"The Making of C. S. Lewis: From Atheist to Apologist" is a compelling exploration of the transformative years in the life of one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century. Harry Lee Poe delves into the period between the end of World War I and the beginning of Lewis's tenure at Oxford, painting a vivid picture of his journey from staunch atheism to becoming a powerful voice for Christianity. The book is praised for its fast-paced narrative, particularly during wartime, highlighting Lewis's intense work and the development of his spiritual and intellectual life.

Readers are transported to 1940s Oxford and given a front-row seat to the collision of Lewis's past and present, which forged his future as a brilliant Christian thinker. Poe's meticulous research and analysis offer a fresh perspective on Lewis's friendships with other notable Christians, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Dorothy L. Sayers, and his gradual transformation from an opponent to a defender of the faith. This insightful account is not just a recounting of historical events; it's an invitation to understand the profound changes in Lewis's life and how they shaped his writing and apologetics. The book has garnered high praise and is recommended for anyone interested in C.S. Lewis's life, his writings, or the broader themes of skepticism and faith.

As a fan of the Narnia series, I looked forward to reading the story behind the author who created the magical world through the wardrobe.
What I found was the journey of a young man who had been traumatized by World War I and lost his faith and hope in humanity. I can't blame him as war is hell and one would start to question everything after experiencing such atrocities.
Starting in his mid-20's, Lewis continues to learn, question, wonder, and re-evaluate his world and his faith.
His journey to reaffirming his Christianity isn't a smooth road as it's filled with set-backs and heartbreak, but the author writes in a way that helps us all understand the man who gave us Mr. Tumnus, The Penvensie siblings, and Aslan. I enjoyed the book and appreciated the research put into it.

*I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher for an honest review.

This book was gripping. I was sucked in and could not put it down! The concept was so unique, I loved this book.

Do you ever pick up a book expecting one thing and receiving another?

That definitely ended up being my experience with this book by Harry Lee Poe ... in a good way. Earlier this year, I read a disappointing tome on several of the Inklings that proved only to leave a bad taste in my mouth and chink the armor of one of my favorite authors. Now, that can have its place; we're all fallible humans. But, when the chinks result from seemingly shoddy research rather than basis in fact, that can mayhap make a reader gun-shy in trying again.

Blessedly, thankfully, Harry Lee Poe's latest release on CS Lewis restores my faith not only in Lewis, but in scholastic achievement. Impeccably researched and analyzed, 'The Making of CS Lewis' continues the journey readers started in volume 1 (Becoming CS Lewis) on through Lewis's adult academic journey, conversion, and beyond. It's readable, accessible by mortals like myself (lol), amusing at times (I think Lewis would approve!), educational, and simply everything I could want in a story of Lewis's life. I love how Poe really gets to deep-dive into every facet of Lewis's life; he and the publisher have joined efforts to create a definitive biography, not limiting themselves to just one tome but breaking it out into a trilogy.

I don't always re-read biographies, but this one absolutely earns a place on the bookshelf and subsequent reads.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Making of C. S. Lewis
From Atheist to Apologist
by
Crossway
Biographies & Memoirs | Christian
Pub Date 01 Jun 2021  


I am reviewing a copy of The Making of C.S Lewis through Crossway and Netgalley:


The Making of C.S Lewis is a detailed account on how C.S Lewis went from being an atheist to a devout Christian. we learn how C.S Lewis became one of the most prolific Christian voices of the twentieth century.



During his early years in his Christian life, C.S Lewis consumed volumes of devotional material including William Law’s A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (1728) and An Appeal to All That Doubt or Disbelieve the Truths of the Gospel (1742), which he preferred.


After his Father’s death C.S Lewis began writing novels.





In his piece called The Pilgrim’s Regress written in 1932 wrote an account of his conversion as an allegory on the model of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Instead of progress, Lewis spoke of regress. By regress, he did not mean a deterioration in the spiritual well-being of the pilgrim. Rather, he meant that once the pilgrim has come to faith, he must return to his everyday world and live in this world as one who has faith in Jesus Christ.


If you are looking for a book that allows you to delve into C.S Lewis transformation from Atheist to Christian, I highly recommend The Making of C.S Lewis!


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

There are a lot of Lewis biographies that sum up the basics of this period in his life, but this book delves into it deeply, bringing up lots of interesting anecdotes from Lewis' letters that don't get mentioned in more generic books (such as his fondness for giving people nicknames).