The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Series: Chronicles of Narnia #1
Genre: Classic, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 189
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: The Magician's Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle

My Thoughts

I’ve known the story of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE since I was young. I’ve always liked the story and I really enjoyed actually reading it. I’ve always thought the ending was kind of abrupt. One moment the Pevensies are in Narnia, the next moment they’re not and the story’s over. I’ve always thought the abruptness might be a symptom of the adaptation not being able to fit more of the story into the required amount of time. However, as I read the book, I realized how faithful it was to the book. I guess my only complaint about this story is that the ending’s way too abrupt. It didn’t feel like there was much closure to the story.

My two favorite characters were Lucy and Aslan. I think it’s obvious why Aslan’s one of them. Lucy’s one of them because I relate to her the most. She and I are both the youngest in our families, seen as small (her in stature, me in manner) but fierce, wear our hearts on our sleeves, think of others, and are especially fond of animals.

I’m quite happy that I’ve actually taken the time to read (or start reading) the series. I’m probably the only person that didn’t read the books as a child. 

2022 Reread

During this read, certain parts of the allegory made more of an impact on me. Of course I understood Aslan’s sacrifice the first time I read THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. This time, I noticed the wording surrounding the Deep Magic regarding Edmund’s treachery. Lewis termed the Deep Magic as “law” and when the White Witch and Aslan discussed what to do about Edmund, the White Witch said the law stated that anyone treacherous belonged to her. It immediately brought to mind an image of Satan and Christ bargaining over a wayward soul.

I’m also much more well-read this time around and I noticed that Lilith, Adam’s first wife in Jewish lore, was mentioned as part of the White Witch’s heritage. I actually really like the Lilith lore and I love reading stories that include her in them.

My rating has changed from 3 stars to 3.5 stars after this reread.