A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Grief Observed
Book Review: A Widower's Journal
Summary: 4 Stars
CS Lewis began writing this journal one month after his wife died of cancer. He was distraught, shocked, and confused, especially about the meaning of life. The journal rambles from one throught to another, reflecting his daze and despair.
I found the book rather difficult to read. It is only 72 pages long, but each sentence needs to be reread, carefully, in order to follow Lewis' thought processes. He finds no answers to his questions (mainly: How could God take his beloved away from him?); he simply asks them.
For me, this was not a particularly helpful or insiteful book on grief, merely one person's thoughts on the subject. I am sure however, that admirers of CS Lewis would find it of interest.
Book Review: A deep and moving work
Summary: 5 Stars
C.S. Lewis journal records his reactions upon the loss of his wife. He had married late in life, and he and his wife were especially close. She opened up to him a world of love and warmth he had never known. The loss of her was the loss of the special blessed life they had found.
I was reminded of this book because I read an especially good review of it in 'The New Republic' by Rochelle Gurstein.I quote a passage which has an understanding of the heart of the book I did not get in my own reading.
" The story moves toward a close with Lewis struggling to put into words a sublime yet terrible paradox: "Lord ... can I meet H. again only if I learn to love you so much that I don't care whether I meet her or not?" Lewis's capacity to formulate this paradox signals a renewal of his faith. And while it gives him the hope of redemption and a future reunion with his wife, it also makes clear why religion does not offer any consolations, for Lewis must accept precisely what he found most unbearable when he was in the throes of grief: that he will never again meet the particular woman he loved with all his being. Indeed, their eternal reunion is possible only if he gives up all such earthly illusions."
Book Review: A grief Observed
Summary: 5 Stars
This book gave me much more insight into my continued grief based on the loss of my mother to cancer. I bought the book for that purpose based on the recommendation from a friend.Book Review: A highly personal account
Summary: 5 Stars
I read "A Grief Observed" as part of a study I am making of C.S. Lewis as a Christian apologist. As an atheist, I approach the work as something of an outsider. I found the book very moving. Whatever I may think of Lewis' beliefs, his love for his wife was genuine and profound. I was a little surprised, actually, at how small a role Lewis' Christianity seemed to play in resolving his intense grief.
I recommend the book to anyone, Christian or not, who has experienced the loss of someone close to them.
Book Review: A master apologist struggles to find God
Summary: 5 Stars
By most accounts, CS Lewis is considered one of the top Christian apologists of the 20th century. This fact makes this book even more powerful than some of his others because even Lewis doubts his faith when faced with an extremely difficult situation, the death of his wife. Also, this book shows a much more personal side to Lewis as he struggles to find God and answers to his questions.
This book is somewhat difficult to read for two reasons. First, the subject is tough. I cannot a harder to discuss the death of a loved one, especially a spouse. Second, the book is based on a journal that Lewis kept which means that the text is not as tight as some of his other books. Oddly enough, these two facts actually make the book stronger than some of his other works.
The reader gains deep insight into the soul of Lewis as he seeks God for answers. This is more than just an intellectual exercise. Lewis exposes his emotions in a way that is authentic and real - his writing comes across as very honest. Although I have never lost someone close to me I certainly can appreciate the pain that Lewis experienced. As a Christian I am definitely encouraged that someone with a faith as strong as Lewis experienced doubt, but in the end found his way back to God.
I highly recommend this book, especially since it shows a side to Lewis that you will not find in his other books. Also, it could minister to you, or others who have lost a loved one.