Well-Spoken Wednesday--Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life of G.K. Chester by Kevin Belmonte Review

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Summary from goodreads:

Defiant Joy is a powerful narrative of Chesterton's life through his literary accomplishments.

Amid currents of modernity that sought to displace the Christian faith, Chesterton challenged thought leaders of his day with civility, erudition, and wit, contending that faith is the central piece of our humanity. C. S. Lewis credits The Everlasting Man for his Christian vision, whileHeretics and Orthodoxy are still considered pillars of Christian thought.

But Chesterton wasn't just an apologist. He wrote literary criticisms of Dickens and Chaucer still revered as seminal works. He wrote long-form epic poetry, widely-published articles, and lectured on art, politics, and history. Defiant Joy reveals a larger-than-life thinker and cultural giant-showing his utmost relevance for us today, and how a vibrant Christian witness can display the merits, joy, and sanity of a faith many wish to discredit.

Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life & Impact of G.K. Chesterton by Kevin Belmonte
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I began this book, I had only heard of G.K. Chesterson.  I couldn't have told you anything about him nor any of his books he wrote.  I probably knew he was English, but that is it.


Because of this book, I have now developed a new appreciation and understanding for this "bigger-than-life" man.  I plan to add a lot of his writings to my to-be-read list.  He liked and reviewed many literary authors I also enjoy--Charles Dickens, Chaucer, St. Francis of Assisi, and many more.  He also wrote some fiction that I think I must check out as well as some fantastic apologetics books.  I had no idea about his impact on C.S. Lewis and T.S. Eliot amongst others.  Even George Bernard Shaw!  Judging from this biography of this fascinating critic and theologian, I would say that he had something that modern Christians just don't have--for the most part, tha is. In spite of the pessimism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in which he lived, he had a joy and a hunger for life that most of his contemporaries did not have.  I think I would safely say that he "got" it--he understood Christianity.  He enjoyed life to the fullest, and when he left this world, he was ushered into the place he had longed to see for most of his life.


So why did I only give it two stars?  I have to say that this book was not an easy read.  I found the writing style rather vapid at times.  And I have to confess that this was more of review of his works than a biography of his life.  I grew very tired of the massive quotes from his books and the books/review of others.  I do not mind occasional quotes, but when the quote continues for a page an a half or two pages and then comprises half of the chapter, I find my mind wandering.  While Chesterton's books do point to his life, I feel that the biographical data was sketchy at best.  The only reasons I kept reading were that I had agreed to review the book, and I was intrigued by Chesterton's writings.  I believe that a better author could have really shown us more about Chesterton, but I am grateful that this author at least introduced me to one of the great modern literary figures.  I would probably give this book two and a half stars.  If you are looking to read a book about Chesterton, choose another book.  I think you will be happier with your choice.


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