A Severe Mercy

It's been a while, I know, but don't worry . . . I've been reading plenty since then.

A few of my favorites since then, you ask? Plotinus, Virgil's Aeneid, Hemingway and O'Connor's short stories, William Faulkner, and The Virginian. And then there's this book: A Severe Mercy.

I found it in the university bookstore one day, and plopped down in the aisle to read it, knowing I didn't have anything else to do for an hour or so. I was engrossed right away in the story, narrated by a young man, of a beautiful love. It was haunting and uplifting and strange and . . . I knew I had to finish reading it at some point, so I finally got it when I was coming home for the summer.

I haven't read very far yet, but it's about a young couple who secretly marry and discover the way to make love last, through anything. They experience the "heights and the depths" as the man puts it, knowing joy and sorrow. I know that later in the book the young woman, Davy, dies tragically, hence the title of the book. The husband's dear friend, C. S. Lewis (!!!), helps him get through with a series of letters that are also published in the book. It's a sweet story, and almost too perfect to be believed, except for the fact that it doesn't remain perfect. It's so true - pain must come with beauty. The couple's love of poetry and the outdoors is especially attractive to me. It is just such a simple book, but I know I've found a nugget to treasure for years.