A Grief Observed
by C.S. Lewis
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis holds a highly rated rating of 4.26 out of 5, based on 35.9K reader ratings. First published in 1961. The book spans 112 pages.
About A Grief Observed
Written with love, humility, and faith, this brief but poignant volume was first published in 1961 and concerns the death of C. S. Lewis's wife, the American-born poet Joy Davidman. In her introduction to this new edition, Madeleine L'Engle writes: "I am grateful to Lewis for having the courage to yell, to doubt, to kick at God in angry violence. This is a part of a healthy grief which is not often encouraged. It is helpful indeed that C. S. Lewis, who has been such a successful apologist for Christianity, should have the courage to admit doubt about what he has so superbly proclaimed. It gives us permission to admit our own doubts, our own angers and anguishes, and to know that they are part of the soul's growth."Written in longhand in notebooks that Lewis found in his home, A Grief Observed probes the "mad midnight moments" of Lewis's mourning and loss, moments in which he questioned what he had previously believed about life and death, marriage, and even God. Indecision and self-pity assailed Lewis. "We are under the harrow and can't escape," he writes. "I know that the thing I want is exactly the thing I can never get. The old life, the jokes, the drinks, the arguments, the lovemaking, the tiny, heartbreaking commonplace." Writing A Grief Observed as "a defense against total collapse, a safety valve," he came to recognize that "bereavement is a universal and integral part of our experience of love."Lewis writes his statement of faith with precision, humor, and grace. Yet neither is Lewis reluctant to confess his continuing doubts and his awareness of his own human frailty. This is precisely the quality which suggests that A Grief Observed may become "among the great devotional books of our age."
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | C.S. Lewis |
| Published | 1961 |
| Pages | 112 |
| Kindle Price | $14.99 |
| Genres | Christian, Non-Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Biography & Memoir, Classics |
| Average Rating | 4.26 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 35,913 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is A Grief Observed?
A Grief Observed is categorized as Christian, Non-Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Biography & Memoir. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is A Grief Observed worth reading?
Based on 35.9K reader ratings, A Grief Observed has an average score of 4.26 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is A Grief Observed?
A Grief Observed has 112 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote A Grief Observed?
A Grief Observed was written by C.S. Lewis. It was first published in 1961.
What is the ISBN for A Grief Observed?
The ISBN-13 for A Grief Observed is 9780060652390.0.
How much does A Grief Observed cost on Kindle?
A Grief Observed is available on Kindle for $14.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
