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April 09, 2018 Sawsan rated it really liked it

Without real experiences whether good or painful, our opinions and judgments in life remain just theoretical words
Great play based on a real dearest relationship between CS Lewis the English language author and Joy Gresham the American poet
CS Lewis was middle aged, academic lecturer with strict behavior and thoughts when Gresham entered his life, she was generally different from him but matching him intellectually
when she was diagnosed of terminal stage of cancer afterwards their spousal relationship, realize that they will Without real experiences whether good or painful, our opinions and judgments in life remain just theoretical words
Not bad play based on a existent love human relationship between CS Lewis the English language author and Joy Gresham the American poet
CS Lewis was middle aged, academic lecturer with strict behavior and thoughts when Gresham entered his life, she was generally dissimilar from him simply matching him intellectually
when she was diagnosed of terminal stage of cancer after their marriage, realize that they volition soon be losing each other
just then he knew the pregnant of suffering which he never experienced before
getting into suspicious thoughts of god, love, life and death
why we love if losing hurts so much? is pain part of the happiness?
is that the deal of life?
at the end, Lewis was trying to reconcile his beliefs with the grief of his loss ...more than

The wonderful story of the relationship betwixt C.Southward. Lewis and his American wife and poet Joy Gresham. I accept to admit that I am a aficionado of the pic version as well, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. 5★ The wonderful story of the relationship between C.S. Lewis and his American wife and poet Joy Gresham. I take to admit that I am a addict of the movie version also, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. 5★ ...more than

Sep 24, 2008 Tracy rated it it was astonishing

This review has been hidden because information technology contains spoilers. To view it, click hither. I honestly felt this play was pure genius. It was a quick read, just taking an 60 minutes or 2 to finish. The staging was written in a manner to allow the reader like shooting fish in a barrel visual pictures. At that place is a part in the heart where Douglas'south gift of a magic apple tree is entertwined with the marriage of Joy and Lewis, and I thought never in a millions years could I put these pieces together so beautifully.

Even though I felt the story was at times overly predictable, I remained interested through excellent character de

I honestly felt this play was pure genius. It was a quick read, only taking an hour or two to cease. The staging was written in a fashion to allow the reader piece of cake visual pictures. There is a part in the centre where Douglas'southward gift of a magic apple is entertwined with the wedlock of Joy and Lewis, and I idea never in a millions years could I put these pieces together so beautifully.

Even though I felt the story was at times overly predictable, I remained interested through excellent graphic symbol developments and insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this volume and cried my eyes out for at least one-half of the story.

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I love this play. I remember sitting in the theatre while watching information technology, sobbing my heart out. I love all the characters (even Christopher, who can exist so Christopherish) and they all work and then well together. I love how Jack falls in love with Joy; and so easy and natural. I dearest how she understands him and helps him accept the fact that with their beloved comes pain and sorrow -- that'due south the bargain. And then good. Read it -- or better withal, see information technology. I love this play. I remember sitting in the theatre while watching it, sobbing my heart out. I dearest all the characters (even Christopher, who tin can exist so Christopherish) and they all piece of work so well together. I dear how Jack falls in love with Joy; so easy and natural. I love how she understands him and helps him accept the fact that with their love comes pain and sorrow -- that'south the bargain. And so adept. Read it -- or better yet, run into information technology. ...more

C.Southward. Lewis and his romance with a young woman who revolutionizes his globe view, fifty-fifty though their time together is curt.

I was charmed by this play. In it the older human being is brought out of his bourgeois worldview through a developing romance. It is solid writing and a well constructed experience.

