A Severe Mercy

Can You Explain Mercy or Grace?

Because I didn't want the inevitable ending to hit me between the eyes, I delayed finishing nearly every chapter.

Instead of reading the book from beginning to end, I read a chapter every few days almost like straining clues from a diary in search of clues about the life of a long lost dear friend or loved one. The author captured relationship, devotion, passion and heartache with such ease the reader senses these human issues so tangible it seems they could be bottled and stored to be pulled from a cellar at will.

His mentor, C. S. Lewis, directs him through a crisis of faith, opens the mysteries of grace, and charges him with a friendly conviction when times get tough. Mercy is defined, grace stands on it's own.

A TRUE real life love story that inspires!

You learn about their life, their love and their beliefs. Along the way, you will question your own beliefs and ideals. It is an inspiring and heart warming love story with a strong moral message. Perfect to read alone or share with a book group, it is sure to get you thinking and talking. Vanauken was one of the foremost minds of his time and his writing is a treat!

A truly life-changing work.

There's a very short list of books that I can say have profoundly impacted the way I live my life. This is one of them.

A storyteller who puts you there

Sheldon Vanauken, who I had the privilege of knowing personally, is the best writer I know of for putting you right into his experiences and letting you be right there with him. This, his masterpiece, is a wonderful and readable introduction to his writing. A student of C.S. Lewis and, like him, an Old Western Man, Van is able to share a profound life and a beautiful relationship with all his readers. You will not regret this book.

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A Fellow Traveler

I first learned of Vanauken's book in the Wabash College Magazine published November 2006. At the time, my wife, my college lover of 37 years, was dying of cancer, and the brief description of the book spoke loudly to me. Reading Vanauken is like reviewing our lives, from the early Indiana locale, to Wabash College connections (my son), to the fratnerity house romance. But more, as I read the book, it reminded me of what my wife and I found as long time lovers, the realization that the best love is just two people sharing a common dream, and the crucial need to search for God. It is reminds, painfully, that helping your mate find God is the greatest gift, even if it requires a severe mercy to lead you(me)there. I am rereading it, and each time it digs more deeply into my psyche. The book is a definite gift for friends who experienced the joy of college love and are lucky enough to still hold that love.

A very severe mercy, indeed.

Though I cried a good deal while I read it, I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Though it is a sad story, it is filled with hope and truth. You also get to meet C. S. Lewis in a way that you could never meet him through his books--that is, through the eyes of someone who really knew him.

A 22 year old with a great new view

We have all read stories about the Prince saving the Princess and their perfect marriage and courtship forever and ever. Well, those are fairy-tales. 'A Severe Mercy' was, to me of course, a human story that everyone can relate to on many many levels. I felt that the struggles that Mr. Vanauken was going through were things that I as a Christian am going through as well. The truth that Sheldon brings to the pages of this book are unsurpassed and a read for anyone who is struggling with Christianity amidst a relationship. I now know what a true Christian marriage is about, the Love for the Lord, and the struggles that keep you there while still loving in a human way. I also found his wife, Jean, to be a remarkably wonderful example of the Christian wife. I will always look up to her as an example of what I need to be in any relationship that I come across. Please read this! You will not be disappointed!!!!

A moving story

This book is so incredible!! Ths story of this man's life is one that we can relate to.

Amazing story of Joy and Grief

A Severe Mercy was incredibly well written with Vaunauken expressing his feelings and thoughts very clearly throughout. It is a tremendous story of Pagan love turned Christian and the joy as well as the difficulties that resulted. Note: It will make you cry.

The love of God and the love of God in man.

A truly intimate look at an idylic love between a man and a woman set against the background of the idylic Love of God for them both. Love, Hope, Faith, Surrender, Perseverance, and Joy are among the themes the reader will be called to reflect on through the couse of the book. This story will move Christians to more personaly perceive the big picture Heaven brings to their everyday lives and challenge non Christians to understand the joy hidden within the sorrow. As Lewis says: 'Christians NEVER say 'goodbye!''

WELL-WORTH YOUR TIME

You many never look at relationships or Christianity in the same light again. A Severe Mercy really gets down to the core of two things: 1) What it really means to share your life with someone and 2)Whether or not Christianity is defensible intellectually. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks he/she has the answers to the above questions and/or someone who simply would like to read a beautiful love story.

Fairy Tale Love Story Comes True

This is an exceptionally written piece of work which combines love, tragedy, triumph, and a myriad of other themes. The overall message of the book should be inspiring as well as thought provoking. The love story will cause you to dream, the tragedy will wrench your heart, and the final triumph will send your spirits soaring. C.S. Lewis fans will also enjoy his short appearances.

One of the hardest books I've ever read.

I just finished reading it and I can't wait to read Under the Mercy. It's a true story of a love built up between a husband and wife that only God could break down. This book is hard for many reasons but the first is because it is a lesson that everyone needs to learn.

A Must Read for Anybody

Examimes the severe mercy that God has. Well-written and a must read.

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