Having always been an avid reader of C S Lewis’ books, I wanted very much to read the account of his meeting and marrying Joy Gresham - as told from her point of view.
It is truly a beautifully told story and because it came from Joy’s point of view, there are parts of the story that were entirely new to me and others seen from a different aspect.
Her descriptions of her first arrival in Oxford captures the beauty and the atmosphere of the city. The Kilns, in Winter, with the frozen pond and frosty air, were so quintessentially English.
The author puts across, so well, the way Joy felt about Lewis and her amazing patience, while she waited for him to realise he felt the same.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even the sad ending was written in such a way as to make the reader feel their love and hope and to know that it was all worthwhile.
Beautiful story.

My review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan appealed to me because of C.S. Lewis. The only things I knew about him before reading this book was that he wrote the Narnia books, which I loved, and that he was Christian, with Aslan actually being God.

Whilst C.S. Lewis (or Jack, as his friends called him) is an important character in this book, the main character is Joy Davidman, a Jewish New Yorker, who first writes to Jack (much easier to type than C.S. Lewis, and so I will steal it for this.) whilst she is married, and has two small sons.

Joy has a hard life. She and her husband are both writers (he was William Lindsay Gresham), but he wants her to be a 'proper' wife, which during the 1940s onwards means looking after the house, the children, and your husband. Joy is made to feel selfish in her desire to write. Her husband is an alcoholic, who helps Joy to find God when he is out boozing yet again, and she has a spiritual epiphany whilst worrying. Finding God is why Joy writes to Jack, who also found God later in life, and wrote about it.

This book is peppered through with quotes from letters and poems, which adds to hearing their voices. Whilst the poems are real, I don't know if the letters are, as we are told that Jack destroys all correspondence once he has replied.

Whilst it looks at Joy and Jack's beliefs, I didn't feel like it was trying to convert me, it was just exploring what they believed, and how that impacted their lives.

If you enjoy historical fiction, and looking at famous lives, or getting a glimpse more of the Inklings (the writing group that C.S. Lewis was part of, with J.R.R. Tolkien, and others!), then you'll enjoy this! Though, do be warned that Joy's time with William is abusive, which some may find upsetting.

Patti Callahan also writes under Patti Callahan Henry, and is a New York Times bestselling author of quite a few books!

Becoming Mrs Lewis was published on 16th May 2019, and is available to buy on Amazon and on Waterstones. I've found a link to where you can search for local bookshops, including independent!

I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to HarperCollins and Harper Inspire (the publishers) for this book.

Check out my GoodReads profile to see more reviews!

Ooo, I do love a good dose of serendipity! I had just booked a ticket to go and see Shadowlands at CFT when I came across this book. To be honest, I had never even heard of Joy Davidman prior to this year, I just fancied something a little different to go and see at the theatre. I couldn't believe my luck, especially when the timings matched perfectly. Book out today, going to the play on Saturday!
Anyway, that's by the by. For me biographies fall mostly into two categories, where both divulge a person's life, they can be delivered in either an interesting or a dry way. This book definitely fell into the former category as, once I started, I read through in only a few sittings. I also learned a lot whilst reading it, yes, I am one of those who only really knows Lewis for his Narnia books but, wow were my eyes open by what I read herein, and also my TBR has taken quite a hit too as I added quite a few to it along the way.
I loved that each chapter was headed by a sonnet, although the true meaning of these wasn't revealed to me until towards the end. I told you I had no idea who Joy was at the start of the book.
Yes, primarily it's a love story, starting with the two writing to each other from across the sea. But then, it develops into so much more. It's a meeting of minds where important things are debated. It's a coming together of equals, uncommon in the time in which they lived. And, it's also a story of spiritual awakening although, I hasten to add, the religious element is not over-blown.
All in all, it's a wonderful story that, yes, had me sniffling at the end but with an overwhelming feeling of peace. A story that I am glad I read, one that will stay with me a while yet. I hope the knowledge gleaned from reading it sets me up nicely for Shadowlands at the weekend.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is an heartwrenching, emotional and engaging book.
It's a bit slow at the beginning but after the initial part you're hooked and you cannot put this book down.
I was always fascinated by CS Lewis and, even if I knew something about his wife, I was happy to read this book and learn more about her life.
It's a well researched and well written book, I can't tell the facts from the fiction but it's a fascinating story.
I liked the well written characters, the historical setting and all the historical and literary references.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I was blown away by the beauty of this book! It was exceptionally well written and although it was a novel about the relationship of a New York married woman, Joy Davidman, and C. S. Lewis, the eminent writer, there was much truth in the book as it used many of the original letters and poems of the two main characters.