Recommend

A friend sent this to me to read while I'g going through the same thing, losing a spouse to cancer. What I gained from this was more than opportunity to cry and grieve and identify with someone else who experienced this before me, too equally C.South. Lewis'south ideas about suffering. He believes that "God creates usa free, gratuitous to be selfish, but He adds a machinery that volition penetrate our selfishness and wake u.s.a. up to the presence of others in the world," which is suffering. Hurting is "God'southward megaphone to rous A friend sent this to me to read while I'm going through the same affair, losing a spouse to cancer. What I gained from this was more than opportunity to cry and grieve and identify with someone else who experienced this before me, equally well as C.S. Lewis'south ideas about suffering. He believes that "God creates united states free, free to be selfish, simply He adds a machinery that volition penetrate our selfishness and wake us up to the presence of others in the world," which is suffering. Pain is "God's megaphone to rouse a deafened world." Well, I can appreciate this. One positive outcome of this suffering I'm experiencing is that I'm learning to care for my neighbors. I am learning how to nourish to others in their time of need, and I'k way more tuned in to the hurting others are experiencing. Empathy growing, knowing how to care....I can see this. However, the residual of his ideas, about the Shadowlands, are non something I tin can purchase.

Lewis revises his ain ideas, those that he preached and held so honey, as shortly equally experience causes conflict with these ethics. So he's human, which reminds me not to ever take any human being's words to be truth. I liked this function of the play the all-time, although I doubt that this is what my friend hoped that I would become from the volume. I'k likewise reminded that with love and happiness comes the requisite suffering and misery when the love is gone. Only nosotros already knew that.

A timely read for me, somewhat comforting.

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Oct 02, 2017 William rated it it was amazing

I was more familiar with Richard Attenborough'due south moving picture, starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, which was a wonderful experience to watch. For years afterward, whenever I would read C.S. Lewis, I would hear Hopkins reading it in my head. The play makes Lewis breathe for u.s.. It doesn't rob him of his faith, only it shows him as human, and illuminates the question of how fourth dimension and terrors shape our faith and shape the states. I was more familiar with Richard Attenborough'south moving picture, starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, which was a wonderful feel to watch. For years after, whenever I would read C.Southward. Lewis, I would hear Hopkins reading it in my head. The play makes Lewis breathe for us. It doesn't rob him of his faith, but it shows him equally homo, and illuminates the question of how fourth dimension and terrors shape our faith and shape us. ...more

Jan 25, 2019 Deb rated information technology it was amazing

I love, honey this movie and accept been wanting to read the screenplay it was based on for years. There were sections here or at that place that they inverse for the movie, a bit of symbolism they couldn't really contain. It's such a dandy story and play. With bully stride, humor and humanity. Love it!!

Feb 16, 2022 Vanessa rated it really liked it

The play of Shadowlands is about the marriage of C.Southward. Lewis and Joy Davidman. Information technology is good. Need to re watch the picture with Anthony Hopkins in it.

Excellent. About exactly like the pic, which is also a favorite of mine. The audiobook is excellent.

November 22, 2013 Laura rated information technology it was ok

FRom BBC Radio four - Saturday Drama:
Accommodation by Archie Scottney of the play by William Nicholson. The moving truthful story of the 1950s relationship betwixt Oxford don and writer CS Lewis and divorced American writer Joy Gresham.

Nov 19, 2021 Judi rated it actually liked it

Shadowlands is a moving play about C.Due south. Lewis and Joy Davidman Gresham Lewis. We are reading this for our church book social club. Nicholson wrote three versions. The first was for a BBC Tv movie. Then he wrote this version to be performed on stage. Finally, he wrote the screenplay for the movie starring Anthony Hopkins every bit Lewis and Debra Winger equally Joy. Lewis was a scholar, an author (Christian apologetics and novels including the Narnia series) and seemed to be a confirmed available well into his 50s. Shadowlands is a moving play well-nigh C.Southward. Lewis and Joy Davidman Gresham Lewis. We are reading this for our church book club. Nicholson wrote three versions. The showtime was for a BBC TV movie. And so he wrote this version to be performed on stage. Finally, he wrote the screenplay for the flick starring Anthony Hopkins equally Lewis and Debra Winger equally Joy. Lewis was a scholar, an author (Christian apologetics and novels including the Narnia serial) and seemed to be a confirmed bachelor well into his 50s. He corresponded with Joy Gresham, "technically" married her and then she could remain in England, and so fell in love with her when she became sick with cancer. ...more

December 21, 2021 John Geddie rated it it was amazing

The story of C.Southward. Lewis and his later-in-life marriage to an American divorcée, I recollect vaguely liking the film. Niggling did I realize how deeply moving the original play was. It's rare to run across a story of dearest, faith, fate and stoicism then richly balanced. It'southward certainly romantic (and securely tragic), simply information technology's then smart too and it leaves you wanting to go dorsum and revisit all the Lewis writings.

Jul 12, 2019 Patricia rated it it was amazing

This was fabulous. It is a play near the relationship betwixt CS Lewis the English author and Joy Gresham the American poet. In that location is humor, tragedy and dandy cultural references almost the differences betwixt the English and the American. It is fabricated even more special in that information technology was written by Joy's son William Nicholson. This was fabulous. It is a play almost the relationship betwixt CS Lewis the English language author and Joy Gresham the American poet. There is humor, tragedy and cracking cultural references near the differences between the English and the American. It is fabricated fifty-fifty more special in that it was written by Joy's son William Nicholson. ...more

Apr xiii, 2018 البَندري rated it it was astonishing

If yous got a serious disease; all of you want someone who cares about you, someone who accepts your heart .. your soul .. your mind to face a lot of troubles in this world with you, Someone stands for you ..

Mar 25, 2020 April rated it information technology was astonishing

A beautiful play about a beautiful human being beingness. A touching message that resounds. I love C.S. Lewis and William Nicholson does a beautiful job with this curt work incorporating Lewis's thoughts almost pain, suffering & the nature of God's dear A beautiful play about a beautiful homo being. A touching message that resounds. I dearest C.S. Lewis and William Nicholson does a cute job with this short piece of work incorporating Lewis'southward thoughts about hurting, suffering & the nature of God's love ...more

Jul xi, 2020 Jason Wilson rated it really liked information technology

CS Lewis finds emotional enkindling in an American divorcee simply to lose her and rail at his organized religion. How accurate this is I don't know but it's a drama of huge power that shows something of the derision that Lewis' conversion earned him from academic colleagues.

Jun 08, 2017 Sherilyn rated it actually liked it

I constitute information technology very interesting and much more engaging that I anticipated.

Mar xi, 2019 Jeremy Laroche rated it really liked information technology

I take no personal connecting to C.S. Lewis, but I plant this playing very touching. It is a gentle story of friendship, love, art, and faith.

Wow. I know I'm heavily biased towards C.S. Lewis, merely still—wow. What an emotional and stirring estimation of Lewis's relationship with his wife. Read it. I feel all the feelings correct now.

Nov 06, 2019 Brian McCann rated it it was amazing

Beautifully structured and written. I've endemic this okay for years and never read it. Then glad I've finally experienced it on page.

an enjoyable play covering the late-life union of CS Lewis

A short play nearly C.S. Lewis and his short marriage.

Poignant in its simplicity. Respect. Beloved. Death.

Sep 08, 2021 Nicole rated it really liked information technology

I thought I might exist put off by the religiosity, but there is something sacred and human in Lewis and Gresham's relationship that is so moving. Made me want to know both of them.

I enjoyed this play, though to do then, i must be able to put bated any background knowledge of the main character, Jack Lewis, as Nicholson's information and portrayal of that graphic symbol is flawed. Aside from this, and from now on treating Lewis every bit an original character created by Nicholson, the play was well-written and gripping.
I find much appeal to a sense of higher intelligence throughout this play, in both the thin use of comedic allusions that simply intellectuals would properly empathise I enjoyed this play, though to practice and so, one must be able to put aside whatever background knowledge of the main character, Jack Lewis, every bit Nicholson's information and portrayal of that character is flawed. Aside from this, and from at present on treating Lewis as an original character created by Nicholson, the play was well-written and gripping.
I find much entreatment to a sense of college intelligence throughout this play, in both the sparse use of comedic allusions that but intellectuals would properly understand and the amount of information that must be fatigued from betwixt the written lines. Much of the activity, in fact, due to Lewis's grapheme, happens between words and in silence. To fully appreciate the drama, one would need either the facial expressions and movements of the characters acted out in front of them, or deep understanding and inference making abilities.
The language Nicholson used was both accessible and realistic for men of Oxford, without sounding pretentious. The plot was direct, unproblematic, easily understood, and nonetheless nuanced enough to allow the active reader smashing enjoyment in delving deeper into imagery and meaning. I believe the romance created between Joy and Lewis is highly unique in this age of courtless sex, and enjoyed the refreshing angle this provided of love.
Afterward reading more on Lewis the homo, I was incredibly disappointed at the disconnect betwixt the human and character, especially in the character's flaw to release his hold on his organized religion through this ordeal, where the man became the stronger in it. This nearly ruined the play, in that the play completely failed to capture the essence and utter reliance that Lewis had on his faith above all circumstances. Even then, I notwithstanding can see Shadowlands as I saw it initially: beautifully refreshing, and straightforward. These qualities concord fifty-fifty in the disappointment of the main character. ...more

