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A review by lalalily17
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
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
1.5
I was really liking this book for the first bit, but then it all came crashing down. First off, the racism. I tried to deal with it in the Horse and His Boy but in this book it's just too much. It's sickening how often the Narnians, who are supposed to be the good guys, are described as fair haired and skinned, while the Calormens are literally called "Darkies" by the Dwarves and no one stops them. The Calormens use slavery and follow this terrible god, while the white people, sorry, the Narnians, are the victims. The whole concept hurts my soul.
Also, what the heck was that bit about Susan?! I'm soooo pissed the Lewis just threw her away, saying she's more interesting in fashion and boys. He did her wrong and I will die on this hill.
I did however, really enjoy Jill and Lucy through this all. They are brave strong young woman but are also wonderfully tender hearted. I loved when Tiran said that they were right the weep over the last battle and the dwarves and that he too was crying. He was always very emotional and respectful of woman.
I also loved the whole bit with Emeth. I am a Christian myself and I've always struggled with believing that God would not save ALL people, whether they know of God or not. It made me very happy when Aslan told Emeth that even though he had spent his whole life following an evil god, he was still welcome in Narnia (heaven) because he was a good person. That's how I believe God feels toward non Christians who try to be good, honest people.
So, clearly I have a lot of problems with this book and the whole Narnia vs Calormen, white vs black, but no ones perfect, not even a great writer like C. S. Lewis. I don't hold it against him. He was living in a different time. I think people should still read these books. My only hope is that they see there flaws and understand that some of it is racist.
Also, what the heck was that bit about Susan?! I'm soooo pissed the Lewis just threw her away, saying she's more interesting in fashion and boys. He did her wrong and I will die on this hill.
I did however, really enjoy Jill and Lucy through this all. They are brave strong young woman but are also wonderfully tender hearted. I loved when Tiran said that they were right the weep over the last battle and the dwarves and that he too was crying. He was always very emotional and respectful of woman.
I also loved the whole bit with Emeth. I am a Christian myself and I've always struggled with believing that God would not save ALL people, whether they know of God or not. It made me very happy when Aslan told Emeth that even though he had spent his whole life following an evil god, he was still welcome in Narnia (heaven) because he was a good person. That's how I believe God feels toward non Christians who try to be good, honest people.
So, clearly I have a lot of problems with this book and the whole Narnia vs Calormen, white vs black, but no ones perfect, not even a great writer like C. S. Lewis. I don't hold it against him. He was living in a different time. I think people should still read these books. My only hope is that they see there flaws and understand that some of it is racist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery