Rating: 
Summary: Exellent
Review: As I write this I celebrate my 19th anniversary - by myself - Ken having died 3 years ago from a sudden massive heart attack. This book was given to us as a wedding present with a note to read it together. I don't know if I can attribute the wonderful marriage Ken and I had to reading it together on our honeymoon - but I'm sure it contributed. I was blessed to have Ken for 16 wonderful years and that he is the father of my 4 great kids. We were blessed to have read this book together to start our married life. I buy it now as a wedding present for his nephew.
Rating:
Summary: Getting interested in classical literature?
Review: I am a novice to books written in the style of A Sever Mercy. A friend gave me the paperback version ten years ago and it languished in a pile of books on my bedroom floor. In recent years I had become bored with reading books solely related to my profession and my faith, but I was disappointed in today's fiction options. Out of boredom I happend ascance A Severe Mercy one day early this year. It is not fiction, but the style was exactly what I had been looking for. It was a moving work and one that easily ranks as one of the most enjoyable books I have read. I would especially recommend this book to anyone seeking an introduction to works by CS Lewis. While not written to serve this function, after reading A Severe Mercy, I promptly read several works by Lewis, the first I have read since my childhood adventures in the Chronicles. A Severe Mercy is a wonderful book. Plan to shed a few tears.
Rating: 
Summary: great insight
Review: I enjoyed the look into Sheldon's thought processes. I did not agree with all his thoughts. I do not believe that it is healthy to have a relationship as close as he had with his wife. The idea that a husband and wife should have all the same experiences is not possible. There are differences between men and women, mentally and physically. I think that the fire of love can be smothered if no air is allowed into the relationship. Having said that, I enjoyed the premise, and wondered how I could improve my already excellant relationship with my wife.I was somewhat offended by the extension of this "share everything" reasoning that led Sheldon and Davy to believe that having children would lessen their love. I feel that having children adds new dimensions to a relationship. My slight offense was put aright by a rebuke aimed at Sheldon from C.S. Lewis later in the book. I enjoyed Sheldon's thoughts on becoming a Christian, and his relationship with C.S. Lewis. I have long been a fan of C.S. Lewis, and Vanauken's work has a similar feel about it. By the way, I read the review of the guy that believes this is goopy and dangerous, and find his thoughts a bit strange. I don't see anything dangerous about the book, unless people destroy a great relationship by trying to be too close. Each couple needs to define the level of closeness that they are comfortable with... and a re-examination of that level of closeness is never a bad thing.
Rating:
Summary: This is a powerful, moving testament to the grace of God.
Review: I find myself contemplating this story again and again as various situations confront me which indeed are "severe mercies" of God. Sheldon's story is humbling and amazing. This is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Astounding
Review: I must say, this work is among the finest I have ever read. I work for a Christian Publisher and have the honor of reading fine work. A Severe Mercy is real and honest. The letters included from C.S. Lewis are mind boggling and astounding. The perspective of the Christian from the secular view is honest and true; the view from the same - now as a Christian, is deep and sincere. Incredible. I would highly reccomend this book to those who are searching for God, struggling with God, or thoes who can look back on a journey of their own after finding Him.
Rating:
Summary: An all time favorite
Review: I read A Severe Mercy along with the Problem of Pain by CS Lewis in 1998. All I can say is, you should read them together. I loved the philosophical arguments (from CS) describing how a loving God could allow heartache, intense heartache, and pain to be experienced by those He loves. Then, I would switch back to Sheldon's life and see him share how he learned those very lessons with his wife. Little did I know, when I decided to read these 2 books together, that Sheldon and CS were actually friends! It's a great combo. I recommend this book to anyone who has been through a heartwrenching time...and for those like me, who can only imagine what it would be like to lose someone so dearly loved.
Rating:
Summary: Too beautiful for words, but I will try!
Review: I read this book after losing my brother and beginning a new relationship with a wonderful man. We call it the crying book because it touches places inside that have never been touched before. Mr. Vanuken takes us with him on his life's journey, and what a journey it is. At first he and his wife appear to be people from a fairy tale, but the amazing part is that they are real. It gives me hope that love for a lifetime is possible...but only with work. A must read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: I get a lump in my throat just reading the reviews
Review: I read this book in the early 80's when my own life was in a perilous state. I needed desperately to have a glimpse of God. I saw God's severe mercy everywhere I looked and VanAuken's book made it tolerable in an exquisitely painful way. Even as I read the reviews on the web the memories of that first reading bring a lump into my throat. I have recommended this book repeatedly to people on a quest for relationship with God and with any other Beloved.
Rating:
Summary: For all who are lovers and search for the Truth.
Review: I read this book over ten years ago and have recently re-read it. It is still very powerful in its portrayal of love in its wholeness. The discussions between Lewis and Vanauken are piercing to the core. You will not regret reading this book, over and over again.
Rating:
Summary: Dangerous! Almost everything will seem mundane afterword.
Review: I was handed this little paperback in about 1980 and have never really been the same. It's a story of 'a love.' A love of learning and a passion for an intellectual, introspective life. A love a nature - the author called himself a 'high pagan, inlove with beauty.' Mostly, though, it's a love of loves, the story of Van and 'Davy' and how they built a love that was so deep and intertwined that Van felt that Davy had to be taken by God - the Severe Mercy - so that Van could come to love God. Central to the story is a great ebb of Christianity flowing into the hearts of the characters largely through the authors personal letters with C.S. Lewis. A great read
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