"A deep, uncompromising story about human and divine love.” — Los Angeles Times

The profoundly moving and heart-rendering classic for anyone who has experienced the depths of love and loss. Reflecting on faith, vitality, and grief, this “spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers” opens our hearts and eyes to the true meaning of life, and death. In A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken stunningly chronicles his marriage to his beloved wife, Davy, his faith-forming friendship with C.S. Lewis and the tragedy that altered his soul and spirit completely.

With heavy passion, "Van" unravels a love story formed by intense romance and commitment, and a bond he refers to as “the Shining Barrier.” A bond that is unaltered by the outside world and its influences until he meets C.S Lewis while studying at Oxford. Lewis introduces Davy and Van to Christianity, and their devotion to God quickly becomes as strong as their devotion to one another.

In rapid succession, Davy succumbs to a fatal illness and a grief-stricken Van is left to process this unspeakable loss, and subsequently discover the meaning of "a mercy as severe as death, a severity as merciful as love."

For fans of When Breath Becomes Air and Being Mortal, this impactful masterpiece allows readers of all beliefs to envision life after loss, and the spiritual strength that ultimately leads us forward after unspeakable tragedy. Weaving in 18 original letters from C.S. Lewis himself, A Severe Mercy poetically addresses some of the universal questions that surround faith, and its remarkable role during times of both radiant joy and immense suffering.