I found this book a quiet interesting. I loved the theme—this life is simply a shadow of the adjacent; only a shadow of the world to come up. It ended a little sad, simply the story line was sweet. It kinda reminded me of the book/film "love comes softly", though it was a lot different.
I thought it was interesting to discover some things about C. S. Lewis. I've always been interested in learning more nearly his life so I profoundly enjoyed reading nigh him in particular. I liked seeing how he 'slipped into l I found this book a quiet interesting. I loved the theme—this life is merely a shadow of the next; only a shadow of the world to come. Information technology ended a little lamentable, but the story line was sweet. Information technology kinda reminded me of the volume/motion-picture show "honey comes softly", though it was a lot dissimilar.
I thought it was interesting to discover some things near C. S. Lewis. I've always been interested in learning more about his life and then I greatly enjoyed reading nigh him in particular. I liked seeing how he 'slipped into love.'
At that place's a quote I really liked that was kind of the theme of the book. The whole thing is practiced then I'll but share all of it:
"God loves us, so He makes the states the souvenir of suffering. Through suffering, we release our hold on the toys of this world, know our true good lies in some other world. We're like blocks of stone, out of which the sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of the chisel, which hurt usa so much, are what brand the states perfect. The suffering in the globe is not the failure of God's love for us; it is that love in action. For believe me, this world that seems to us and so substantial is no more than the shadow lands. Real life has not begun yet."
Good huh? I just love that. It makes me wish I could get my thoughts and feeling downward on newspaper like that….information technology's so beautiful.
Over all, I really liked this book. If it was like a longish novel sorta thing I probably wouldn't take read it, but because it was actually short--and too a play, which was interesting to run across how the managing director would evidence feelings and thoughts through dialogue--I think this book is worth the small amount of fourth dimension it takes to read it.
...more

Mar 19, 2013 Bill rated it it was ok

As the rating says, I thought the play was merely ok. The thing I'm having problem with is really defining why I didn't enjoy it all that much. I didn't remember the characters were terrible, and I actually similar the fact that the ending isn't very happy (wow that makes me sound like a terrible person). I simply hateful that the way the book ended provided much more room for idea and discussion than it would have if it ended perfectly. And I don't mind that there is no "action," then to speak. I don't min Every bit the rating says, I thought the play was merely ok. The thing I'm having problem with is really defining why I didn't savour information technology all that much. I didn't call up the characters were terrible, and I really like the fact that the catastrophe isn't very happy (wow that makes me sound like a terrible person). I just mean that the way the book ended provided much more than room for idea and discussion than information technology would have if it ended perfectly. And I don't heed that at that place is no "action," and so to speak. I don't listen stories that purely character based at all.

So why am I non caput over heels about it? I think it may be because I just don't feel like I got much out of it, honestly. Which I'm certain will earn me more than than a few comments from people who will say I just didn't become information technology, or am non smart or open up-minded enough to sympathise the bug the play raises. It's not that at all; I was actually interested in the ideas it presents about religion, suffering and how tragedies can shake previously firm behavior. And it's non like I'm some enlightened guy that has already pondered these things and come up up with the ultimately correct and true viewpoint. Information technology's just I felt like that Shadowlands didn't add any new perspectives or viewpoints to those ideas. I have heard and thought about those concepts before (they were pretty common for example, in philosophy class), and while it's certainly never a bad matter to revisit things like this and reconsider your personal behavior, I didn't really feel like I added anything to my understanding of those topics considering of the book, and that'due south what disappointed me I guess. But that's simply me, and it shouldn't dissuade others from reading information technology.

