I was given a copy
of this book along with a
request for a review by Carolyn Curtis, one of the editors. Having read a
couple of Lewis’ books and watched Shadowlands
and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,
I was an admirer of the man but not what you would call an ardent fan of his
work. Surprised by Joy was a
pleasurable read for me, but Mere
Christianity required careful and time-intensive processing. I assumed this
book would be much the same and, frankly, wasn’t too excited at the prospect of
such heavy reading. But Curtis was such a delightful person, I couldn’t refuse.
And I’m so glad I didn’t. The book, while written by erudite and scholarly
contributors, is far from heavy-handed or complicated. Once I began reading, I
found it absorbing. Divided into brief, manageable sections, the book lends
itself to being read in short increments. But individual essays/interviews were
so engaging I couldn’t wait to dive into the next one. I finished it in four
days. (And I’m a slow reader.)
Two questions
drive the content of this book: Was Lewis a sexist, even a misogynist, as many
critics have labeled him? Is his work relevant and does it speak to our current
culture? In regard to the first question, the book offers so much evidence
refuting the charges—the women in Lewis’ own life, excerpts from his writings
both public and private—as to make the accusations appear ludicrous. Indeed, such charges put Lewis in
good company. The same ones have been hurled against Jesus and the Apostle
Paul, two figures who have done more to change attitudes toward women than any
other in history. Concerning the second
question, the book was an eye-opening experience for me. I was born in the US,
came of age in the sixties, and entered the workforce in the seventies. I also
grew up surrounded by Christian friends and family. Benefitting from the
support of those around me and from the hard work of so many who came before
me, I never felt held back or less valuable because I am female. Reading this
book, however, made me realize how ego- and ethnocentric I have become. It
reminded me of the severity and extent to which injustice toward women (and
men) exists in the world. It convinced me that, in today’s climate, communicating
the “high view” Lewis held of women is more critical than ever.
For me, one of
the hallmarks of a good book is that the reader can glean “extras” from it,
whether or not intended by the writer(s). Among the extras I gained from this
book:
1) Confirmation
that Christians aren’t stupid - In an increasingly secular culture, the media
love to portray Christians as knuckle-dragging troglodytes—persons who exchange
all intellect and reason for emotion and superstition. While Christianity does
indeed involve edification of the heart and spirit, this impressive group of
writers, scholars, and thinkers proves that the brain doesn’t have to be
sacrificed in the process.
2) A re-vamped
and compelling TBR list – The extensive references throughout this book to
Lewis’ works, both fiction and nonfiction, have kindled a fire in me to read
them. As a child, I never read The Chronicles of Narnia, but at the conclusion of this book, I immediately ordered a boxed
set for my grandsons. And I plan to read it along with them!
3) Confirmation
that the difference between the sexes matters far less than the difference
between the “fallen” and the redeemed - The overarching purpose of Women and C. S. Lewis is to examine the
charges of sexism leveled against him. But excerpt after excerpt from his
post-conversion writings reveals Lewis’ guiding purpose in his own writing was
to share his joy at discovering “... the dignity of a free moral agent made in
God’s image to live a life worthy of my creator.” Certainly a message needed by
all, regardless of their sex.
Brilliant book I would say in terms of the way of writings and the description of every topic. Would recommend every lady to read it out whenever you have time for it.
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