Customer Reviews

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Chronicles of Narnia (HarperCollins Paperback))

5 star:		(543)
4 star:		(136)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

In my humble opinion, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE is the finest children's story of the past century. The story contains both enormously imaginative touches combined with childlike simplicity, and the solid yet uncomplex prose belies a story of great sophistication. It also is a story intended for children, yet so respectful of their intelligence that adults can read it with equal appreciation.

There should be absolutely no controversy about where this novel should come in the seven-novel sequence that comprises The Chronicle of Narnia: it is the first, and it is required to be the first both by the quality of the novel and by the way it fits into the overall structure of the series. Shifting it from the first spot in the series to the second is quite possibly the worst publishing decision of which I am aware. The justification for the change is exceedingly weak. A child wrote Lewis saying that in their opinion the series should be read beginning with THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW, which tells, among other things, of the creation of Narnia. Therefore, they felt that THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW should be the first and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE second, with a subsequent reordering of the other books to reflect the chronology of Narnia instead of the kids that discover Narnia. Lewis replied that he agreed, and this agreement is used as the excuse to reorder the books. I have two huge problems with this. First, my guess is that Lewis was, as a wise adult will often do, affirming the child rather than stating his conviction that the books should be reordered. Second, even if Lewis did think the books should be reordered, it is not clear that he actually would have authorized it actually being done, nor that he would have resisted the efforts of any decent publisher to point out to him that reordering was a dreadful idea. Why? Because what is so magical about the original ordering of the series is that it focuses on the extremely subjective experience of the discovery of Narnia by children. The original order maintains a chronology based on its exploration and discovery by children and in reading the books that is going to be the concern of any child or childlike adult in reading the story. Who cares about the narrative from the standpoint of Narnia when the far greater concern is the narrative from the standpoint of children? A lesser but still pertinent criticism of the reordering is that it places one of the weakest novels in the sequence in the first position. When I first read the series, THE MAGICIAN'S NEWPHEW was, along with THE SILVER CHAIR and A HORSE AND HIS BOY, the weakest stories in the sequence. Why put your worst foot forward? The Narnia books are about to be made into a series of feature films by the Disney studios, and they have quite correctly decided to film the books in the original and correct order.

As noted initially, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE is a nearly perfect story. The manner in which the children first discover Narnia, by entering it through the back of an ordinary wardrobe, is the most exciting entrance into a magical land at least since THE WIZARD OF OZ and probably ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. What they discover is a land under the worst of all possible curses: it is always winter, but never gets to be Christmas. The land is temporarily ruled by a beautiful but evil witch who entices children with Turkish Delight. As literature it is all so delightfully perfect, and one marvels that an enormously literate Oxford don could have written it, though perhaps not so surprising when remembering that another Oxford professor, the mathematician and logician Rev. Charles L. Dodgson, wrote ALICE IN WONDERLAND under the pseudonym of Lewis Carroll.

Of course, Narnia isn't really ruled by the witch, but by a magnificent, enormous lion by the name of Aslan, who, as we are often reminded, is not a tame lion. Anyone reading Narnia will instant recognize a host of parallels between Aslan and Jesus, known as the Lion of Judah, but Lewis cautioned that no one should imagine Aslan a mere Christ figure: he is Lewis's conception of what Christ would have been like had he been incarnated into a magical land called Narnia as a great lion. During the course of the book Lewis retells the story of the death and resurrection of Christ through the character of Aslan, yet he ever gets to the point of preaching or dogmatism. A very close friend of mine, raised Jewish, was aware of the Christ overtones of the story, yet still declared that it was her favorite book as a child.

This is also one of the books with the largest potential audience of which I know. I first read and loved it in college, but elementary school children can delight in reading it, and even younger children can love having it read to them. And it would take a pretty somber and sober adult to not be seduced by its beautiful simplicity. Absolutely no one should deny themselves the joys of exploring Narnia, but make sure you start your tour with this book and not another.

