Donna
asked:
Does the book focus heavily on the spiritual? I don't want to feel as if I'm immersed in a lot of "God-talk." The synopsis of the book sounds so interesting, that I would like to read it, but I don't want to be turned off by the idea that the reader must be a Christian to enjoy it.
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Kristi
I am an atheist and I really enjoyed it. Their faith is a large part of the story, but their conversations about religion are often questioning and never preachy. The complexity of their relationship is written very well and the story was very moving even if you're not into Christianity.
Katie
I'm answering this as a Christian. Since their friendship begins based on their friendship which started because of her conversion, I'm not sure you can get through it without that element. I learned much about his writing (which is very Christ-focused), but even more about a beautiful love story. They don't just meet, hook up and get married ... it's a true story of love with all aspects of love including friendship, deep agape, and sacrifice for one another. I don't think the Christian elements will hit you over the head - but they are very present throughout the book as Joy helped Jack write a lot of his later works and they discussed them deeply. I hope that helps!
Ilana Quinn
If you aren't a Christian, you can still enjoy a book by a Christian author -- you don't have to share the same beliefs to appreciate an artists art!
There is a lot of highly interesting discussion about faith, spirituality and philosophy. None of it is "preachy" or pedantic. CS Lewis and Joy's relationship is very based around faith, but still immersive as they navigate life's biggest questions together.
There is a lot of highly interesting discussion about faith, spirituality and philosophy. None of it is "preachy" or pedantic. CS Lewis and Joy's relationship is very based around faith, but still immersive as they navigate life's biggest questions together.
Robin Wright
Definitely read it. You will not be offended or distracted by the occasional God-talk in it. It is never dwelled on. Instead you will love getting to know this extraordinary woman who was so ahead of her time.
Justin
This book is a fictional romance told from Joy's perspective. Think Shadowlands with Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Having read her bio, this book makes Joy come to life. Jack/C.S. Lewis comes to life as well for me in a way that is not Anthony Hopkins.
Andrea Stoeckel
Joy Lewis was a divorcee with a small child when she and Dr Clive Staples Lewis got together. I learned this when a movie came out about 3 decades ago based on the book “A Severe Mercy”, which as a seminarian and an Anthony Hopkins fan I really enjoyed. I have shared Severe Mercy in sermons and as books to friends and parishioners.
Evangelical Christians often cite/proof text Lewis much like they “pick and choose” verses to shore up their stances and beliefs (I went to a rather conservative Baptist undergrad College where I heard it a LOT) The thing is, Lewis’ own life might have them rather uncomfortable.
I’ve preached from his work, especially his ethical stances from a book called “G-d in the Dock”. I’ve read several of his scholarly books beyond Narnia and Screwtape.
I suppose Becoming Mrs.Lewis will eventually hit my TBR, but as a retired minister in a very liberal Christian Church (The UCC) who believes in “Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ” [aka We are All Related in Lakota] I will approach this as every other biography; with an open mind
Evangelical Christians often cite/proof text Lewis much like they “pick and choose” verses to shore up their stances and beliefs (I went to a rather conservative Baptist undergrad College where I heard it a LOT) The thing is, Lewis’ own life might have them rather uncomfortable.
I’ve preached from his work, especially his ethical stances from a book called “G-d in the Dock”. I’ve read several of his scholarly books beyond Narnia and Screwtape.
I suppose Becoming Mrs.Lewis will eventually hit my TBR, but as a retired minister in a very liberal Christian Church (The UCC) who believes in “Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ” [aka We are All Related in Lakota] I will approach this as every other biography; with an open mind
Stevie Ciske
The characters' faith is a major part of who they are, so it is talked about openly. But that is what made me love it even more! It is SO worth it!!!
Janelle
There's hardly any "God-talk;" rather the story mostly presents Joy's inner turmoil.
Shannon
I don't think I can say it better than Katie. Give it a chance - I think you will like the story. It does reference spirituality/faith/God (as that is what started their correspondence) but that isn't THE story in the book. It is definitely a story of the people, their relationships, and love.
I particularly enjoy the excerpts of Joy Davidman's work and will be looking for her work to read, as well as other books referenced throughout.
I particularly enjoy the excerpts of Joy Davidman's work and will be looking for her work to read, as well as other books referenced throughout.
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