C.S. Lewis's Oxford (Simon Horobin)

C.S. Lewis, famed author of the Chronicles of Narnia and Christian apologist, spent most of his adult life at Oxford. C.S. Lewis's Oxford "examines the role Oxford—its colleges, libraries, chapels, clubs, common room and pubs—played in fostering the work of one of the twentieth century's most influential writers and thinkers." 

This book is a curiosity. It started slowly but got more interesting. It is kind of a biography, but not in any traditional sense. Focusing on Oxford, it is a bit like a tourist guide, moving back and forth chronologically at different locations in the town important to Lewis. Along the way, it shares insights into Lewis's daily life (mostly his duties as a tutor/lecturer, his involvement in clubs/societies, and his friendships).

In dividing the focus between Lewis and Oxford, you get a full picture of neither. This book was a meandering (if enjoyable) hodge-podge of anecdotes and does not achieve its stated purpose. Instead, it is more about sharing stories (likely previously unpublished) about Lewis's life. It is best enjoyed by a fan of Lewis on holiday in Oxford who can wander the streets and soak in the locations mentioned.

Rating: B-