C.S. Lewis on Grief

C.S. Lewis Colour Gift Books

by C.S. Lewis, Lesley Walmsley (Compiler)

Grief: From losing his mother as a small boy to losing his beloved wife to cancer after only a few years of marriage, C. S. Lewis was well acquainted with grief. The insights in this book will help those struggling with sorrow to come through with hope and dignity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Grief, Classics, Religion, Philosophy, Essays

72 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books from which these books are drawn, chiefly The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed, are not long. I would probably read one of them instead to get the quotes in context, but this could serve as a good introduction.

[Natalie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No one told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning, I keep on swallowing. At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me."

When grief is a lonely road it is nice to pick up the words of another and finally feel like someone understands. There is much to be gleaned from this short read.

[Blakely Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis is a hero of mine for many reasons, but this book just shattered all of my images of him. Shattered them in positive way; much the same as his description of the living H. shattered his images of her. Lewis lives on through this book and encourages my soul afresh. His honesty surrounding his doubts and his midnight wrestlings with God demonstrate to me that perfection is unattainable and an unhelpful standard to hold. Even perfect faith is a product of my imagination and a standard even the best of Christian thinkers cannot grasp. Thank you CS Lewis for your honesty. Thank you for its encouragement in my life.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a hard thing review bc this piece is layered with so much feeling, value, and rawness. This book has given me so much respect for C.S. Lewis not only as an author but as a human. I read this as I was studying for my degree in philosophy (I have a focus on religion) and it is, without question, the best piece I've read to this day. Lewis bravely shares his deepest thoughts and emotions as he struggles with the loss of his wife. It's impossible not to feel a connection to him as he battles doubt and attempts to soothe his shattered soul. No matter the reason, if you've sought out this book, I encourage you to read it and allow it to imprint itself in your heart.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I have the wrong title. I recorded this in my journal as 'Moved by Grief' but I can't find this title anywhere...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read much on this subject and IMHO no one covers it more honestly or hopefully.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best collections of the work of C.S. Lewis that I've ever encountered. I always walk away from his words feeling humbled and thankful.

[Maggie Pagotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very raw, very honest.

[Cactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Renee Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful excerpts from various CS Lewis works on the nature of grief, pain, death, and suffering. This is hard to review because obviously all the works themselves are wholly wonderful—my only complaint in this compilation is I just wanted more. Of course, if you need little tid bits or a quick moment of inspiration or comfort, this will do the job.

CS Lewis was such a layered and complex, but brilliant and deeply feeling man. So much respect.

Enter into someone else’s heartache and suffering—it’ll help you take your eyes off your own and for the believer, better enable you to look to Christ.

[Nick Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in 50 minutes, easy to get through. Quotes from many of Lewis’ popular books. Lewis grapples with grief in a way that’s raw and real. This isn’t a book fully of pithy promises that following Christ means you will never experience grief. Rather Lewis, rocked by the reality of grief himself, understands that to follow Christ is to follow in his sufferings and pain. Specific entries that impacted me the most are

- Count the Cost
- Killed Every Day
- Where is she now?
- Our Failures are forgiven

CS Lewis continues to impact :)

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

C.S. Lewis is a master of words, and this collections of his writings eloquently expresses what many of us feel in times of grief.
My favorite quote from this book: "Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery’s shadow or reflection: the fact that you don’t merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer."

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of extended quotes from a number of different books by Lewis. The reason why I only gave it 4 stars is because a few of the quotes don't directly have anything to do with grief. Still good quotes but they felt out of place.
That being said, this book does give you a glimpse into what Lewis felt after the death of his wife, and for that reason, it's helpful.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book features excerpts on grief from C.S. Lewis’ works - there is so much context missing! I recommend picking up Lewis’ books related to grief instead (I.e. A Grief Observed, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain). Unfortunately, this was like reading illustrated spark notes.

[Daniel Bandrabur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great selection of C.S. Lewis writings about Grief

[Karla Ticona · Rating 5 out of 5]

:´(

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

fella gets it

[Oginni Jeremiah]

Grief is a burden given by pain. How we must heal our pain and live it out is started.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays by C.S. Lewis in grief. The book was compiled by Lesley Walmsley and taken from several of Lewis's books. Those that I found most meaningful were from Lewis's "On Grief".

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

No help at all.
Too much faith, and not enough psychology? or humanity? philosophy? Too little actual speaking to GRIEF to be what I was seeking.
I don't like "The Lion , The Witch, and The Wardrobe" particularly, either.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one book in a series of four books by Lewis. It is simply a collection of illustrations and stories from many of his works. This specific book in the series is focused on stories and analogies that Lewis made in regards to grief. He reflects a lot on the pain of losing his wife as well as death and other grief-filled issues in life.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

To anyone who has experienced the loss of a good friend or family member, this book will offer comfort. It's beautifully written by CS Lewis after the loss of his wife.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this with every major loss, and it always speaks to me anew.

[Patrick\ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A primer addition to more modern works for any caregiver.

[John Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis is simply amazing.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning writing - very moving and humanistic

[Anisha Chris]

Where is it?

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting excerpts from the authors writings and letters.

[Jill Agyekum · Rating 5 out of 5]

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