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surprised by joy

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Lifeis a partial autobiography published by C. S. Lewis in 1955. Specifically, the book describes the author's conversion to Christianity which had taken place 24 years earlier.

Lewis' purpose in writing was not primarily historical. His aim was instead to identify and describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of and consequent search for the phenomenon he labeled "Joy", his best translation of the idea ofSehnsucht(German:longing). ThisJoywas so intense for something so good and so high up it could not be explained with words. He is struck with "stabs of joy" throughout his life.

Overall, the book contains less detail concerning specific events than a typical autobiography, although it is not devoid of information about his life. Lewis recounts and remembers his early years with a measure of amusement sometimes mixed with pain. However, while he does describe his life, the principal theme of the book isJoyas he defined it for his own purpose.

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