by C. S. Lewis
published 1950
completed November 2010
Literary Omnivore is hosting Narnia Week. I have only read two of the seven books, so I thought it would be fun to participate. I knew I would just be finishing The Odyssey and would need something a little lighter. Per recommendation, I am starting with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The Magician's Nephew and The Horse and His Boy will be read after the other five.
I read most of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in one sitting and I really enjoyed it. The writing is simple and straight forward, but the story is fantastic. I love the dynamic between the children, and I love how the narrator speaks directly to the reader. Even the minor characters are wonderful. I can see how children love being pulled into this magical world.
I know some are bothered by the parallels of Christian theology, but they aren't overpowering. If you aren't a Christian, I don't think it is distracting at all. It's simply a story of good versus evil as well as a story of love and forgiveness in a magical world.
I'm trying to get my eight-year old to read it. I think he would love it if he gave it a try. Maybe I'll just have to read it aloud until he gets hooked. That worked for Harry Potter! Off to read Prince Caspian.
The Chronicles of Narnia are my most favorite books ever ever! I received the set for my 9th birthday and have been in love ever since. I've read it through so many times that I've lost count. I always love to hear about someone else enjoying them. I hope you manage to hook your son! :)
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the recent movies of the first two books? I think they've done a great job with them and I'm eagerly awaiting Dawn Treader (eleven more days until it comes out here!)
I think the Christian allegory is a bit stronger than that, but I agree that it's never self-conscious about being such.
ReplyDeleteKathy--I haven't seen the first two movies. How embarrassing is that? Now that I've read them, I'm excited to go find some copies so I can watch them. My son said he'll read it if he can watch the movie first. We'll see if that works.
ReplyDeleteClare--You're probably right, for someone familiar with Christian theology it's probably pretty hard to miss. I do appreciate that although the allegory is there, it doesn't come off as a religious book.
I read the entire series when I was younger and had NO CLUE at all the Christian stuff until my dad told me afterwards. It was neat to go back and think about it then. I plan on reading these with my son when he gets older and I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteJenners--I bet your son would love it. The Christian stuff is obvious to me as an adult, but I think if I read it as a child I wouldn't have noticed it either. I like that there is another layer to it, but it doesn't feel preachy, just uplifting.
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