Chronicles of Wonder

In Chronicles of Wonder, Leah Boden tells the story-formed life of C. S. Lewis. This fictionalized biography shares Lewis’s days as a young boy, student, soldier in the war, professor, and author. Along the way, we meet his family and friends, along with the literary works that impacted him.

Learning about Lewis

What this book does well is give context to what I’d already known about Lewis. I knew about his serving in the war, but this book helped me see how it changed him. I’ve long known about the Inklings, but this book helped me see the friendship between Tolkien and Lewis blossom.

I was also pleased to learn new things about Lewis. His relationship with Joy Davidman was unconventional—it started as a correspondence, led to marriage for practical reasons, and then developed into a deep love. I saw how he came to faith, and I was moved to see how God made Himself known.

Books, Stories, and Writing

Boden is an outstanding writer. I particularly enjoyed how the sights, sounds, and tastes of Lewis’s world came to life. She seamlessly weaves in foreshadowing and easter eggs from Lewis’ books into his life. I read the book in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down.

Chronicles of Wonder brilliantly champions books, stories, and writing. It is a beautiful tribute to Lewis, and it is a love letter to his work and the worlds he built.

I received a media copy of Chronicles of Wonder and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.