“A classic of the genre, a literary answer to the pain of loss.” – Robert McCrum
In April 1965, C.S. Lewis, a confirmed bachelor, married Joy Davidman, an American poet with two small children. After four intensely happy years, Davidman died of cancer and Lewis found himself alone again, and inconsolable. In response, he wrote this journal, freely confessing his pain, rage, and struggle to sustain his faith. In it he finds the way back to life. A modern classic, A Grief Observed has offered solace and insight to countless readers worldwide. This new edition contains the original text of A Grief Observed alongside specially commissioned responses to the book and its themes from respected contemporary writers and thinkers: Hilary Mantel, Jessica Martin, Jenna Bailey, Rowan Williams, Kate Saunders, Francis Spufford and Maureen Freely.