The Completion of C. S. Lewis From War to Joy by Harry Lee Poe

 

Lewis was a complicated figure, and extremely difficult to understand in some ways. For example, his agreeing to look after his friend's mother, Mrs Moore, seems fairly masochistic. This book helped me understand the seemingly jolly, unhealthy and complex man much more, but it is extremely detailed. Poe discusses Lewis's personal and professional lives comprehensively, and includes brilliant analyses of his books. I am a big fan of C.S. Lewis, but I haven't read all of his books, and I thought that this biography would be especially interesting for those interested in researching Lewis thoroughly, although it is written in an engaging, friendly way, and not in an academic manner.

I especially enjoyed reading about the rivalry between C.S. Lewis and F.R. Leavis - F.R. Leavis was the 'in thing' in my day. Now he is practically forgotten, and C.S. Lewis, the Christian, is still studied! I was pleased to  read this, although quite surprised. I haven't gone into it, but I wonder if Poe was exaggerating here. 

Any fan of C.S. Lewis will enjoy this book, and I will be looking for the first two volumes.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.