HarperAudio has produced a exciting, unabridged, audio recording of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," featuring the well-known British actor, Michael York, (who played John the Baptist in Zefirrelli's outstanding film "Jesus of Nazareth").

Our family recently listened to the CD recordings while on a car trip. York brings each character to life with his vocal inflections, his use of dynamics (loud and soft voicings) and best of all, his mastery of various accents--British, Irish and Scottish--given to the different characters. Here each "person" has a vivid personality, and the listener can easily picture them in his or her mind.

We've enjoyed the Focus on the Family dramatization, as well as the BBC version, in the past, but I'd prefer to hear the unabridged text of this C.S. Lewis classic fantasy, with its spiritual and allegorical undertones. We've read this story aloud several times in our family over the years, but I believe that, from now on, we'll let Michael York read it to us. This is a pure delight (not like the "Turkish Delight" that Edmund ate)!

This is either the first (published) book in the Narnia series, or the second (chronologically), but order is not important when reading this excellent book.

This is an Alice in Wonderland / Through the Looking Glass type of fairy tale adventure story for all ages, as told by a favorite Sunday school teacher with a strict biblical syllabus.

Four children find an unusual way into Narnia, now under the witch's icy spell, and their experiences pave the way for the future of this magical country.

"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bears his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."

Chock full of mythical creatures and talking animals, the story progresses at an exciting gallop. Even Father Christmas puts in an appearance with some very useful gifts for our heroes.

The Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve experience compassion, bravery, generosity, greed and betrayal, sacrifice, martyrdom, suffering and redemption on their way to maturity before ascending to their rightful places in Narnian history.

The ressurection and later miracles by the great and powerful King Aslan, the significance of the stone table and the great battle between good and evil are powerful symbols of faith.

Read it first,read it last, but certainly read this book.

Amanda Richards August 2, 2004

C.S. Lewis pioneered a new kind of fantasy when he wrote "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" -- the kind where people from our world somehow get swept into another one. It's old stuff now, but Lewis was among the first to attempt such a thing. Because of its originality, and despite some rather hamhanded allegory, it remains a charmingly written, classic story.

To avoid the threat of bombings in London, the four Pevensie kids are sent to stay with a wealthy, eccentric professor in the country. But strange things start to happen when Lucy finds a wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek -- when she climbs in, she finds a snowy woodland and a friendly faun. Her siblings don't believe her... until peevish Edmund also ventures through, and encounters the beautiful but evil White Witch.

Soon all four are wandering through the snowy land of Narnia, encountering mythical creatures and talking animals. They also find that the four of them are at the center of a prophecy that will lead to the return of lion-messiah Aslan, and the downfall of the White Witch. But things don't go according to plan when Edmund defects to the Witch's side...

How many fantasy stories are written about kids who crawl through a hedge, wander through a door or pick up a magical object, and immediately are swept off into a medieval land? Lots. And they owe a debt of gratitude to C.S. Lewis, theologian, author, and drinking buddy of "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien.

C.S. Lewis' story is, despite being set during World War II, very 19th-century in tone -- very charming, conversational and full of little details. He populates it with a mishmash of mythic creatures such as dryads, fauns, and talking beavers. The one flaw? Lewis gets quite hamhanded with his Christian allegory, such as Aslan's resurrection. However, he has a very good plot and charming characters to balance it out.

Those characters deftly avoid being cutesy, especially by virtue of the malicious Edmund, who slowly has a change of heart after falling in with the evil Witch. He's a much more enjoyable character than his noble brother Peter, just because he's so real. And as a counterbalance, there's Lewis's sweet-natured Lucy -- which was also the name of Lewis' granddaughter.

Complex characters and still-fresh stories give "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" -- which is soon to be released as a major movie -- a special ambience. Definitely worth reading.

The first book in the famous allegorical Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series for children. Four English school children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) visit an old Professor to avoid the air raids in London during World War II. They discover an "entrance" to a world of fantasy through a wardrobe. It is a world that will change them forever. They assist the golden lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch who has cursed Narnia with eternal winter: the classic conflict of good vs. evil. This is the first in the Chronicles to be published. However, "The Magician's Nephew" relates events that take place before the events in this book and many, including the publisher, suggest that individuals read that book first. I disagree. I think the series flows much better when read in the order of their publication. As one reads the series, particularly with the last volume, one become more attuned to the spiritual aspects of the tales. And in responce to muchadoaboutlisa from Australia (of May 6, 1999), as we can tell from the last volume, Narnia does exist.

"...a book worth reading ONLY in childhood is not worth reading even then." ~C.S. Lewis


One of the best things about "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is that it has an inspiring and thought-provoking quality that appeals to children and adults equally. Various undertones of the story keep on dazzling and blossoming in reader's mind with every page they read, with every time they re-read this book.

Through Narnia-world the great battle between good and evil is shown as a part of maturing any child into adulthood, into a worthy person. The characters of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are complex and flawed, which makes them only more realistic. The allegorical Christian values bring a special meaning to the story, giving it a true fairy-tale flavor.

This story is as powerful and moving as it is charming. Giving away the plot of the book is spoiling the pleasure of reading. And this book is definitely worth reading.


Julia Shpak
Author of "Power of Plentiful Wisdom". Available on Amazon.

"A Story for Children," that's what it says right on the title page; however, this story can be read by more than just kids. Although simple, this story can be enjoyed by those of us who, though aged in years, are still young at heart. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a book for both children and adults because of its childlike simplicity, its imaginative setting, its fabulous story line, and its rich symbolism.

Simplicity:

C.S. Lewis made his book simple, which is essential in a children's book and also appeals to adults. His style reflects this emphasis on children. By using shorter words he keeps the novel at a child's reading level. Also, the plot unfolds in a straightforward manner. The reader knows what is happening at each point in the story. The simplicity characteristic of this novel works well for adults, too. It makes the novel feel honest and real.

This simplicity carries over into what the characters experience in the story. The characters in the novel deal with simple problems. Edmund is a prime example of this: he follows Lucy into the wardrobe and finds Narnia. However, when Edmund and Lucy exit the wardrobe and are questioned by Peter and Susan, Edmund decides "to let Lucy down" rather than admit she was right (41). Lying is something youngsters can understand; it is probably something they have had to deal with themselves. These problems, although simple, are still things that adults are involved with, too. They are universal.

C.S. Lewis also describes things in interesting and easy to understand ways. As an example, lets look at how he takes the feelings of each child as they hear the name Aslan and makes them seem tangible:

At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in his inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delicious strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer. (64-65)

Note here how Lewis uses simple concepts to explain something more complex. He is trying to show that the name Aslan elicits either really good or really bad feelings. Therefore, he uses things like bravery or a "delicious smell", which we can understand, to help us visualize these really good and really bad feelings. The reader can feel what the characters feel because the reader knows what waking up on the first day of summer feels like or what it is like to feel "brave and adventurous". Lewis' descriptions are colorful and make things easy to understand.

Setting:

The setting helps to set the mood of the story, and in this narrative the setting is one filled with majesty and adventure. The story starts off with the children coming to live at a house that "you never seem to come to the end of" (4). An excellent place to play games and explore. There are suits of armor, rooms full of pictures, and books "bigger than a Bible in a church" (5). This is a house where even the most ordinary looking wardrobe leads to a whole other world. Both children and adults can understand the excitement of living in a place that has such limitless possibilities.

Narnia itself sets the stage for a magnificent story. As Peter looks out upon Narnia from a hilltop he sees "forests and hills and valleys" and a river "winding away like a silver snake". Far away on a hill he sees a castle, sparkling in the sunlight, that "looked like a giant star resting on the seashore" (125-126). However, despite its grandeur, it is a tormented world, a world where it is always winter, but never Christmas. It is a world, much like the children's native London, that is overshadowed by evil and needs help. Overall, the setting is an integral part of what endears readers to this story. It is like the props used in a play; better props help to pull the audience into the play. That is what the setting in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe does. It does not matter if the reader is five or fifty-five, the colorful setting still enchants them.

