lewis was not only a great writer, but a virtuous Christian who not only believed in Christ, but “believed him” and obeyed his words. This book is amazing at telling the story of his life rather than his works only. Gresham, his step-son, tells what it was like to watch Lewis and his gardener, or Joy, walk around the garden at his house, or read in the sitting room. He tells about the food they ate and the visitors they had. Loved the parts about Mrs. Moore and Paxford. He hardly touches on the books he wrote, but still weaves them in as the story goes on. This is a really unique biography in that way. It is very short though and leaves you wanting more detail.
May 11, 2019
A short and easy to read biography of a great man.
July 28, 2023
This warmly intimate bio of CS Lewis is an easy and delightful read. DG’s style is inviting and enjoyable. Also, it’s short - a quick read.
January 10, 2011
Biographies written by people close to the subject of their book tend to have their ups and downs. On the upside, such authors tend to have unique insights into their subjects, and if the writer is a good one, this usually makes for an excellent read. On the downside, it's possible for the author's perspective to influence the book such that it gives us a lopsided view of the person being described.
Gresham's very objective biographies of CS Lewis tend to avoid the pitfalls, and are indeed insightful pieces. And if you are a young person interested in learning about CS Lewis' life, then this is certainly the best Lewis bio I can recommend to you.
To my knowledge, "Jack's Life" was specifically written for young readers. Or rather, the earliest chapters were written for young readers, as Gresham has stated that he wrote the book so that it would cater to readers of greater maturity as one progresses through the chapters. This doesn't seem to have been clearly stated on the book itself, though.
For older audiences, do note that I say "biographies" in the plural. Gresham has written a previous book "Lenten Lands", which chronicles his youth. A large part of that youth was spent with CS Lewis, his stepfather. "Lenten Lands" is probably the book most adult readers were looking for when they purchased "Jack's Life", and they will NOT be disappointed. "Lenten Lands" is easily the most intimate of all the Lewis biographies.
But enough about "Lenten Lands," this review is about "Jack's Life."
This is a well written book, and having read no less than five other CS Lewis biographies, I find myself reading "Jack's Life" not for information, but as a bit of light, entertaining reading.
- December 2010
Addendum, January 10, 2011
Finished the book and I must say, this is the perfect book to give to young readers to introduce them to the life and workos of CS Lewis.
I was apprehensive until I reached that part of the book that Gresham himself had participated in, as this could have been an occasion for a sappily biased portrayal. And of course, it's partial to his perspective. But he manages these portions with class, stating the facts and giving his opinion but not being overstated about it at all.
There is much that this book glosses over - the controversy over what Lewis' exact relationship with Mrs Moore was, and exactly how well Joy Gresham got along with Lewis' Oxford crowd. But this is a book for young readers, and some glossing over is to be expected.
Overall, an effective biography and a strapping good read.
RE de Leon
1.00 PM January 10, 2011
Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines
Gresham's very objective biographies of CS Lewis tend to avoid the pitfalls, and are indeed insightful pieces. And if you are a young person interested in learning about CS Lewis' life, then this is certainly the best Lewis bio I can recommend to you.
To my knowledge, "Jack's Life" was specifically written for young readers. Or rather, the earliest chapters were written for young readers, as Gresham has stated that he wrote the book so that it would cater to readers of greater maturity as one progresses through the chapters. This doesn't seem to have been clearly stated on the book itself, though.
For older audiences, do note that I say "biographies" in the plural. Gresham has written a previous book "Lenten Lands", which chronicles his youth. A large part of that youth was spent with CS Lewis, his stepfather. "Lenten Lands" is probably the book most adult readers were looking for when they purchased "Jack's Life", and they will NOT be disappointed. "Lenten Lands" is easily the most intimate of all the Lewis biographies.
But enough about "Lenten Lands," this review is about "Jack's Life."
This is a well written book, and having read no less than five other CS Lewis biographies, I find myself reading "Jack's Life" not for information, but as a bit of light, entertaining reading.
- December 2010
Addendum, January 10, 2011
Finished the book and I must say, this is the perfect book to give to young readers to introduce them to the life and workos of CS Lewis.
