Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Starred review from August 13, 2018
Callahan (The Bookshop at Water’s End) vividly enters the life of a woman searching for both God and romantic love in this pleasing historical novel about writer and poet Joy Davidman. In 1946, Joy lives in Ossining, N.Y., with her alcoholic husband, Bill Gresham, and her two small sons. In a moment of desperation, she prays to a God she doesn’t believe in and experiences feeling “fully known and loved.” Three years later, now deeply considering Christianity, she writes to Christian apologist C.S. Lewis with her questions about God. He responds, beginning a long-term correspondence in which Joy finds “peace, connection, and intellectual intimacy.” By 1952, she wants to leave her unfaithful, abusive husband, but sees no way out. She does manage to take a much-needed physical and mental respite, heading to England for six months and falling in love with both England and Lewis; her only regret is leaving behind her sons. But, even after Bill and Joy divorce, Lewis at first keeps their relationship platonic, and Joy must search for true love and fulfillment through her relationship with God. Making full use of historical documentation, Callahan has created an incredible portrait of a complex woman.

November 15, 2018

This meticulously researched and beautifully written historical fiction recounts the relationship and marriage between noted poet Joy Davidman and the incomparable C.S. Lewis, renowned theologian and author of the beloved "Chronicles of Narnia" series. The story takes place over the relatively short time span of the 1950s, encompassing Davidman's first letters to Lewis and culminating in her early death from cancer, providing insight into the theology, spiritualism, and intellectualism of the times accompanied by healthy portions of Davidman's and Lewis's everyday trials and joys. A strong underlying theme demonstrates the influence of Davidman (and many women of that time) on the men they loved and lived for. Understated and eloquent narration by Lauren Woodward complements the story. There is certainly a sentimental bent, but the writing and narration curb listeners' tears. VERDICT Listeners will wish to return to Lewis's writings (theological and children's literature) and will certainly wish to savor Davidman's works including the elegant sonnets that precede the chapters. ["Callahan's writing is riveting and her characters spring to life to create a magical and literary experience that won't soon be forgotten": LJ 9/15/18 starred review of the Thomas Nelson hc.]--Sandra C. Clariday, Cleveland, TN

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Lauren Woodward expertly narrates this captivating novel by author Patti Callahan. The main voice is that of Joy Davidman, an American writer, atheist, troubled wife, and mother of two who begins a written correspondence with English author C.S. Lewis in the 1950s after a spiritual awakening. The voice of C.S. Lewis is warm and jolly in his letters to Joy, and Woodward layers even more emotions into his character's tone when he and Joy finally meet in England and spend days discussing God and Christianity. A large cast of characters surrounds Joy and Lewis's love story, both in England and in the U.S. Woodward gives each a different voice, switching smoothly between them. Filled with endearing characters and a hidden love story, this audiobook is a must-listen. V.T. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine