CULTURAL INSPIRATIONS FROM THREE PINES: STILL LIFE

In the bedroom Clara picked up the well-worn book beside Jane’s bed, C.S. Lewis’s, Surprised by Joy. It smelled of Floris. (Still Life, page 242, Trade Paper Edition)

Originally published in 1955, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life is C.S. Lewis’s look back on his conversion to Christianity and the idea of what actual “joy” means to him.

The title of Lewis’s memoir comes from William Wordsworth’s 1815 sonnet, “Surprised By Joy — Impatient As The Wind”, which was written in the wake of his three-year old daughter’s death and begins as follows:

Surprised by joy—impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport—Oh! with whom
But Thee, long buried in the silent Tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?

At face value, a strange comparison—joy and death—but the world of Three Pines, as summed up by both readers and reviewers alike, is just that, a place where light contrasts dark, goodness exists with evil, innocence engages experience, and hope flourishes with fear.

Here, Louise describes the significance of Lewis’s tome:

“I came across it early in my sobriety. And that was a magical time, because I thought I was going to die by my own hand. I was thirty-five and I couldn’t see going through another year of life, never mind another forty years. So when I asked for help and got it through a twelve step program, it seemed — and perhaps it was — a miracle. At that time, I was surprised by joy, because I had been so dark and so negative and so afraid. Then, to find happiness and the freedom that comes from not having to drink every day and finding friends, and finding myself, and finding real joy. That’s when I came across the phrase and the book Surprised by Joy.”

And this is from Louise’s January 2009 Blog Post: “At 2 years sober we’re given a medallion by our sponsors and asked what phrase we’d like engraved on it. I thought about that and chose – Surprised by Joy. A phrase I used deliberately, with gratitude, in Still Life. I keep that medallion with me always. To remember.”

Louise also had a bench made and adorned with a “Surprised by Joy” plaque for her husband, Michael’s birthday in 2007 (that’s him reflected with Trudy the dog below!). As she says, “When I met and fell in love with him I was, indeed, surprised by joy. And he was the most joyous person I’d ever met.”

Sadly, Michael passed away last year and here is a rendition of the plaque that will soon be placed on a bench in New York’s Central Park. The bench sits on an idyllic hill and faces Louise’s apartment.

The quote below from Lewis’s work succinctly sums a theme that continuously runs through the work of Louise Penny.

“I pay respect to wisdom not to strength.”

You can almost see Gamache saying those exact same words.

Discussion Question

What did Clara mean by having “Surprised by Joy” engraved on Jane Neal’s tombstone?

161 replies on “CULTURAL INSPIRATIONS FROM THREE PINES: STILL LIFE”

Dear Louise,

Now I know why I resonate with your writings so much! Will celebrate 36 years this summer. I just want to hug the fact that we both are members of the “same family” that goes around the world. It has been joyful reading your books.

Sincerely, Jessica

I just saw “The Very Reluctant Convert”, the Broadway show about C.L. Lewis’ gradual conversion from atheism to Christianity. Now more than ever, having read “Still Life” twice now, I am awed by the depth of insight into human nature. You’ve always conveyed that with acceptance of the human condition and hope. Claire’s understanding of Jane, as she peels Jane’s layers, is joyous to watch.

My joy is to discover the close connection between my two favorite authors, CS Lewis and Louise Penny. Lewis has been a companion for more than fifty years and Penny for the past ten years.
There are so many hidden aspects in Penny’s books. It is like peeling an onion layer by layer to get to the core. Lewis’s journey of discovery is very much like this.

Your insights into human frailties, piccadilloes, and pain so touch a deep place of empathy and tenderness in me that I once again recognize my own human weaknesses and am surprised by joy at His healing strength for me. So grateful you share your gift and talent with us.

I am so happy to have a reference for this phrase….and to have more insight into what goes on in these fabulous books. i have loved following along with all the ins and outs of Louise’s life on her news letter….this just adds another dimension.

