Severe Mercy, A this question feed

asked by goonball on October 30, 2006 1:23 AM
A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken, is a heart-rending love story described by its author as "the spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers." Vanauken chronicles the birth of a powerful pagan love borne out of the relationship he shares with his wife, Davy, and describes the growth of their relationship and the dreams that they share. As a symbol of their love, they name their dream schooner the Grey Goose, "for the grey goose, if its mate is killed flies on alone and never takes another."

While studying at Oxford, Sheldon and Davy develop a friendship with C.S. Lewis, under whose influence and with much intellectual scrutiny they accept the Christian doctrine. As their devotion to God intensifies, Sheldon realizes that he is no longer Davy's primary love--God is. Within this discovery begins a brewing jealousy.

Shortly after, Davy acquires a fatal illness. After her death Sheldon embarks on an intense experience of grief, "to find the meaning of it, taste the whole of it ... to learn from sorrow whatever it had to teach." Through painstaking reveries, he comes to discover the meaning of "a mercy as severe as death, a severity as merciful as love." He learns that her death "had these results: It brought me as nothing else could do to know and end my jealously of God. It saved her faith from assault. ...And it saved our love from perishing."

Replete with 18 letters from C.S. Lewis, A Severe Mercy addresses some of the universal questions that surround faith--the existence of God and the reasons behind tragedy. --Jacque Holthusen

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At different points in our relationship we pull this book off the shelf and read it together out loud. When we first started reading the book we were just dating and it was an example of a relationship we wanted to have. Throughout our marriage it has been an inspiration and a challenge to us.

As a couple we recommend this book to anyone who is searching for a relationship that deepens with each day. It is incredible that the telling of one story could impact so many people - but that is a tribute to the commitment of Sheldon and Davie to each other. They were truely Generous Minds!
reviewed by rob33 on November 2, 2006 1:04 PM

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This extraordinary memoir by Sheldon Vanauken about his relationship with Jean Davis is subtly addictive and exquisitely crafted. The story of their conversion from a self-described "paganism" to Anglican Christianity (due in no small part to the friendship and mentorship of C. S. Lewis) is gripping and heartbreaking.

Of particular note is that most conversion stories are emotionally based, but Mr. Vanauken, the recipient of a classical education, needed a reason-based approach as well. It was refreshing to read his account of how faith AND reason played a role in his conversion.

I wish it were possible to give this 10 stars, but five will have to do!
reviewed by megafan on November 9, 2006 5:24 PM

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