45 pages • 1 hour read
Sheldon VanaukenA Severe Mercy: A Story of Faith, Tragedy and Triumph
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1977A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken is a memoir recounting the profound love and spiritual journey of Van and his wife, Davy, from their courtship and marriage to their conversion to Christianity under the influence of C. S. Lewis, culminating in Van's struggle with grief and eventual healing following Davy's untimely death. The memoir deals with themes of love, faith, loss, and personal growth.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken is a poignant memoir blending romance, faith, and loss. Readers appreciate its deep emotional impact, lyrical prose, and exploration of spiritual themes. Criticisms include a perceived self-indulgence and heavy reliance on religious dialogue. Overall, it resonates strongly with those experiencing grief or seeking introspective literature.
Who Should Read A Severe Mercy?
A reader who would enjoy A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken is likely someone who appreciates a poignant memoir intertwined with themes of love, faith, and loss. Similar readers might enjoy Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis or The Shack by William P. Young. The book appeals to those interested in deep, reflective Christian philosophy and personal transformation.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Religion / Spirituality
Grief / Death
Christian literature
Biography
Relationships: Marriage
Values/Ideas: Beauty
Emotions/Behavior: Grief