What is the name of C.S. Lewis’s autobiography about his journey toward Christianity?

Surprised by Joy is C.S. Lewis’s autobiography describing his intellectual and spiritual journey toward Christianity. Published in 1955, it covers his childhood, education, service in the First World War, academic development and changing beliefs.

The title refers to Lewis’s idea of “joy,” an intense longing or desire that he regarded as pointing beyond ordinary experiences. He discusses how literature, mythology, friendship and philosophical reflection affected his movement from atheism toward belief.

Surprised by Joy is not a complete day-by-day life story. It ends before many major later events, including Lewis’s marriage to Joy Davidman and his international fame as a Christian author. A Grief Observed, published later, addresses bereavement rather than conversion autobiography.