60 pages • 2 hours read
Patti Callahan HenryBecoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry, published in 2018, narrates the story of Joy Davidman, an American writer whose faith in Christianity deepens amid her troubled marriage to William Lindsey Gresham. Through her correspondence with C. S. Lewis, Joy finds intellectual and emotional solace, leading to an evolving relationship that transforms her life. The novel is deeply researched and includes biographical and textual insights from the Inklings, depicting the challenges Joy faces in her personal and professional life, including her conversion, chronic health issues, and evolving authorial identity. This story includes detailed portrayals of alcohol addiction and gender-based violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry intertwines romance and historical fiction, earning praise for its lush prose and rich character development, particularly Joy Davidman. Some find the pacing slow and the liberties with historical facts questionable. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in C.S. Lewis and literary love stories.
Who Should Read Becoming Mrs. Lewis?
A reader who would enjoy Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry is likely a fan of historical fiction and romance, particularly narratives exploring the lives of literary figures. They may also appreciate works akin to The Paris Wife by Paula McLain or Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler, which offer similar intimate portrayals of famous relationships.