Their subsequent love affair and Joy's untimely death was deeply moving and I found myself in tears in the end.. I have recommended it to my book club and they will all be reading it after it has been published.

With thanks to Net Galley and the Publishers for an early copy.

The fictional reimagining of the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. Beautifully written and using personal letters from their correspondance throughout their relationship. While the contents of the letters may be fictional, it lends an additional depth to the narrative. A lovely way to learn more of the author and his wife.

An interesting and emotional story of C. S. Lewis and his eventual wife, Joy. Although well written I found it difficult to get into the book. It starts very slowly, but does get better. Had it not been about real people I would have given up early on.

Beautifully written and beautifully told this book was a pleasure to read. Using personal letters the relationship between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis is told from when they started corresponding until the end of their lives. I had not heard of Joy Davidman before and this was a lovely book to read to find out about her.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Joy Davidman is a woman trapped in a marriage with an alcoholic. She's torn between her writing and her expected duties and a mother, and, to boot, suffering from multiple ailments and illnesses. Her life feels like one long trudge through expectations and sadness – until one glorious moment it her son's nursery, when she meets with a God who will change her life.

Her questions about God lead her to write to a friend of a friend, C.S. Lewis. And with the first exchange of letters, a grand friendship takes root. Letters fly between C.S. Lewis' home in Oxford and Joy in America. When Joy travels to England to try and improve her health, she is ecstatic to be able to finally meet the man who has become such a great friend to her. But during the many months she spends in England, her husband does something that breaks her heart. As her world falls to pieces around her, C.S. Lewis is her only confidant throughout. And when she and her two young sons are left with the biggest decision of her life, what path will she choose?

This book was a delight to read. Exquisite descriptions and delicate word choices were woven together to create a truly joyful reading experience. The narrative was truly lovely, the language was beautiful, and I cherished every moment of the time I spent reading it.

I love C.S. Lewis' work, but didn't know all that much about his wife, Joy Davidman – so it was wonderful to read about her and learn more about her amazing life. She was a very strong woman, and I have gained a great admiration for her. I also really want to go and dive into more of her and Lewis' work now!

“Walking has always allowed me to slough off the darker parts of myself.”

Scattered through this book were excerpts of letters between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. Sadly they're not actual words exchanged between Davidman and Lewis, as they have all been destroyed (Lewis did this to all the letters he received after reading them, as he felt that letters were full of private things, and didn't want anyone going through his correspondence when he died). Though fictional, these letters were a lovely part of the book, building up the world of the story and linking Lewis and Davidman across the ocean. I do generally tend to enjoy books with excerpts of communications and creations between characters – as it makes the reading experience more 3D, and allows me to dive deeper into the world of the story - and this was no exception.

Most of the chapters in the book also began with a section of one of Joy Davidman's sonnets – adding a wonderful personal touch as the story grew out of Joy's own work.

“If we should ever grow brave, what on earth would become of us?”

Something that really stood out to me was that Joy was not happy just to be a typical housewife – she wanted so much more. And she needed a husband who supported her writing. Something that she struggled with throughout the book was a worry that she shouldn't be taking time to write – it was like the expectations she faced as a mother constantly conflicted with her job as a writer. In the time she was living in, Joy was very much expected to be the sole caregiver of her two sons, and a full-time housewife – but she also really, really wanted to be able to pursue her writing fully. She was expected to do so much – but she just wanted to be able to write.

The author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis – Patti Callahan – said this in an interview; “we just might need to pack up other’s expectations of us and set off on our own quest for the truth.” I think that this quote is something that is a running theme throughout the book – that of facing all the expectations others have regarding us, and when it's right to turn away from those expectations and forge our own path.

“Hopelessness was my companion and fantasy my escape.”

I recently had a conversation with somebody about appreciating the simple things in life – and something Joy really does is appreciate the simple things. In the book, a passion for nature shines through, and Joy grasps every opportunity to spend time outside, taking long walks and drinking in the glories of nature by the bucketful. It was gloriously inspiring to read, and gave me that itch to get outside and enjoy the wonderful things God created. It was also one of those books that's so well written that it makes you want to sit down and write your own beautiful things – so, overall, a rather inspiring book!

