Surprised by Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber
Coming from a dysfunctional and disadvantaged background, Carolyn Weber is awarded a scholarship for graduate study in England. In her memoir, Surprised by Oxford, Weber describes her experiences as an American girl privileged to study her beloved literature in the prestigious, austere center of higher learning, Oxford University. I found the book compelling, although certain areas of the book were distressing.
Entering as an agnostic, Carolyn revels in the lecture halls, dorm rooms, and community of this famous institution. But she also explores her own beliefs and comes face to face with a compassionate and calling Christ. The author’s creative use of phrasing and diction make this a skillfully written piece. She begins each chapter with a literary quotation. She creates suspense by introducing a character (i.e. “TDH”) and then waiting a few chapters to bring him up again as her spiritual mentor. The writing is excellent.
I appreciate the fact that this memoir is honestly written in the voice of one who struggled spiritually; her journey may be helpful for other academics who can certainly be both classically educated and Christian. However, the frequent references to the pub, the pint and the tipsy students disturbed me. Surely, one does not have to have all that alcohol to earn a PhD or to celebrate a baptism.
I received a complimentary, review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the writing here is my own.
