A Severe Mercy

De: Sheldon Vanauken

Narrado por: Peter Chanice

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER · THE SPIRITUAL CLASSIC THAT HAS INFLUENCED MORE THAN 500,000 READERS

""A deep, uncompromising story about human and divine love.” — Los Angeles Times

The profoundly moving and heart-rendering classic for anyone who has experienced the depths of love and loss. Reflecting on faith, vitality, and grief, this “spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers” opens our hearts and eyes to the true meaning of life, and death. In A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken stunningly chronicles his marriage to his beloved wife, Davy, his faith-forming friendship with C.S. Lewis and the tragedy that altered his soul and spirit completely.

With heavy passion, ""Van"" unravels a love story formed by intense romance and commitment, and a bond he refers to as “the Shining Barrier.” A bond that is unaltered by the outside world and its influences until he meets C.S Lewis while studying at Oxford. Lewis introduces Davy and Van to Christianity, and their devotion to God quickly becomes as strong as their devotion to one another.

In rapid succession, Davy succumbs to a fatal illness and a grief-stricken Van is left to process this unspeakable loss, and subsequently discover the meaning of ""a mercy as severe as death, a severity as merciful as love.""

For fans of When Breath Becomes Air and Being Mortal, this impactful masterpiece allows readers of all beliefs to envision life after loss, and the spiritual strength that ultimately leads us forward after unspeakable tragedy. Weaving in 18 original letters from C.S. Lewis himself, A Severe Mercy poetically addresses some of the universal questions that surround faith, and its remarkable role during times of both radiant joy and immense suffering.

the most incredible love story you will ever read

this is one of the most beautiful love stories you will ever come across, in more ways than one. The narrator was wonderful and really reminded me of what I imagine the author sounding like. I loved this book and was so sad that it was over. I even drug out the last 45 minutes over a few days because I didn't want it to end. Amazing book

Need a new voice reader

Book was excellent. Reader too staccato. I wish a more legato reader was used. Other than that, so thoughtful toward the end.

Fascinating Memoir Filled with Both Joy and Pain

I was fascinated by Sheldon and Davey's love story and their conversion to Christ. I loved the inclusion of letters of counsel from C.S.

A Beautiful Book

This is a book I will surely read many times. Beautiful writing, beautiful thoughts to ponder, and a beautiful love story. Inspiring in a literary sense as well as a spiritual sense. Everyone should read it who appreciates good literature. The audio version is very well done. Reader has a soothing voice.

Superb narration makes for a fascinating Book

What an interesting book. The narration was superb and made the characters come alive. Amazing insights of one man's journey through profound love, developing faith as he handles his beloved wife's illness and subsequent death.

Great piece of work

Cannot wait to read more by both Lewis and Vanauken . Enjoyed the listening and thinking along. Praise the Lord!!

well written spiritual classic

fascinating exploration of love, loss, grief, death, God, soul, self, and the grandeur of life's little moments. this is a an extremely well written account of one man finding g the love of his life only only to lose her and finding himself in the process.

Two love stories...

Overall I thought this book well worth reading...a wonderful glimpse into a life far different from mine and in some ways far above. Parts of it I would recommend to everybody! It is a beautiful love story between a man and a woman and even more a story about how an intellectual agnostic is led to the love and knowledge of God. The writing is just a little bit tedious at times and seems somehow narcissistic... but after all it is his story about him.

Beautiful Love Story

A beautiful love story. Every married couple should read this moving story. It is a story of devotion and a journey to God.

A remarkable book

Striking, beautiful and poignant. I will remember this book for years. I highly recommend it .