“As full of love as it was books – now more than two thousand of them.”

Hard choices must sometimes be made to do the right thing. And this book was full of hard and difficult choices. When Joy's life fell to pieces, she had to fight for what she knew was right for her children – but it wasn't easy, and it wasn't the obviously right choice. But she fought tooth and nail to create a life for herself and her sons, moving them to another country to keep them safe and provide them with the wonderful life she had experienced during her time in England. She wrote furiously and frantically, facing rejection and disappointment to try and gather enough money to support her family. Joy was writing and working incredibly hard, whilst still being a mother and helping her sons to adjust to a new life in England – constantly conflicted and wondering if she'd made the right decisions. And all the while, she was struggling with ill health. Overall, she was a very strong woman, and worked her hardest to make things the best they could be.

“who knows what that lifetime is made of? How many days, or hours?”

This book really was beautiful (and poignant!). I wound up with 50 quotes to write down after reading it, and can't wait to read it all over again. I'm ready to go and dance around the world, recommending it left, right, and centre – it was that good! Regardless of whether you're a fan of C.S. Lewis, this is a book that should be read. It's very deep and touching, but full of creativity and inspiration – a wonderful mix of words and wonder.

I want to begin by saying that I received this book for free through Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own. This book is a mixture of fact and fiction and is the story of Joy Davidman, the wife of C. S. Lewis. I don’t know how much of this book is fact and how much is fiction but it’s still such a beautiful story. It’s written from Joy’s perspective and we gather an understanding of her life before meeting C. S. Lewis and her emotions and the love they develop. I’ve never personally read any of Joy’s work other than the small snippets inserted before each chapter, but the voice that Patti Callahan has given Joy just seemed perfect for her personality and matched these snippets of her work perfectly, and the same goes for the way Jack (C. S. Lewis) speaks and writes. The way everything was written was done so beautifully and poetically and it was so lovely to read. The developing love between Joy and Jack is also so beautiful and seems to be accurate from what I’ve read about them on wikipedia before reading this book. There was a lot of religion within this book which I think just added to how beautifully Joy speaks & how Patti Callahan has portrayed her. It’s just such a beautiful story and so well written. I very nearly cried at this book because the love between Joy and Jack is so pure and sweet and amazingly written. If you’re familiar with the personal life of C. S. Lewis, then you know how their relationship went and knowing all of these things while reading about their love really got to me. This book is guaranteed to be in my top 5 by the end of this year and it’s only May! The paperback edition of this book comes out very soon, and I highly recommend picking up this amazing and beautiful and emotional book.

This is a very well written book with the most beautiful prose. I knew the basis of the C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidson story but this helped to flesh out many details that I hadn't known or considered. To be honest, it did take me a while to really get into the book. It was very descriptive and a tad meandering to begin with and I didn't warm to Joy at first and although I loved it for the writing I was impatient to get to the heart of the story which didn't really happen until about half way through. After that the story was gripping and devastatingly sad in places and I began to warm to Joy from then on. I was incredibly moved by the absolute love and devotion of Mr Lewis and his (eventual) wife, Joy towards the end of the book. I would like to read more of this author's work as I do enjoy her style very much. Thank you to Netgalley for a preview copy of this book.

Rating: 4.5*

Helen Joy Davidman is a poet and writer who is married, although it’s a difficult marriage as her husband is an alcoholic, and has two boys. However, they are moved to embrace the Christian faith. Joy struggles but after a conversation with a friend Joy begins corresponding with the writer and theologian C S Lewis. They build a long distance friendship in their letters. At first both Joy and her husband enjoy these exchanges but ultimately it is Joy who treasures them the most. After a rather nasty illness Joy travels to England staying with a friend in London. She meets with C S Lewis on a trip to Oxford. They are soulmates and their friendship deepens.

Joy realises she needs to sort out her marriage as soon as she returns to the USA and when she learns of her husbands most recent affair, which is very close to home, she makes a decision that will be the start of a whole new chapter in her life.

That decision is not an easy one for Joy it is the 1950s when you accepted your life if you were married especially if there were children and that shows the bravery that lived within Joy and which she would have to call upon again.

Many will have read something written by C S Lewis, perhaps A Grief Observed his version of their story – or watched Shadowlands , the film with Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger or the TV series with Joss Auckland and Claire Bloom – or the Chronicles of Narnia.

