The Most Reluctant Convert

A Myth Come True

Reluctant Convert was a short read, only about 5 hours long, retelling of Lewis' life and an excellent evaluation of the progress he made from childhood imagination through boyhood atheism, materialism, dualism, occultism, pantheism, idealism and finally to adult faith in God and later in Christ as his revelation. What an amazing journey! It was well told and read. Those "-isms" were clearly explained with tons of illustrative material. By the way Downing interprets the Mrs. Moore episode in an honest but sensitive manner. My headline is a Lewis quote that suggests that the revelation of God in Christ captures the essence of the dying rising gods but is profoundly historical in nature. I was thinking that Donald Downing has done us a favour by correcting many of the myths and misreadings of Lewis by giving us the straight goods about Lewis capturing his essential legacy.

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Struggles behind the man

This is a story of a man best known for having the answers. It tells his story of struggles. It makes Mr. Lewis human and his writtings more powerful and less pure intelectual theory. A great book for anyone interested in CS Lewis writtings and how they were shaped.

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The Man Behind the Legend

C.S. Lewis's name is mentioned and instantly his amazing accomplishment and bold Christian faith are recalled. But David Downing takes the reader into the backstory, and what led C.S. Lewis to the faith. it was not an easy road. As a matter of fact, he was an avowed atheist in his youth. His story gives anyone hope for someone who seems so far away that it is never too late to come to the Cross, on this side of Heaven. What a beautiful story of persistence, perseverance, and faith. Patrick Cullen's narration is perfect for this work.

A Path Well Traced

Thank you to David Downing for a thoughtful and well-referenced review of Lewis’ spiritual journey. Downing did not get bogged down in a chronological timeline, but rather traces Lewis’ nurture, nature and nuance from childhood to death with skill. Downing does not hesitate to pull a golden thread from events at one time in Lewis’ life to comments or opinions developed later on. Downing often offers Jack’s own commentary from later in life to illustrate the formative effects of certain stages. Well written, and a must for any CS Lewis scholar or spiritual inquirer who enjoys Lewis.

Insightful look into the conversion of CS Lewis

Well researched, well written, well read look into the conversion of a most insightful man.

insightful book, great story

for fans of Lewis, this is a wonderful summary of the great man's formative years. I have no complaints, save one: when speaking Lewis's direct quotes, Patrick Cullen should not switch to an English accent. otherwise, a very enjoyable read.

Excellent story of God winning the rebellion

Fascinating to read of CS's gradual thinking and understanding of the world and God's role in it.