Surprised by Joy cover art

Surprised by Joy

The Shape of My Early Life

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Surprised by Joy

By: C. S. Lewis
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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About this listen

In the closest thing we have to an autobiography, C. S. Lewis, an unfailingly honest and perceptive observer of self, here shares the story of his personal spiritual journey. With characteristic candor and insight, he describes how his “search for joy” led him from the conventional Christianity of his childhood to a youthful atheism, and finally back to an assured Christianity compatible with his formidable intellect. With no pretense, Lewis describes his early schooldays, his experiences in the trenches during World War I, and his undergraduate life at Oxford, where he reasoned his way to God. Lewis’ “surprise” holds continuing interest not only for admirers of his work but for any modern seeker concerned with the compatibility of the rational and the spiritual.

Click here to see all the titles in our C.S. Lewis collection.©1955 C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks Art & Literature Authors Biographies Christianity Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
Though the memoir describes quite another world (from the one I have experienced), what Lewis grapples with is just as relevant to the here and now, in my view.

The performance was clear but surprisingly joyless.

Essential C S Lewis

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Great to hear how his mind thought through his earlier years. Hopefully give me more insight to the author as I look at his other important works

Thoughtful book

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Enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected, was struck by Lewis and his observations of life and learning. His use of the language is from another age but still not off-putting.

Enlightening and engaging.

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As with most of C.S. Lewis' writing there's plenty of great humor but sometimes it gets a bit technical. Overall, a great book that I would recommend to everyone.

Great autobiography

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I always like reading C. S. Lewis and this didn't disappoint. He tells his story with great clarity and drew me in from the beginning.

excellent narrator

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the narrator has to speak French and Latin at points, fair play and his voice suits the era...its tough in places but an amazing historical account...mixed in with Cs Lewis illuminating gems.

it's a brain stretch!

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I had in my mind that a semi autobiographical account would be very dull, yet this book was very vivid and moving in its depictions. I was pleasantly surprised.

Surprised at how interesting and moving this was

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What did you like most about Surprised by Joy?

I was first introduced to C S Lewis by 2 friends, separately. The title, Mere Christianity, was both an eye opener and a mind opener. Of course, I was minded to enjoy it anyway, being a Christian myself, but he was an intellectual Christian - a novelty to me - and I was amazed! I would highly recommend that book to everyone, Theists and Atheists alike.

This book, Surprised by Joy, is a semi autobiographical telling of how Lewis went from a childish belief in God, to Materialism, Atheism, the Occult & other isms, to Christianity. It makes for very interesting reading. I had only intended to read a couple of chapters tonight, instead I read the whole book! Impressive how he gained his acceptance of God through his extensive perusal of the classics!

What other book might you compare Surprised by Joy to, and why?

If you haven't read it already, your next title to follow this one should be, Mere Christianity, Lewis's Apologetics book! It makes great reading and is Christianity for intellectuals.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Discovering God Through The Classics!

Any additional comments?

Since my first introduction to C S LEWIS, I have read and re-read many of his Christian books. I will always re-read Mere Christianity twice a year. He had also written an essay called "The Trouble With X". You must read it, it's about you!

Surprised by the journey!

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Amazing insights into an amazing man. The last few chapters by far the best part of the book.

Autobiography of CS Lewis

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It’s a fine read. Well worth it on many different levels. I think his conversation was more about what made sense. And the surprise is he looses interest in joy.

I was surprised he ended up rather joyless.

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