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This is a work of art. Heartwrenchingly painful, funny, witty, real. Beautifully written and has very quickly stolen my heart. 1 of the all-time plays I accept ever read. reduced me to tears. the fashion that joy and jack *know* each other is stunning and their human relationship is gorgeous - truthful kindred spirits. now exit me alone to cry, I'yard frail. This is a work of art. Heartwrenchingly painful, funny, witty, real. Beautifully written and has very rapidly stolen my heart. 1 of the best plays I take e'er read. reduced me to tears. the mode that joy and jack *know* each other is stunning and their relationship is gorgeous - truthful kindred spirits. now leave me alone to cry, I'm fragile. ...more

Dec 05, 2011 Rachel rated it actually liked it

Reading this play was a much different experience than the rest of the works nosotros take read thus far. It is the only book on our list that is non really written past C.S. Lewis, and in that sense it was kind of refreshing to have an outsider's opinion and estimation of Lewis' life.

The first question that I asked myself while reading this drama was how authentic it really is. In our form discussion nosotros addressed this concern. It is, overall, a fictional piece of work, only there are some factual elements

Reading this play was a much different experience than the rest of the works we have read thus far. It is the only book on our list that is non really written by C.S. Lewis, and in that sense it was kind of refreshing to take an outsider's opinion and interpretation of Lewis' life.

The showtime question that I asked myself while reading this drama was how authentic it really is. In our course give-and-take nosotros addressed this concern. It is, overall, a fictional work, just at that place are some factual elements in it. For example: we learned that the poem Joy reads to Lewis, as well as Lewis' justification for marrying Joy (her get-go spousal relationship did not count since her husband was already married a outset time), were accurate. Withal, some of the details on time were not accurate. Joy was living in London earlier she came to Oxford, and their meeting was not exactly how information technology appeared in this drama. Too, C.S. Lewis was not a kind of withdrawn, somber sort of man. Rather, he was outspoken and extroverted. Him and his wife would often go to the pub and do karaoke. He loved her considering she was able to dish it right back at him.

Overall, I was really grateful for the feel to read The Shadowlands. I appreciated the insights in class that helped me place it in proper perspective, but all in all I recall Nicholson did an excellent task capturing C.S. Lewis.

After reading this play, I am really looking forward to reading the movie accommodation.

...more than

Librarian Notation: There is more than ane author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA All-time Television Drama accolade in their year; other award-winners were Sweet Equally You Are and The March . In 1

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. Come across this thread for more information.

William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA Best Boob tube Drama laurels in their yr; other award-winners were Sweet Every bit You Are and The March . In 1988 he received the Royal Idiot box Gild'southward Writer's Honor. His kickoff play, an accommodation of Shadowlands for the stage, was Evening Standard Best Play of 1990, and went on to a Tony Award winning run on Broadway. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of the moving-picture show version, which was directed by Richard Attenborough and starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.

Since then he has written more films - Sarafina, Nell, Starting time Knight, Grey Owl , and Gladiator (as co-writer), for which he received a second Oscar nomination. He has written and directed his ain flick, Firelight ; and three further stage plays, Map of the Heart , Katherine Howard and The Retreat from Moscow , which ran for five months on Broadway and received three Tony Award nominations.

His novel for older children, The Wind Singer, won the Smarties Prize Aureate Award on publication in 2000, and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Accolade in 2001. Its sequel, Slaves of the Mastery , was published in May 2001, and the concluding volume in the trilogy, Firesong , in May 2002. The trilogy has been sold in every major foreign market place, from the US to China.

He is now at piece of work on a new sequence of novels for older children, called The Noble Warriors . The first volume, Seeker , was published in the Britain in September 2005.The 2d book, Jango, in 2006 and the 3rd book NOMAN, will be published in September 2007.

His novels for adults are The Society of Others (April 2004) and The Trial of True Love (April 2005).

He lives in Sussex with his wife Virginia and their three children.

from williamnicholson.co.uk

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