I was apprehensive until I reached that part of the book that Gresham himself had participated in, as this could have been an occasion for a sappily biased portrayal. And of course, it's partial to his perspective. But he manages these portions with class, stating the facts and giving his opinion but not being overstated about it at all.
There is much that this book glosses over - the controversy over what Lewis' exact relationship with Mrs Moore was, and exactly how well Joy Gresham got along with Lewis' Oxford crowd. But this is a book for young readers, and some glossing over is to be expected.
Overall, an effective biography and a strapping good read.
RE de Leon
1.00 PM January 10, 2011
Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines
March 10, 2010
A delightful read that has proven to be a good time-traveling machine this week, as well. I find myself looking for this book whenever I have a quiet moment to spare. Gresham's style is simplistic, but gives sufficient explanation for you to form your own visual of C.S. Lewis as a young boy at school, then a scholar living at The Kilns, and on into the rest of his life. Gresham even tells a bit about his most famous works and the C.S. Lewis that we are most familiar with.
This is a book I recommend. There are a few silly "first edition" errors in spacing and punctuation here and there, but that adds to the charm of it. It's as though your friend has written you a long letter about his favorite person in the world... and by the end, you can't help but feel the same way. There are editorial comments here and there, as well, which blend into the narrative almost completely.
I'll give you a taste right here:
"...It was called, "The Inklings," but even that was not in any way a formal name for it. The word inkling means a sort of vague idea. If someone asks you a question and you don't have any idea of the answer, you might say, "I don't have the faintest inkling." It could also mean someone who plays with ink, and back in those days writing was done with a pen made of a wooden handle with a steel nib attached to it. You dipped your nib into a bottle of ink or an inkwell and then wrote until the ink on the nib ran out, usually about six or seven words. Then you dipped again."
("Friends and Good Fellowship," Page 107)
This is a book I recommend. There are a few silly "first edition" errors in spacing and punctuation here and there, but that adds to the charm of it. It's as though your friend has written you a long letter about his favorite person in the world... and by the end, you can't help but feel the same way. There are editorial comments here and there, as well, which blend into the narrative almost completely.
I'll give you a taste right here:
"...It was called, "The Inklings," but even that was not in any way a formal name for it. The word inkling means a sort of vague idea. If someone asks you a question and you don't have any idea of the answer, you might say, "I don't have the faintest inkling." It could also mean someone who plays with ink, and back in those days writing was done with a pen made of a wooden handle with a steel nib attached to it. You dipped your nib into a bottle of ink or an inkwell and then wrote until the ink on the nib ran out, usually about six or seven words. Then you dipped again."
("Friends and Good Fellowship," Page 107)
May 1, 2016
Loved this biography on Jack's namesake! Best quote: "I am sometimes asked what it is like living in the shadow of such a great man, and I always point out that Jack did not leave a shadow behind him but a glow. If I am able to reflect even the slightest spark of that glow, I am more than happy to do so."
Praying we glow rather than leave a shadow!
Praying we glow rather than leave a shadow!
August 24, 2012
Happy to have read this book. Learned much from it about living this life and loving others. Always great to read about a Christian who is a deep thinker and practical about the servanthood of those who follow Christ and His Word.
February 11, 2017
Read in the following year(s):
2007
2012 (5-17 September)
2007
2012 (5-17 September)
October 2, 2018
Enjoyed reading this book. Lot's of insight from his stepson that I put in my common place book. Encouraged to read all the Narnia books. We have only listened to all the BBC audios...krb 10/1/18
October 12, 2020
As a stepparent, this is the kind of tribute I think we all hope to earn one day. To have stepchildren who feel so supported and embraced is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
October 3, 2022
My 3 star review of this book is kind of an average of my feelings for it, as there were things I loved about it and thing that I didn’t love.
First, the good parts—
This was very different than your “typical” CS Lewis biography. It was not caught up in his academic pursuits nor his journey to Christianity (both worthy of exploration, but have been done before). This was a simple, gentle story obviously written by someone who loved him and tells a different perspective than you will get elsewhere. It is a quick and easy read, not overly bogged down in details that gives a good overview of both the man and his life. It’s sentimental and maybe a bit idealistic, yes. But in a way I can appreciate from someone who loved and was loved by the man he is writing about. I really enjoyed seeing this view of Jack’s life, and I will remember it far more than other, more academic, works about Lewis.
