Surprised by Joy

The Shape of My Early Life

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1955 C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Surprised

I read this book probably thirty years ago and this time it was so surprising as if I had never read it. At first I wasn’t so engaged but then the. rhythms changes up to the climax. It’s a book a lot of people can identify with, atheists as well as theists. Excellent.

Takes a while to get there but...

CS Lewis is one of the names you will always be advised to seek out in Christian apologetics, especially if considering conversation. His writing style is amazing, however, after hearing about the entirety of his life thus far, I was a little annoyed that it’s not til the last hour that he starts talking about his conversion. The funny thing is I realized, is that this is how most conversions happen. There are long spans of time, problems you think you will never over come, and within the drama, God can walk into your life and take over in a snap. Just like that. I could relate to his way of thinking and did enjoy the book even though it took awhile to get to the part I was most looking forward to.

Even though he can put me to sleep I still love it

What did you love best about Surprised by Joy?

C.S. Lewis story, because I can relate with his relationship with his father. He helps shape my critical thinking and I love that the most.

Enjoy it more each time I return to it

The narrator was excellent. Lewis is masterful in his description and winsome in his candor. Excellent! Will read it again one day. And recommend it to others.

Long transformation from Paganism to Theism

And from a belief in the One God (Theism), to the Joy of Faith in His Son Jesus. Overall, an excellent, well written, interesting personal experience over decades. But be sure you have a good dictionary handy, one that includes Irish & British slang, & do not be ashamed to use it often to understand Lewis' terminology and language, both high & low. Else you will find the book plodding and ordinary, which it is neither to the well-read mind.

Classic Lewis

Loved everything about it, hearing about CS Lewis's conversion was beautiful and moving. would highly recommend

Surprise again

Always a pleasure to find a book you loved when read is equally wonderful when read aloud to you

Must read

For any devotees of C.S. Lewis's, this book is a must read. This narration of his spiritual journey sheds much light on his other works.

Fascinating memoir

Found myself keenly identifying with Lewis's life progression. Classic CS Lewis writing style. Very much enjoyed.

Cosham narrates very well. His performance was great. My only complaint is sometimes he sounds staccato at the start of most words.

Great book

Good reading of a great book. I have been wanting to read this book but didn’t have the time. Audio books are great!