Customer Reviews

Under the Mercy

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As documented in "A Severe Mercy", Mr. Vanauken had a marriage eHarmony would love to guarantee its clients. He and Davy enjoyed one of the most unique and intimate matrimonial relationships that I know of, Christian or secular. Unfortunately, he lost his beloved to a mysterious illness after only seventeen years of marriage. "Under the Mercy" is the sequel to "A Severe Mercy," and it's the chronicle of his life from Davy's death in mid-century to his Catholic conversion in the early 1980s.

"Under the Mercy" recaps some of "A Severe Mercy" to brief those who haven't read it. But I'd recommend checking out "A Severe Mercy" first so you can appreciate where Mr. Vanauken's coming from. Indeed, his life as documented in both books is quite fascinating. I enjoyed reading how his relationship to God, along with his presuppositions, are refined or altered throughout the years. He also includes some excellent essays on topics ranging from women's lib to a Turtledoveish look at a Southern victory in the Civil War. His gradual shift from the Anglican Church into the Catholic tradition is quite intriguing as well, especially since the writings of C. S. Lewis influenced his decision. Overall, I found his sense of grace and humor to be exemplary. He is a true gentleman in an age where few can claim that title.

However, Mr. Vanauken works out his salvation in ways that might tweak some conservative readers. For example, his experimentation with pot and LSD in the sixties won't win him many points with many in the Dobson crowd. He also demonstrated against the Vietnam War, albeit in a peaceful and reasonable fashion. But for those who have issues with Mr. Vanauken's actions, who among us is able to cast the first stone? He did serve as a naval officer during WWII, and was in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Also, all through his life he displayed compassion and grace towards friends, students, and others who crossed his path. That, combined with his formidable intellect, enabled him to touch the lives of a great many people. The two "Mercy" books are the most visible examples of his godly character.

I admit I do struggle with some of his theological conclusions. For example, his rationale for converting to Catholicism implies that Protestantism is a form of rebellion against God's true Church. But overall, I respect Mr. Vanauken and consider his life to be an inspiring Christian witness. Whether you share my opinion or not is your privilege, but give "Under the Mercy" a try before making final judgment either way.

Under the Mercy, a sequel to A Severe Mercy, is a fine mix of memoir and essays from the times discussed. Stylistically, it is less like a straightforward memoir (as A Severe Mercy was), and more like Newman's Apologia. The style is complex, and in the middle of the book the writing loses some of its quality (though the book revives for a very stirring ending). That said, the work displays a razor wit and stunning satirical ability that A Severe Mercy did not suggest Mr. Vanauken possessed. It shows a new side of Vanuken, and shows him developing as an author. The book also has Vanauken's accustomed emotional power, and if it is not quite as perfect as A Severe Mercy, it certainly has greater range in theme, tone, and style. A worthy work in its own right.

This book is a sequel to A SEVERE MERCY. It does not possess the writing unity of the first book, but is more like a collage or scrapbook. It will be interesting reading for all those who loved A SEVERE MERCY. I do not recommend reading UNDER THE MERCY, though, unless you have read A SEVERE MERCY first.

Fans of Vanauken's first work, A Severe Mercy, will find the same light, honest writing that captivated them, but this book lacks the emotional draw of the original.

This book takes the same introspective memoir approach, but the writing is more concerned with issues than with the relationships and narrative that carried the original. The strongest and most compelling chapters are on Vanauken's view of the roles of men and women, and on his shift from a catalyst for the feminist movement to a thoroughgoing complementarian.

Vanauken also shares, with his characteristic honesty, about his experimentation with drugs and his involvement with the war protest movement. Throughout, there is a chronicle of Vanauken's slow shift from the Anglican Church to the Catholic Church. Although Vanauken shares every step in his reasoning, many Protestants will not look kindly on his conclusion that all believers outside the Catholic Church are in rebellion against the true faith.

I'd recommend this book only if you greatly enjoyed Vanauken's style in A Severe Mercy and want more of his introspective approach to faith.

'A Severe Mercy' was a fascinating and moving book, where Sheldon Vanauken chronicled his remarkable love affair and marriage to his wife Davy. They had a truly unique story, and for a fan of C.S. Lewis it was a bonus to read of his influence on their life and journey of faith.

The problem with 'Under the Mercy' is that it becomes obvious that the most interesting thing about Vanauken was Davy. This memoir detailing his life after she passed away rambles on without providing much to compel our interest. It does show the movement of a Christian intellectual through the turbulent period of the '60s and '70s, and he is an astute social observer, but the only reason to follow his story particularly is the residual interest from 'A Severe Mercy'. The later parts of the book are dedicated to a defense of his conversion to Roman Catholicism, and despite the sincerity of his journey it becomes a bit tedious and long-winded. I would recommend that fans of 'A Severe Mercy' avoid reading this book unless they absolutely must find out what happened to Sheldon afterwards. May he rest in peace.

I first read Sheldon Vanauken's "A Severe Mercy" several months ago and was smitten with his style of writing and honest content. "Under the Mercy" is no different. His way of allowing grief to run its course and his search for God is quite moving in its sincerity. The book gives readers a re-think about their own mortality and spiritual journey in this life.

If you are looking for a great and moving reading experience like you had with A Severe Mercy, don't look here.

Reading his facsist remarks and his other published works was truly painful.

It amazes me that someone who so movingly wrote of the severe mercy of his wife's death couldn't write anything else that was worthwhile.

Take my word for it don't waste your time.