A Grief Observed

by C.S. Lewis
A Grief Observed cover
Good Books rating 4.55
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2332
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780571265794
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2012-10-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A Grief Observed is a deeply personal and emotional account of C.S. Lewis's experience with grief following the death of his wife. The book is a raw and unflinching look at the author's struggle to come to terms with loss, delving into themes of faith, despair, and the search for hope. Lewis's journal entries are both poignant and powerful, capturing the intensity of his emotions as he navigates the complexities of mourning. The book has become a source of comfort for many readers, offering a shared understanding of the pain and loneliness that accompany bereavement. Lewis's honesty and vulnerability make the book a compelling and relatable read, even as he grapples with difficult questions about religion and existence. This companion edition includes reflections from notable figures like Hilary Mantel and Rowan Williams, adding layers of perspective to Lewis's original text.

Reviews
Medium · 2025-10-13
moving 4.70

The book is a deeply personal and emotional exploration of grief, offering insights into the psychological and spiritual struggles that accompany loss.

The reviewer describes the book as a powerful and moving account of one man's grief, highlighting its ability to capture the sudden shift in perspective caused by traumatic loss. They note that the book is both a personal journey and a universal exploration of grief.

Quick quotes

    A Grief Observed is about one man's grief, observed, but it's also a deep dive into the sudden shift in perspective caused by traumatic loss —

    The book is a deeply personal and emotional exploration of grief.

    The book is both a personal journey and a universal exploration of grief.

The Guardian · 2025-10-13
profound 4.50

The book is a raw and intimate account of C.S. Lewis's grief after his wife's death, offering a deeply personal exploration of loss and faith.

The reviewer praises the book for its unflinching honesty and emotional depth, noting how Lewis grapples with his faith in the face of tragedy. They highlight the book's ability to resonate with readers by sharing the author's inner turmoil and vulnerability.

Quick quotes

    A Grief Observed is a powerful record of thought and emotion experienced in real time, and as much the biography of a love as it is an exploration of grief and faith.

    The book is a raw and intimate account of C.S. Lewis's grief after his wife's death.

    Lewis grapples with his faith in the face of tragedy.

Goodreads · 2025-10-13
powerful 4.50

This book is considered a modern classic and has been recommended by a bereavement counsellor as a love story that illustrates the pain and complexity of grief.

The reviewer highlights the book as a powerful exploration of grief and love, noting its ability to console readers for decades. They emphasize its value as a devotional work that resonates deeply with those experiencing loss.

Quick quotes

    This is precisely the quality which suggests that A Grief Observed may become "among the great devotional books of our age."

    A Grief Observed is a powerful record of thought and emotion experienced in real time.

    The book is so ... for anyone, really, those who are mourning or have mourned, those lucky enough who haven't lost anyone yet.

Rainbow Hunting · Jenny · 2022-06-27
profound 4.50

This personal account of grief is both raw and profound, offering a unique perspective on loss and healing. The honesty in the writing makes it a powerful read for anyone who has experienced bereavement.

Jenny from Rainbow Hunting shares that this book is a deeply personal and unfiltered journey through grief. She highlights how the author's raw and honest portrayal of their emotions makes it a compelling read. The book doesn't offer easy answers but provides a sense of companionship to those who are grieving. Jenny appreciates the way it captures the complexity of grief and the shifts in perspective that come with it. She finds it particularly moving how the author's faith is both challenged and reaffirmed throughout the narrative.

Quick quotes

    It is heralded as a “modern classic” and it was recommended to me by a bereavement counsellor as a love story that illustrates the pain and complexity of loss.

    The raw and unfiltered emotions make it a powerful read for anyone who has experienced bereavement.

    The book doesn't offer easy answers but provides a sense of companionship to those who are grieving.

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