There are layers and depths to these novels that bear repeated readings. Thank you for your honesty and your gifts.

In the midst of so much pain, ugliness and evil, we are still capable of feeling great joy. Many years ago, a survivor of the Holocaust told me how cold frightened and starving in the camp, she found a daisy growing wild along the tree line. That discovery brought her a few moments of great h I y, and a ray of hope that life would go on.

You & C S Lewis are my favorite authors.

In the midst of troubled sleep last night, I turned my head and was kissed by moonlight unexpectedly gleaming through the window. One more way to be surprised by joy and blessed when we most need it.

I have been surprised by joy by reading these books! They are so much more than I ever expected.

A bit off topic but as I read this I’m considering becoming a friend of bills. I can’t quite make the commitment yet, but I’m pleased to learn that you are in the club. Your such an inspiration!

You only need to make the commitment for the moment it takes to get to a meeting. One day at a time.

I have been a friend of Bill W’s for 37 years and as I just reached my 80th birthday, I still know it was the most important decision of my life. I encourage you with love to make the same decision

I am surprise by joy at least once in every book you write — usually, the discovery or reminder of the beauty of human kindness in the midst of tragedy or just the everyday troubles of the world. A million thanks for the goodness you radiate.

I love these books and can’t wait for the next one! I think we are surprised by joy whenever we see an unexpected full moon or dark sky full of bright stars. A friend who calls unexpectedly and makes you laugh. A dog that snuggles next to you. A daffodil in the snow (as mentioned in a previous post). The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking! The simple things of our life that we take for granted can often seem routine and go unnoticed…until the world shifts a millimeter and we actually see them and are surprised that they mean so much.

Amen.

So true!

So true – these simple pleasures are truly where we can be – and need to be – surprised by joy. Living through the challenges this world is bringing daily requires that we be attuned to such. Thank you, Louise, for adding such beauty and depth of joy, to so many lives!

Love your and all the comments. I have always loved the phrase “Surprised by Joy” since first encountering it in Still Life, but, having the full, “behind the scenes” story from Louise makes it even more special. I too am inspired to reread the entire Gamache series while I await the newest book. I just love magical Three Pines, its’ cozy, natural beauty, and the relationships therein. Thank-you Louise yet again, for everything you give to your readers!

I LOVE your books and re-post all of your messages on my FB page. I have gotten MANY of my friends to become your loyal readers. Thank you for the “joy” you give to all of us.

My best friend repeatedly told me that I should read ‘the Gamache books’ by Louise Penny. She said they were my kind of book. Finally I bought Still Life….and the rest is, well you know ❤️ I love the phrase surprised by joy, it makes me think of the feeling I get, if I am feeling sad and my grandson comes and gives me a big hug. The joy creeps in, then begins to grow!

And now Louise will be getting more people to read CS Lewis, which is a great thing! Deep thoughts from Louise’s characters are what make them seem so real and human. I love your books, LP, and love that you inscribed the benches with Surprised by Joy.

I cannot believe how great your insights are and all these thoughtful sharings are bringing me joy as I read them. I’ve never followed an author like this before. wow. thank you so much for all you are giving us. I too will read this c.s. lewis piece. I lost my husband 18 mos ago and he brought me so much joy. wow.

I finished A Great Reckoning yesterday. Tears came to my eyes when I read the final line. I have loved all the Gamache books, but this one spoke to my heart. I was surprised by joy when I read about exploring the themes and cultural influences.

This is such a beautiful idea. Whenever I read any of your books, I always have a pen and notebook next to me, to write down a phrase of wisdom, an exceptionally revealing image, an insight that your words give me. Thank you for doing this. I love being surprised by joy.

Thank you for sharing these insights. You have zeroed in on one of the reasons I so live your writing. It isn’t just what the plot is doing, but also what you are offering in and under the action. I also may have to start rereading again! Looking forward to this series of insights.