C.S. Lewis gives us a deep glimpse into his soul in "A Grief Observed." Upon the death of his wife he has a very direct conversation (OK shouting match) with God regarding why the love of his life was taken from him. His journal notes regarding the loss of his lovely wife make up the main bulk of this short text.
We are brought into the very personal loss of C.S. Lewis and his ruminating over the depth of pain that can be felt when you loose a loved one. He found himself often calling out, "Come back, Come back!", only to realize how selfish that request is. He wanted her back for himself, but what pain that would be for her.
He makes a stark observation when he states, "They call Stephen the first martyr. Hasn't Lazarus the rawer deal?" His point being that at least Stephen died and stayed that way in paradise, but poor Lazarus died, went to paradise but then got called back to live several more years on a corrupt earth. Why can't we let the dead go? Why do we cling to them? Why do we wish they were still with us? Don't they have the better deal?
After having written "The Problem of Pain," C.S. Lewis comes to realize that he didn't fully understand his topic when he wrote that. He now knows and understands the deep depth of grief and anguish that a person can feel over the loss of a loved one. In a very honest moment he pens, "don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand." Yet, he acknowledges that he was one of those himself.
This book is for all who are grieving. It is for those who have lost a loved one and want an honest look into the heart of a Theologian who loves God and how he struggled with grief.
This might be the best book for any Christian ever to read, digest and understand. It will help you love God more and understand are pain and anguish over loosing a loved one.
Read well for understanding and encouragement !
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