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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
goobergio's review against another edition
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
abby_can_read's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
🎧
Like the others in the series, I did enjoy this book. It was cute and engaging. Lewis has a captivating writing style.
Like the others in the series, I did enjoy this book. It was cute and engaging. Lewis has a captivating writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Genocide, Xenophobia, Alcohol, and War
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
cubbykay's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
4.5
I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and I enjoyed it once again this second time. It's easily in the top three of the series. I love the friendship between the kids, their bond is beautifully written. While I'm often annoyed at prequels that give backstories to things that don't need them, I found the references to the future events exciting. I find the cast of characters loveable, even when they're deplorable. I enjoy the chaotic mess they all get into.
But also, let's not forget that in the first paragraph Lewis made Sherlock Holmes cannon in the same universe. And the portal world keeps the door open for an infinite amount of universe crossover. So I really get a kick out of imagining that Lewis would be a SuperWhoLock fanboy in another life.
Note for Audiobook version, Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job. I loved his voices and he sucked me into the world building.
But also, let's not forget that in the first paragraph Lewis made Sherlock Holmes cannon in the same universe. And the portal world keeps the door open for an infinite amount of universe crossover. So I really get a kick out of imagining that Lewis would be a SuperWhoLock fanboy in another life.
Note for Audiobook version, Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job. I loved his voices and he sucked me into the world building.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Terminal illness
Minor: Animal cruelty
rangerwing75's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’ve been wanting to read the Chronicles of Narnia for a long time, and was very excited when I finally managed to get a boxset. The Magician’s Nephew is a book I will never call a favourite, but it was charming and an alright prequel to set up The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Sexism, and Gaslighting
emmonsannae's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
This is my first reread of the Chronicles of Narnia since 6th grade. They're so much more wonderful now! It's an excellent story (and of course it's brilliantly written), but what I enjoy most is how much this book has made me think about God. Not because Lewis is on level with Scripture, but he understood God's character and God's world so well. Reading this book caused me to think more about Scripture and delight more in the character of Jesus. Win!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Genocide, and Alcohol
soph22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Violence, and Grief
lilyane's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Minor: Genocide, Terminal illness, and Alcohol