This exceptional fictional portrayal of Joy Davidman’s life follows the trajectory of her improbable friendship with C.S. Lewis from across the ocean, and how it flourishes into a full-blown romance for the ages. As a poet and writer, Joy is torn between her art and trying to be a good wife and mother, while stuck in a failing marriage amidst society’s confines of women in the 1950s.

Seeking answers and searching for God, Joy begins corresponding with C.S. Lewis—known as Jack—as she sees a kindred spirit in his writing. Told from Joy’s perspective, this beautiful prose draws the reader into one of the most fascinating love stories of the 20th century. Fans of other historical fiction such as The Paris Wife will most assuredly enjoy Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis is a remarkable piece of fiction, and I delighted in how clearly Joy Davidman’s character jumps off the page. Patti Callahan creates interior monologues for Joy and combines that with her actual historical poetry, painting a persuasive image for us as though we are walking side by side with this inspiring woman, sharing in her hopes and fears.

For most of the novel, I could not help cheering for Joy and hoping that happiness and deep abiding love were waiting for her on the next page. When that moment finally presents itself, it’s profoundly bittersweet. Callahan beautifully writes the interactions between Joy and Jack, particularly their moment of tragic realization.

Lyrical, poetic, and philosophical, this novel moves forward with a romantic pace that is reminiscent of days long gone, slowly building with chapters and years passing. Emotive and entertaining, this novel may very well spark a few questions in her readers, as we consider our own relationship to love and how to create our best life.