Book on faith journey of writer CS Lewis by bishop of Offaly diocese

'Peace Apart: Lasting Impressions of C.S. Lewis', is the title of a new book by Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe which was launched online on Tuesday 29th March.

The book, which is published by Veritas, was launched by Father Conor McDonough OP, a Dublin-based and Galway-born member of the Irish Dominican Province. Father McDonagh, who ministers at St Saviour’s Church in Dublin’s north inner city, and teaches in the Dominican House of Studies, has been a fan and student of the work of C.S. Lewis for many years.

A local launch will be held in Ennis on April 6 in the Cathedral after the 11.00 am Mass. Fr. Brendan Quinlivan, Killaloe Diocesan Communications Director will launch the book and Bishop Fintan will be present to sign the new publication.

Peace Apart: Lasting Impressions of C.S. Lewis is an insightful introduction to or reacquaintance with this outstanding literary and spiritual figure. Bishop Fintan Monahan gently guides us through the life and work of C.S. Lewis, from his childhood in Northern Ireland and his experiences of loss and war at a young age to his years as an academic in Oxford, his time spent with the Inklings and his career as a world-renowned author, touching on all the magic, imagination, loves, losses and great friendships along the way.

In a unique and accessible way, the author explores Lewis’ faith journey and its twists and turns, through which he was transformed from a young man of lost faith to a man of deep faith and an apologist. He also explains why Lewis’ writings, both fiction and spiritual, continue to resonate and inspire today.

This is Bishop Monahan’s third book in a series on people whose lives and literary works have inspired him. The other books in the series are A Perfect Peace: Newman, Saint for Our Time (2019) and Peace Smiles: Rediscovering Thomas Merton (2020).

Cover design of the publication is by local Ennis artist, Harry Guinnane, the foreword is written by the Church of Ireland rector in Ennis, Rev. Kevin O’Brien. The publication which costs €10 is available from Veritas or from the Parish Office in Ennis or at various local bookshops.