Jessica Draut - Outside Reading #1: A Grief Observed

A Grief Observed ranks among one of the more moving pieces of literature I have ever read. Lewis pours out his thoughts and feelings in reaction to the death of his wife, Joy. For the first time, the reader witnesses Lewis be angry at God and doubt his goodness, and yet he still finds a way to defend God in the end. In a moment of bare humanity, you see Lewis completely tear apart his faith - labeling it as a mere house of cards. I found his testimony of his grief to be very raw and wholly unexpected - here is a man who has written several fictitious and nonfiction works defending Christianity and showing a remarkable faith in the goodness of God, and yet in this short work he declares his faith to be weak and flimsy. He, in effect, poured out his fears, insecurities, pains, and doubts, and then had the strength to publish them. I have a whole new respect and admiration for C.S. Lewis, and strongly encourage everyone to read this book. It is unlike anything else he has ever written.