Classic and yet not cliche
Written: May 27 '01 (Updated May 28 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Exciting and thought provoking
Cons: It's classified as 'children's' so adults might snub it. They shouldn't.
The Bottom Line: Read it, and let yourself enjoy it. It's very enjoyable.
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| sweet-indigo's Full Review: C. S. Lewis and Michael Shepherd - The Lion, the W... |
I read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe quite late, relatively speaking, probably because I'd already seen the movie and knew the story. It's the story of four children's adventure in a wintry world through a wardrobe in an old house.
I love this book for many reasons. Firstly, just because of the sheer imagination used. The idea of having tea inside a wardrobe and coming back in no time at all. The Lion Aslan, whom I adored when I was little so much that when we had to write letters 'to fairy tale characters', I wrote to him. The evil White Witch. The plot is clever and moving. Although many of the creatures of Narnia are from Greek mythology, you DO NOT get the feeling that C. S. Lewis is rehashing old stuff - he gives them new and magical significance.
Secondly, the characters. This is in some sense the 'classic' adventure story, on a par with Blyton; four children on a mission. And in the same way, it's a mythical quest for the restoration of good. The characters meet up to the demands of both in every way. The other thing being, they aren't 'static', meaning that they don't fit one role and one personality trait throughout the whole of the book. Even Aslan isn't confined to being seen only as the noble and powerful king. We see him too as playful, sad, and even... well, that would give the plot away.
Thirdly, it's inspiring. C.S. Lewis gently examines friendship, forgiveness, trust, and loyalty. You don't have the morals bashed over your head, but you're allowed to feel comfortable and yet challenged with the characters. You know they have failings but they also have strengths you can admire.
It's probably the best book to start with - The Magician's Nephew is first in the timeline, but benefits from being approached with prior knowledge of Narnia.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sweet-indigo
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Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 1 member
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