Now, the downside—
Where, oh WHERE, was the editor on this book??? I mean, really. Where? It’s clear that while Gresham has a legitimate perspective and a different story to tell, he is not *really* a writer. But that is truly where a good editor should come in. And it’s almost like they just rushed this to the printer with no revisions. I don’t even know where to go with explaining this except that there were grammatical errors, repetition, and entire paragraphs that sounded like a high school freshman wrote them. Rough draft? Sure. Finished product for publication? Not acceptable.
So, ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this one. I appreciate the perspective and the sweet tribute to a loving step-father; but really, really wish that a good editor had done some work to make the writing itself a better tribute to one of the best of the craft; or, at the very least, not to be so distracting from the overall message.
In the end, I’m glad I read it, but also glad I checked it out from the library. And I don’t know if I’ll be recommending it much.
First, the good parts—
This was very different than your “typical” CS Lewis biography. It was not caught up in his academic pursuits nor his journey to Christianity (both worthy of exploration, but have been done before). This was a simple, gentle story obviously written by someone who loved him and tells a different perspective than you will get elsewhere. It is a quick and easy read, not overly bogged down in details that gives a good overview of both the man and his life. It’s sentimental and maybe a bit idealistic, yes. But in a way I can appreciate from someone who loved and was loved by the man he is writing about. I really enjoyed seeing this view of Jack’s life, and I will remember it far more than other, more academic, works about Lewis.
Now, the downside—
Where, oh WHERE, was the editor on this book??? I mean, really. Where? It’s clear that while Gresham has a legitimate perspective and a different story to tell, he is not *really* a writer. But that is truly where a good editor should come in. And it’s almost like they just rushed this to the printer with no revisions. I don’t even know where to go with explaining this except that there were grammatical errors, repetition, and entire paragraphs that sounded like a high school freshman wrote them. Rough draft? Sure. Finished product for publication? Not acceptable.
So, ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this one. I appreciate the perspective and the sweet tribute to a loving step-father; but really, really wish that a good editor had done some work to make the writing itself a better tribute to one of the best of the craft; or, at the very least, not to be so distracting from the overall message.
In the end, I’m glad I read it, but also glad I checked it out from the library. And I don’t know if I’ll be recommending it much.
October 18, 2021
I finished this book in one afternoon… quick, easy read, but interesting. I had told myself that I was not going to read another biography of C.S. Lewis (I think I had already read 2, plus the fictional Becoming Mrs. Lewis), but at the end of Becoming Mrs. Lewis I learned that her son Douglas had written a biography of C.S. Lewis (“Jack”). I HAD to read the biography written by his own step-son, and it was great.
One thing I really liked was that it does not read like a typical biography. It is conversational, not bogged down with dates or in-depth analysis of the subject’s motives or philosophy, etc. It is just a straight-forward account of the trajectory of Jack’s life. (I usually am excited when I start a biography, then get bogged down in the middle, they all seem to get so tedious…not this one.)
One slight criticism - I would have liked to hear more stories about the boys’ life with Jack both before and after their mother died. They met Jack 3-4 years before their mother married him and spent a lot of time with him. After she died, he adopted them and raised them. Douglas states “Jack was the finest man and best Christian I have ever known”… what was that like? The book seemed to spend most of its time on Jack’s life before he met Mrs. Gresham, and once they meet and marry it seems to gloss over the rest of their lives until they both eventually died, a handful of years apart. I would have liked to read more “family stories” from that time…but it just occurred to me as I typed that both boys would have been away at boarding school, so I guess there wasn’t a ton to tell.
So. 5 stars for an insightful, interesting biography.
One thing I really liked was that it does not read like a typical biography. It is conversational, not bogged down with dates or in-depth analysis of the subject’s motives or philosophy, etc. It is just a straight-forward account of the trajectory of Jack’s life. (I usually am excited when I start a biography, then get bogged down in the middle, they all seem to get so tedious…not this one.)
