Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Horse and His Boy

On the most basic plot level, this has always been one of my favorite Narnia stories since I was a child. I like (again, on a basic level) how it expands the world of Narnia, how it introduces us to types of people and places we don't get to see in the rest of the Chronicles, and the theological elements of justice, mercy, and God's presence throughout the book.

Rereading it as an adult, however, I can't forgive how extraordinarily racist this book is even by 1954 standards. The first half takes place entirely in Calormen-- Lewis's Middle Eastern-coded country and heavily saturated in the West's legacy of orientalism and imperialism--and frankly it made the first 120 pages almost impossible to read. The fact that I reread it directly after White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad probably has something to do with it.

Once the narrative departs from Calormen the plot begins to pick up and the racist undertones begin to die down (though unfortunately replaced by sexist ones). The last few chapters make for a legitimately fun read. I've rated this book 3.57 stars as a "proceed with caution." This is Narnia at its best and its worst.

Content Warnings

lalalily17's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I used to love this book but now I see it is really racist. The main character, Shasta, is a white slave in a land of black people who are described as horrible, cruel, and greedy. He only finds happiness when he goes back the land full of white people. I was cringing through most of it. Also, I couldn't stand the myogenetic descriptions of all the female characters. I realize this book was written by a white man in the 1950's, but man, it doesn't whole up well now.

Content Warnings

_mims_'s review against another edition

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adventurous relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

Content Warnings

readandfindout's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

2.25

Style/writing: 3.5 stars
Themes: 1 star
Characters: 2 stars
Plot: 2 stars
Worldbuilding: 3 stars

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