Customer Reviews

C. S. Lewis, My Godfather: Letters, Photos and Recollections

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a charming, if slight, memoir of Lewis's relationship with Cecil Harwood, Owen Barfield and his godson Laurence. It is beautifully illustrated throughout with early pictures of Lewis, Harwood, and Barfield. While it throws no new light on Lewis's character or views, it gives the flavor of the man and his friendships, and there are a number of charming poems and letters which bring all of them vividly to life.

This is a short memoir of Laurence Harwood's experience with C. S. Lewis. Laurence's father had attended Oxford with Lewis and Owen Barfield and they became lifelong friends. Laurence was lucky to have Lewis as his godfather. The book contains a number of photographs and images of various letters written by Lewis to Laurence and other members of his family.

A very interesting read, provided insights into a completely different side of Lewis than I've seen before. He pitched his letters to the perfect level for Laurence as a child and young man. He even wrote in a child-like hand and included illustrations. Later in life Lewis asked Laurence for advice on the future prospects for his step-son Douglas, after Joy's death. A nice quick read, where Lewis' heartfelt friendship and love of the Harwood family is easy to see.

I enjoyed seeing the letters, and found the quotations in Latin and Greek to be an asset to the book. Though I don't read either language it showed that Lewis' academic nature was always present. He and his friends composed poems and stories in multiple languages, simply for the joy of the challenge.

The only reason I'm giving it a 4 is because I was unsatisfied with the photograph citations. They were listed at the back of the book like end-notes and I had to keep flipping back and forth. I think simple captions would have made it easier to read. Other than that I really enjoyed the book.

This novella length book added to my previous knowledge in regards to C.S. Lewis and his writings. I enjoyed the quick read. I have added this book to my permanent collection.