Here we have the story from the point of view of Joy and it is fascinating and moving. This is surely historical fiction at it’s best, based on true life yet reading as if it is written by the narrator – Helen Joy Davidman-Gresham-Lewis – her voice lovingly recreated by Patti Callahan. It tilts this amazing story and gives the opportunity to readers of getting to know more of Joy and is well worth reading.

With thanks to Harper Inspire via NetGalley for an eCopy of Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan. All thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for the review of this book.

I loved this book. I'd read books and seen films on the post and knew of C S Lewis and his wife Joy. This book is written in the first person and tells of their short and intense relationship. It is an extremely poignant story yet not in the last maudlin. Although it is not strictly speaking biographical, it is written with the consent and knowledge of her family.
The story is set in the 1950's and the post war attitudes and restrictions are embedded along with the differences in life style and expectation between an American woman and an Oxford Academic 15 years her senior. The book is set in both countries and is interspersed with lines from her sonnets and quotes from his books.
I took time to read this book, which is unusual for me and highly recommend it.

After reading about C S Lewis years ago I was intrigued to found out more about his wife Joy. This book was a fascinating read and really enjoyable, more emotional then I expected, even through I know she dies I was still almost heart broken by the writing of it.
Thank you netgalley.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early. A new author but writing a book about a story which I knew something about. The story is about a woman Joy Davidson who eventually becomes married to CS Lewis. The timeline goes from America to Oxford although my main issue with the book was the question I kept asking myself “Did that really happen?” I guess a difficulty for an author writing a fiction book about something/ someone from a real situation. Although easy to read with manageable chapters I did find the book slightly too long for me. Overall I would recommend this book.

This book tell the story of CS Lewis and his relationship with J Davidson. For me this book was a slow burner but I very much enjoyed it in the end. Worth noting that the subjects faith plays a big part in this story which while clearly very much drawn from life made certain parts difficult to relate to.
All in all though a enjoyable read.

A beautiful telling of love that knew no bounds. Although fictional it draws closely on the real story of the friendship and growing love between C S Lewis and American Joy Davidsson. I am not religious but the spiritual feelings and journeys of both Jack and Joy shine out and I did envy their certainty. This is a well written love story with characters that live off the page and also a very interesting biography of a great writer and his times. Excellent.

I very much enjoyed reading this incredibly moving story of the relationship between Joy Davidman and CS Lewis,familiar to many through the film Shadowlands. I had never seen the film but loved all the Narnia books so I was keen to find out more.
The book is told by Joy and is very wordy,as you would expect from a woman who was both a poet and a writer. She was a very complex and spiky character and this comes through very clearly in the book.Following her conversion from aetheism to Christianity,she writes to CS Lewis from her home in the USA and this is the start of a friendship which on her part becomes a deep love.She eventually comes to England and following the breakup of her marriage,moves there permanently with her two sons.
Lewis's character is beautifully drawn,along with the group of writers and academics in his circle,and it's easy to understand why Joy loved him.It takes time for the relationship to develop from friendship to deep love on his part,but it's all beautifully described and you really get a sense that this was truly a marriage of minds.
I would highly recommend the book.Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC ,in exchange for a review in which all opinions are my own.

Stories with an element of truth in them always intrigue me... how much is the truth and how much the imagination of the author?

This was a fictional retelling of the relationship between CS Lewis and Joy Davidman, snippets taken from letters written to each other as they forged a friendship that turned into a love that saved them both, with God as their guide.

I have to say it took me until halfway through the book to really feel involved enough, but I was hooked enough to want to finish and find out the ending.

A slow burner, but a lovely story in end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but the title and the cover caught my attention . I ended up loving it and it will be one to read again ,don’t let the fact that it’s a ‘christian’ imprint book put you off it’s a fascinating read. The story is based upon the friendship between CS Lewis of Narnia fame and Joy Davidman . Joy ,an American author and poet set out across the Atlantic in search of answers with her two young sons in tow and changed not only their lives but those of whom she came into contact . It is at times deep ,at others frustrating but very moving and in the end you are filled with admiration for the woman who also changed the life of CS Lewis, probably for the better . Patti Callahan set out to tell the story of an intelligent woman who changed her life dramatically at a time when it was not expected of women and she has succeeded beautifully with this novel.