Surprised by Oxford (Carolyn Weber)

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Started: 13/2

Finished: 5/3

Language: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

Structure: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Engagement: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Genre: Memoir, autobiography, Christian living, (light) romance


Synopsis

The deep and emotional tale of a Christian convert, Surprised by Oxford allows the reader to follow literature student Carolyn Drake as she embarks on an unexpectedly life-changing journey during her time studying at Oxford.

With a loose Catholic background and a discouraging father-daughter relationship behind her, Carolyn steps into the prestigious school, treading cautiously in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien and many more renowned authors before her. A whirlwind of surprises and groundbreaking discoveries greet her, leaving in her place a changed woman whom she would not have recognised a few years earlier.


Thoughts

This was certainly a very deep and thought-provoking read! As is common in Oxford students, Carolyn is an immensely deep thinker, and in this memoir, she grants us the privilege of hopping on board her train of thoughts regarding life, love and faith. The myriad of questions pondered and the mystical uncovering of answers really speak to you, especially if you, too, are struggling and wrestling with such doubts and uncertainties.

Despite the heavy core of the book, Carolyn inserts comical little lines in each chapter, and writes in such a way that reading it is a breeze. Moreover, I found the structure particularly appealing. It is in chronological order overall, yet in each chapter, there may be a variety of different scenes and times and places that fade in and out.

Does it sound confusing? Yes. Is it confusing when you read it? No.


Recommendation

To all of you who are struggling deeply with life and faith, do give this book a chance. I think you will find that many of the doubts that crowd your mind were also common to Carolyn. 

If not, read, and may it inspire you to meet your battles face-on, and fight bravely till the end. 

As a deeper book, I would set the age guideline very roughly around 15 years and older. Honestly, though, it relies a lot on the reader's maturity level. 


All in all, Surprised by Oxford presents an honest, very real story of how God works in each of His children, patiently waiting and working in His own perfect time. Many hard questions are asked, and some are left unanswered, but such is life, and perhaps you will learn, much like Carolyn, to thankfully accept the gift of grace and be content in what has already been revealed.


Go and read it!

living in dreams

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