This is about these two writers and their special bond. Sayers was a mystery novelist and Lewis is known for such books as the Narnia series. Their friendship dealt with admiration of their work also centered around a similar Christian faith belief. The idea of this book is wonderful and something I was eager to read. A Christian basis is found in both of their writing as well as their lives. This book mentions their friendship as well as their own stories of writing as dedicated Christians. This is very informative and the information is interesting. Yet, the approach isn't as much. The overall organization of this book was also confusing. It focuses on this friendship, which is great but there are other elements as well that seems overwhelming. There seems to be too much in some areas and not enough information in other areas. These led to a lengthy read -- and left me still wanting to know more and having questions. I don't feel the story was clear. You do learn about both writers and their time as friends. There is feeling and you see they have a connection.

*Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an eARC of this book. This is my honest review*

Having been a fan of Sayers since my undergraduate days and Lewis since my grammar school days, I found this book to be a dream come true. Gina Dalfonzo has done the work of piecing together the lengthy correspondence between these two authors, and the result is delightful. I had no idea of the length of their friendship (from the early 1940s until Sayers's death in 1957). This book gives the reader a window into both the friendship and the cultural milieu of Sayers and Lewis. If you are a fan of either Sayers or Lewis or both, this book will add to your understanding and appreciation of their work.

Dalfonzo has an admiration for her subjects that is sincere without being cloying. Sayers and Lewis are presented as genuine people, gifted as well as flawed, whom we get to know better as their friendship grows. The writing is clear and accessible, a gift to those who wish to know more about these two amazing thinkers.

I liked Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis. It was fascinating and am giving it four stars.

"Dorothy and Jack" - Gina Dalfonzo
As yet I have not finished reading this book. For me it reads like a text book and I have not been able to feel any kind of connection with the Sayers nor Lewis. I have read non-fiction books that generated real feelings when I read their stories, so far, this book is not one of them.
Note: this is my personal opinion.

This was quite an interesting book, especially as I knew very little about the friendship that existed between the two of them. I thought the author did a very nice job of presenting her research about their friendship and comparing the similarities and differences in their lives. I knew much more about Lewis and was looking forward to learning more about Sayers. I was expecting something a little bit different from this book, but I am glad that I read it. Fans of either Lewis or Sayers will enjoy reading more about them.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Title: Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis
Author: Gina Dalfonzo

Ch: 7

Pg: 208

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Baker books



I knew that Dorothy L. Sayers was a mystery author who rivaled Christie mostly because her mysteries novel graced my mom's bookshelves. And I knew that C.S. Lewis was an author however I was not introduced to Lewis's writing as a kid with the Narnia books (a book series I still haven't read). I was included to his writing with A Grief Observed which I read as adult after losing my mom. As well as an introduced in the historical fiction novel Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis by

Patti Callahan



So I knew nothing of the friendship between Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis so I was willing to pick this one up and learn more. I have to say I was not disappointed. Reading this and learning more about both C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers I know want to read her mysteries books and pick up some more Lewis's nonfiction and possibly finally read The Chronicles of Narnia.



Cause I mean Lewis was the one who said "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” and “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” I take that to mean a well written children's book can be read and enjoyed by anyone.

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I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



Quotes from C.S. Lewis as found listed on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1069006.C_S_Lewis

This book offers an in-depth look at the friendship between Lewis and Sayers, and Dalfonzo used quotes from letters, books, and speeches to bring this friendship to life. My main takeaway was that the influence of a friend who understands and encourages cannot be underestimated in its power for good.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52537009-dorothy-and-jack

“Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis” by Gina Dalfonzo examines two literary giants of the 20th century and the influence that they had on each other’s work. Both authors wrote works of importance in a variety of different genres, and both were famous for the strength of their Christianity. Both impacted the world around them.

Lewis is still read today more than Sayers, but Sayers by many in her day was considered a stronger mystery writer than Agatha Christie, and also wrote some important works on literary masterpieces and Christianity. I have read some of her Peter Wimsey mystery novels during the last several decades and quite enjoyed them. This book has made me put on my “To Read” list some of her other types of writing. Especially since learning what a strong influence she had intellectually on being a sounding board for the writing of C.S. Lewis who is a literary giant in my eyes.

