I struggled with this book. I really enjoyed the letters from C.S. Lewis, but Vanauken's writing - and even his story in general - left me cold. There were a few well-written passages, but overall he was far too wordy and his descriptions of his virtually perfect wife and their life together seemed ridiculous, and finishing the book was not a joyful endeavor.

He reminds me of that guy you avoid at functions - he's got some good stories, but he talks on far too long and has a very high opinion of himself and all he's accomplished.

I finished the book with a sigh of relief. And then I started wondering whether he was truly even a Christian. He makes a declaration of faith, but never seems to fully commit. As he's grieving his wife's passing, he comes to realize that perhaps her death was good thing in that he never attempted to "damage or lessen her commitment to God" - but earlier in the book he admits to being jealous of the time she spends reading her Bible, and I cannot think she was unaware of this.

Bottom line, I'm really glad it's over. I cannot think of a single circumstance that would ever make me recommend this book to another person. Please just read the quotes shared by others and move along...

Read for Modern Mrs. Darcy 2016 challenge - book that you own but have not read