One slight criticism - I would have liked to hear more stories about the boys’ life with Jack both before and after their mother died. They met Jack 3-4 years before their mother married him and spent a lot of time with him. After she died, he adopted them and raised them. Douglas states “Jack was the finest man and best Christian I have ever known”… what was that like? The book seemed to spend most of its time on Jack’s life before he met Mrs. Gresham, and once they meet and marry it seems to gloss over the rest of their lives until they both eventually died, a handful of years apart. I would have liked to read more “family stories” from that time…but it just occurred to me as I typed that both boys would have been away at boarding school, so I guess there wasn’t a ton to tell.
So. 5 stars for an insightful, interesting biography.
October 20, 2021
Being the fan of Lewis I am, I am giving this a 4 star rating. The reality is, it is probably worth a 3. I don't want to be overly critical. Douglas Gresham was Lewis stepson. Even for a short period of time, he was able to develop a powerful, meaningful, loving, life-changing relationship with him. You do get some insights into Lewis you don't elsewhere. Others do talk of his domestic life, but Douglas probably goes into more detail than any of the others. I would liked to have seen more of his own personal interactions with Lewis in the book. I don't fault Douglas for praising Lewis, many do and have no relation to him. I will say the book as a whole could have been written better. I don't remember Lenten Lands being written that way (when I go back and read it one day I will have to see). I saw someone use the word editorial in their review and I would agree. A good book fans of Lewis will appreciate. Will get an even deeper appreciation of his domestic life (I really did enjoy the description of the Kilns, Douglas made it come more alive than others were able to). George Sayer's though will probably never be beat.
October 5, 2020
As a recent student of all things C.S. Lewis I sought to read this book to learn more about Lewis' life with Joy Davidman. This book was penned by her son Douglas Grisham. I was very disappointed. First, his style of writing appears to be trying to emulate Lewis' style in the tales of Narnia. This means he writes to inform a 10-year-old which obviously any reader who wanted to know more about Lewis would not be. Second, most of the book was written about a time Gresham would have personally know nothing about. In fact his mother, Joy is not even mentioned until page 141 of a 162-page book. I would have thought he would be able to share stories of his time living with Lewis, but there is not even one such recollection and one wonders what happened to him and his brother after she dies and he is left under Lewis' care. Again, he tells us nothing of interest or value. Very disappointed and if you want to study Lewis' life I'd skip this one as a source.
February 21, 2024
Ive never been one to write reviews that spoil the story for others, Im inclined to stick to that with my review of this book. I will say that there is so much information in here about a man who must have been very private about his personal life, as I was extremely surprised by the details revealed in Mr. Gresham's narrative.
I read C S Lewis Narnia series avidly as a young girl, still consider the characters and stories a wondrous universe with heroic adventures. The parts where Mr. Gresham recounts how the ideas came to C S Lewis are interesting to say the least.
This is a complex story, told in a style that is not too academic and adult. If you have a tweenie or young teenager fond of the books, I think they might enjoy this book, but it isnt always a happy story, I would caution.
Put a copy of this book in your library, I dont think you will be sorry you did.
I read C S Lewis Narnia series avidly as a young girl, still consider the characters and stories a wondrous universe with heroic adventures. The parts where Mr. Gresham recounts how the ideas came to C S Lewis are interesting to say the least.
This is a complex story, told in a style that is not too academic and adult. If you have a tweenie or young teenager fond of the books, I think they might enjoy this book, but it isnt always a happy story, I would caution.
Put a copy of this book in your library, I dont think you will be sorry you did.
January 7, 2026
3.5
An up close look at CS Lewis, the stepfather of author Douglas Gresham. He gave a fairly thorough look at Jack's life from growing up in Ireland and his family life, to his years in England and living with Mrs. Moore and her daughter Maureen at the Kilns. He obviously got a lot of the history before he, his brother David and mother Joy came to live there. It seems like it was written with childlike narration, with a lot of repetitive descriptions, particularly of Mrs Moore. I can only surmise that he got these descriptions of these difficult years from Jack, or more likely Warnie, Jack's brother.
It was an interesting perspective seeing the great CS Lewis from the eyes of his youngest stepson.
I enjoyed this book, following the book about his mother: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry.