Lewis explains Christianity better than almost any Christian writer I have ever read and has had a profound influence on my life and faith—especially his masterpiece “Mere Christianity” which was based on a series of BBC radio broadcast talks he was asked to do during World War II which were purported to silence pubs of drinking men into a listening audience as well as groups of soldiers at military bases around England. It was obviously a nation in the grip of war which was primed to become better acquainted with religion at that time. His 1940s explanations of Christian concepts, however, are still crystal clear and relevant to me today. And his writing superb—every word sharply thought out and strung together with great lucidity.

This quote about Jesus from Dorothy L. Sayers’ essay “The Human-Not-Quite-Human” quoted in the book makes me want to read some of her religious works as well:

“Perhaps it is no wonder that women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man—there never has been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them, never flattered or coaxed or patronised; who never made arch jokes about them, never treated them either as “The women, God help us!” or “The ladies, God bless them!”; who rebuked without querulousness and praised without condescension; who took their questions and arguments seriously; who never mapped out their sphere for them, never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female; who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend; who took them as he found them and was completely unself-conscious.”

Thank you Baker Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and for allowing me to review it. (Publication date 18 August 2020)

Did not finish. It was just too dry for me and I couldn’t get into the documentary style of writing. I was looking for something a little more entertaining. However, if you’re looking for a factual history, this is thorough for sure.

Having just recently read ‘Becoming Mrs Lewis’, on CS Lewis & his wife Joy, this took my eye. But I must admit this book has come as a surprise to me, as I had no idea of a connection between these two writers - or even between Dorothy Sayers & Christianity. (Dorothy L Sayers, to me, meant Lord Peter Wimsey; I would never have thought of her & CS Lewis being friends, or being of like mind.) Unfortunately the book’s premise is hijacked halfway through, to become about someone other than Dorothy or Jack. It is an unnecessary & unwelcome digression. Although I did not enjoy the first 2/3s of the book, the latter part was a little more interesting, but overall gives the impression of a lot of padding being added to make it into (slim) book-length. Disappointing – although I will now explore Dorothy L Sayers’ non-fiction writing...

Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo is a delightful and in depth look into the lives and friendship of the two legendary authors, Dorothy Sayers and C S Lewis.

I have long been a C S Lewis fan, and while I haven't yet read Dorothy Sayers, I sorely desire to. This book shares a bit about each of their pasts as well as schooling and their writing careers, asking and answering the questions: how did they find religion? How did they find each other? How did they influence each other's books?

There are many snippets from their letters to each other and friends. As I read this book, I was in constant awe of their wit, mutual respect, and intelligence. We get a sneak peek into how a few real people with higher educations and successful careers saw some of the political and social issues of the time.

It is quite long, the chapters themselves are long. We get maybe a bit too much backstory for the purpose, but it was indeed a delight to learn new things about these great figures. I appreciated that the chapters were broken down into subsections. Despite its length and that it's nonfiction, is an easy, pleasant, and approachable read that I recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Baker Books for an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First sentence: They could not have been more alike.

Gina Dalfonzo's newest book celebrates the friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis. The book examines the lives of both Christian writers paying special attention to their friendship largely carried out through correspondence. The two wrote letters for almost two decades. (Her first letter was a fan letter sent in 1942.)

The book reads like a mini-biography of both writers. If you enjoy the work of either author--Sayers or Lewis--this one might prove of interest. She spends some time examining the idea of male-female friendship. Is it possible for men and women to be friends? Is it beneficial? Is it healthy? Is it dangerous? She argues that their friendship benefited both tremendously. She even goes so far as to say that his friendship with Dorothy L. Sayers helped prepare him to have a relationship with his wife, Joy.

The book provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at two writers' private lives. Neither was a perfect saint. This sometimes bordered on overshare--not in regards to Lewis or Sayers but when it came to their mutual friend Charles Williams. That being said I am not for covering over or covering up scandals.

If you enjoy either or both of these authors, this is a book worth reading. Their friendship was unique, deep, and occasionally contentious when their opinions on a subject clashed. But as with all true friendships, the clashes only strengthened it. I can’t say the book was riveting, there were places I skimmed through, but being a fan of C.S. Lewis, I found it interesting enough on the whole.

