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renewed_reader's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I knew I was going to like this book but I didn’t think I would love it. The writing of Narnia’s origins is beautiful. Diggory’s journey in Narnia is meaningful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. Would definitely recommend this book to others. ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Chronic illness, Slavery, and War
pacifickat's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
About as good as I remembered it from childhood (not ever my favorite in the series, but ok).
There were definitely details I appreciated as an adult about Lewis' storytelling that my younger self didn't notice (ex. the children's age-appropriate struggle to do a math sum, the cartoonish self-centeredness of the uncle, the relationship of Strawberry the horse and his cabby, the maid who is having a simply wonderful day of watching the drama unfold, etc.).
I did find the theology a little confusing when applied to children, especially the idea that Aslan would send children on a mission but not tell them what is at stake (eternal unhappiness) if they don't do exactly as they're told. I don't like dire consequences as a punishment for minor infractions committed by children, especially a child who's disobedience would be driven by wanting to heal a dying mother. It's a little too tight of an analogy to the biblical Genesis Creation and Fall narrative, and I wish the connection had been a bit less literal, and a bit less moralistic and fear-inducing for children.
I do think the final warning from Aslan, that great evil committed by power-hungry and uncaring national leaders might cause a literal end to this world is a bit out of place in a children's story. However, I don't think I picked up on that as a kid. I do think the advent of nuclear weapons weighted heavily on Lewis and his contemporaries though, and it is interesting to see that message come through in this story.
I do love the ending that Lewis gave Polly in particular.
There were definitely details I appreciated as an adult about Lewis' storytelling that my younger self didn't notice (ex. the children's age-appropriate struggle to do a math sum, the cartoonish self-centeredness of the uncle, the relationship of Strawberry the horse and his cabby, the maid who is having a simply wonderful day of watching the drama unfold, etc.).
I did find the theology a little confusing when applied to children, especially the idea that Aslan would send children on a mission but not tell them what is at stake (eternal unhappiness) if they don't do exactly as they're told. I don't like dire consequences as a punishment for minor infractions committed by children, especially a child who's disobedience would be driven by wanting to heal a dying mother. It's a little too tight of an analogy to the biblical Genesis Creation and Fall narrative, and I wish the connection had been a bit less literal, and a bit less moralistic and fear-inducing for children.
I do think the final warning from Aslan, that great evil committed by power-hungry and uncaring national leaders might cause a literal end to this world is a bit out of place in a children's story. However, I don't think I picked up on that as a kid. I do think the advent of nuclear weapons weighted heavily on Lewis and his contemporaries though, and it is interesting to see that message come through in this story.
I do love the ending that Lewis gave Polly in particular.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, and Kidnapping
Minor: Grief and Abandonment
orangeowl55's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love this book!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide and Sexism
Minor: Chronic illness and Alcohol
goobergio's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Alcohol
lucyrudd's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
thegr1mreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Terminal illness
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Genocide, Misogyny, Slavery, and War
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Genocide, Slavery, and Alcohol
librarymouse's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I'm mad at how much I like this book! It's a genuinely very enjoyable read! Reading this in association with Paradise Lost created a reading experience full of fun easter eggs.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Grief, and Alcohol
gandalf_a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, and Alcohol
lizziaha's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
can always count on clive to plagiarize the bible
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Chronic illness and Alcohol
eule's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Short, easy and lovable book that is the literary definition of escaping into another world. I‘ve watched the movies beforehand which started pretty pleasantly but became kinda dull in the end (the third one with the ship). On the contrary, I am pleasantly surprised by the prelude of this series. This book was especially helpful to understand the world building and cute little details like the lantern and the wardrobe. Furthermore, I adore the little drawings inside to illustrate the story. All in all, this book is simply written for it’s a children’s book/series (it lacks some kind of character and plot depth), yet highly enjoyable. I am looking forward to read the following books and again escape into this magical world called Narnia.
Ps: thank you to my lovely friend Paula for lending me her boxed set of the Chronicles of Narnia <3
Ps: thank you to my lovely friend Paula for lending me her boxed set of the Chronicles of Narnia <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Medical content, Grief, and Alcohol