Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan SPOILER FREE Review

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

3.93 out of 5 Stars

 

Spoiler-Free Review

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review   

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan is a beautifully written and emotionally resonating take on the life of Joy Davidman, the woman who eventually married C.S. Lewis. The book does a great job capturing Joy’s voice and perspective, giving readers a window into her struggles with identity, faith, and love. Her transformation from a disillusioned wife and writer in America to a woman pursuing intellectual and emotional freedom in England was surprising to me in how easy it was to connect with her. The writing is lyrical without being overdone, and there’s a strong sense of time and place that adds a special richness to the story. This is definitely a sleeper -- it's not one I would have expected to enjoy, but it was great!!

 

Joy Davidman

One of my favorite parts is when Joy finally arrives in England and steps into the world of Lewis for the first time. It was just such a moment, you know? You can feel the atmosphere shift as she walks into this place she’s only known through letters and imagination, and suddenly everything becomes real. There’s a mix of anticipation, nervousness, and awe as these two brilliant minds begin to connect in person, and it’s written with so much emotional nuance that you can’t help but get swept up in the magic of it all. Across the whole book really, what really stands out is the emotional and intellectual connection between Joy and Lewis. 

 

While some sections slow down a bit and lean a bit too heavily into introspection, the payoff is worth it if you're in the mood for a thoughtful, character-driven read. Callahan clearly did her homework, and it shows in the little historical and literary details woven throughout. It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one. Especially if you're a fan of biographical fiction, this is one to add to your TBR.

 

Thanks for reading!

Xo