An up close look at CS Lewis, the stepfather of author Douglas Gresham. He gave a fairly thorough look at Jack's life from growing up in Ireland and his family life, to his years in England and living with Mrs. Moore and her daughter Maureen at the Kilns. He obviously got a lot of the history before he, his brother David and mother Joy came to live there. It seems like it was written with childlike narration, with a lot of repetitive descriptions, particularly of Mrs Moore. I can only surmise that he got these descriptions of these difficult years from Jack, or more likely Warnie, Jack's brother.
It was an interesting perspective seeing the great CS Lewis from the eyes of his youngest stepson.
I enjoyed this book, following the book about his mother: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry.
November 10, 2018
This biography of CS Lewis is written by his stepson, Doug. CS Lewis was known as Jack: Jack was a dog that was loved by him and his brother. CS Lewis didn't like his given name as a child, so he adopted the name of his dog. This slim book does a remarkable job of describing Jack's life, including all the challenges of family dynamics, poverty, and education. Jack made a promise to a friend in WWII that he would take care of his mother and sister if the friend was killed. Jack honored his promise even though the situation created daily problems. The tone of this book is a bit "preachy" but worth the time to read if you are a fan of CS Lewis's works.
April 4, 2020
This biography of C.S. Lewis was written by his stepson, Douglas Gresham. The book both benefits and suffers from that fact. The benefit was in the first-person account. The drawback was his tendency to cast Lewis in the best possible light, no matter what the circumstance. For example, the falling out between Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien doesn't even register.
Ultimately, the book would have been improved had it included more first-person narrative and less defense of Lewis. However, given the relationship between the two and the fact that Gresham is no author, it's understandable and the book is worth reading by fans of Lewis.
Ultimately, the book would have been improved had it included more first-person narrative and less defense of Lewis. However, given the relationship between the two and the fact that Gresham is no author, it's understandable and the book is worth reading by fans of Lewis.
February 25, 2023
Fun, interesting read. Excellent writing.
The biography is especially captivating because of the author's voice. I enjoyed the contrast of learning about such a brilliant man and then having the author jump in with a child-like statement of how people are or how things ought to be; it's like eating salty crackers with savory cheese. Loved it.
Beautiful descriptions of scenery and seasons. I felt like I was there.
The war scenes paint a clear picture of a young man's expectation of war vs realty. Millions of young men lost. So many others traumatized and/or wounded for life.
The timeline jumped around in a confusing order in one or two spots, but other than that, I highly recommend!
The biography is especially captivating because of the author's voice. I enjoyed the contrast of learning about such a brilliant man and then having the author jump in with a child-like statement of how people are or how things ought to be; it's like eating salty crackers with savory cheese. Loved it.
Beautiful descriptions of scenery and seasons. I felt like I was there.
The war scenes paint a clear picture of a young man's expectation of war vs realty. Millions of young men lost. So many others traumatized and/or wounded for life.
The timeline jumped around in a confusing order in one or two spots, but other than that, I highly recommend!
April 22, 2018
I have loved reading many of C.S. Lewis' works. But I never got to know much about this amazing author of whom I so admire. This lovely work unfolds the character of a man giving life behind the words written in ink revealing intimate moments of his life, his victories and defeats, his tears and laughter of a man who has touched millions. What an enjoyable walk through the life and stories of C.S. Lewis's early life all the way to his death, giving me deep insight into a man and his God.
A worthy read for just about any fan of C.S. Lewis.
A worthy read for just about any fan of C.S. Lewis.
April 1, 2019
Douglas Gresham is the stepson of C.S. Lewis. He has insights and experiences that other biographers of the famed Christian apologist do not. Although this is a brief bio it provides much information about the Moore family's relationship with Jack, as well as The Kilns, home of Jack and Warnie, and later joy Davidman and her two sons Davy and Douglas. When joy was thought to be dying of cancer, Jack prayed that the pain she was currently experiencing be taken from her and given to him. It was. They considered this transference a miracle.
December 14, 2020
This book is a really sweet and intimate portrayal of C.S. Lewis’ life. It reads like a letter from Gresham to the reader. Also, I thought it was interesting how Gresham took the time to explain things in history that may not be immediately apparent to young readers (such as how there were no cars when Lewis was growing up). This makes this biography accessible to younger audiences. I recommended it to my younger brother for that reason. I also appreciated how Gresham emphasized the Holy Spirit’s influence on Lewis’ life.
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