I've only really had time to read the first parts of this book and scan the rest before it's archived but from what I've read I'd say it's a rather charming and certainly enlightening book. A must read for fans of both C S Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. I had only known about Lewis and wife Joy so this friendship with Sayers was intriguing. From what I've read I'd say it's definitely one I'll want on my bookshelf and it's not a huge book so could well be worth re-reading. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for ARC.

This book was wonderful from start to finish. It would be a great read for anyone who is a big fan of either author, but I think the book is great even if you're not incredibly familiar with either author.

Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis by Gina Dalfonzo
Publication Date: August 18, 2020 - Out Now!
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Description from NetGalley...
“What happens when we push past the surface and allow real, grounded, mutually challenging, and edifying friendships to develop? We need only look at the little-known friendship between eminent Christian thinkers Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis to find out. Born out of a fan letter that celebrated mystery novelist Sayers wrote to Lewis as his star was just beginning to rise, this friendship between a married woman and a longtime bachelor developed over years of correspondence as the two discovered their mutual admiration of each other's writing, thinking, and faith.”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @readbakerbooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
I am not a big reader of non-fiction or biographies. They would really have to interest me to pick one up. When I saw this book about two authors I have enjoyed reading, I knew I had to read it. What I read was touching, heart-warming, witty and validated my belief that true love is both emotional and intellectual. Dorothy and Jack proved that women and men could share interests, thoughts and beliefs while staying platonic in their relationship. I was captivated by how they challenged each other spiritually and intellectually. I was drawn by their friendship, support and loyalty to each other.

Being a fan of Dorothy Sayers and CS Lewis, this book was a delight from start to finish. The writing was gentle and sensitive, exploring a fascinating friendship. The book is well researched, with beautifully crafted writing. It felt like we were invited in to an Oxford pub to eavesdrop on two fascinating people sharing a brew at the next table.

Dorothy and Jack
The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis
by Gina Dalfonzo
Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 18 Aug 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Dorothy and Jack through Baker Books and Netgalley:




Dorothy and Jack were both highly intelligent, perceptive, and creative from the start, developing a deep knowledge of and passion for literature. They had both attended Oxford University, they had both graduated with honors and had become famous authors of novels, essays, scholarly works, and more.



Jack had more of a spirit of contentment while Dorothy Sayers had an adventurous, even reckless one. His manner was winsome if boisterous, hers just plain blunt. Much of what came naturally to her, in work and in life, was difficult for him, and vice versa.





Both Oxford University and the town that surrounded it were in turmoil during the First World War, as was the rest of Great Britain “Both students and citizens were rapidly enlisting, and college buildings were being used for training, as hospitals, and to house refugees from the war-torn European continent.”



Jack at eighteen had dreamed of attending Oxford University but when he arrived in the spring, he knew he would not be there for long.



This book shows us what happens when we are able to push past the surface in order to allow mutually challenging, and edifying friendships to develop. In order to this we need to look at the little known friendship between two prominent Christian thinkers Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis.





The friendship between Dorothy L Sayers was born out of a letter the Mystery novelist wrote to Lewis as his star was just beginning to rise, this friendship between a married woman and a longtime bachelor developed over years of correspondence as the two discovered their mutual admiration of each other's writing, thinking, and faith.



This book shows a friendship of a man and women at a time when many still do not think a man and women could be friends while still remaining faithful to their spouses.



I give Dorothy and Jack five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Dorothy Sayers is well known for her series of Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries. Jack (more formally known as C.S. Lewis) wrote the classic children’s series which includes the beloved The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Dorothy and Jack shared a love of writing but there was more. Each was also very interested in the Christian religion. In addition, the author of this title notes that both were intelligent and well-educated with each having attended Oxford. The introduction to this book details many other ways that the two had things in common and yet were different. For example, Dorothy had a better relationship with her parents while Jack had the happier marriage. (See Becoming Mrs. Lewis for a fictional account of his relationship.)

This book tells the story of the evolving relationship between the two. It began when Sayers wrote to Lewis and continued until her death. They met on occasion but, luckily for readers, they corresponded largely through letters.

Readers will learn a lot about both Jack and Dorothy in this book. If you are a fan of theirs, this title is worth a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

I received ARC and I tried to read it two times as it sounded interesting
Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis were friends for many years until she passed away

This book reads like a research paper, not a story
If you want to study these two- you want to read this book.