Storyline:

The story itself also speaks to the reader. It contains classic themes that make the story universally appealing. It has the timeless theme of conflict between good and evil, with Aslan on one side and the White Witch on the other. It contains heroes, which are the four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) who battle the evil White Witch. It contains the adventure of exploring a new world. No matter how old the reader is, this story can still appeal to them because of the classic storyline it contains.

Young and old alike connect with this story because they see it as the way they would want their life to be. They get caught up in the story and seem to experience what the children experience. Lets examine this thought for just a moment. When Lucy is in Mr. Tumnus' home she sees books on the shelves with titles such as "Men, Monks and Gamekepers; a Study in Popular Legend" and "Is Man a Myth?" (12). Animals wrote entire books about these children. When the children meet Mrs. Beaver she greats them by saying, "At last! To think that ever I should live to see this day!" (68). Here is someone who has been looking forward to the children's coming for most of her life. Indeed, everyone knows them; they are like celebrities. The animals even have old rhymes about them. They are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, destined to overthrow the evil Witch and reign in Cair Paravel. As a reader gets into the story, they start to imagine themselves as someone significant. The idea that there is a real battle between good and evil and that each of us have an important role to play is inspiring. This is one of the great things about fantasy. The storyline can be a medium for uplifting ideas. Although The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is fictional, through the storyline both children and adults can come to know that they, like the children in the novel, are important and can change the world.

Symbolism:

The narrative gains added depth and meaning as a result of the Christian symbolism woven into the tale. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is entertaining and imaginative, but it also has a message the reader can take away from it. The largest symbol in the book is Aslan, who symbolizes Christ. Aslan steps in and takes the punishment Edmund, who is a traitor and deserves to die. In the tales of Aslan we see the story of Christ. When the White Witch takes his life on the stone table it is a symbol of his death on the cross. Then, just as Mary and Mary Magdalene were the first ones at the tomb after the resurrection, so too were Susan and Lucy the first ones to see the resurrected Aslan. He is described in the story as "the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea" (75). This is in reference to the way that Christ was the Son of God. Another symbol in the book is the Turkish Delight, which is a symbol for temptation. This Turkish Delight is not ordinary either. It is described as so addicting that once they had started eating it they would "go on eating it till they killed themselves" (33). This Turkish Delight is just like sin, once someone starts eating it is hard for them to stop. Other symbols besides these can also be found in the story. The symbolism in this novel directs the reader's thoughts towards Christ.

The story also contains many simple axioms for life for the reader to enjoy. One occurs when Lucy sees Father Christmas. "Lucy felt running through her that deep shiver of gladness which you only get if you are being solemn and still" (103). This quick sentence highlights the importance of living reverently. Two more instances deal with Peter and his sword. When Father Christmas gives them to Peter he emphasizes the fact that "they are tools not toys" (104). Later, Aslan says, "whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword" (129). From these it can be inferred that killing should not be done lightly; only in times of great need should Peter use the gifts he has been given. These sayings stick with a reader long after the book is returned to its shelf.

The simplicity, the setting, the story line, and the symbolism make The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe a good read for all ages. On the dedicatory page C.S. Lewis writes a little note to Lucy Barfield, his goddaughter to whom he dedicated the book. He explains that he wrote the book for Lucy, but by the time it was finished Lucy was already grown up. So he goes on to tell Lucy that "some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." Indeed, this book can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

The Chronicles of Narnia remain favorites for me, well into my 4th decade. But I have to ask: When did the publisher resequence them? I can see that they are now in chronological order, but I find the original sequence more logical and compelling as a story.

The original was 1. Lion, 2. Caspian, 3. Dawn Treader, 4. Silver Chair, 5. Horse/Boy, 6. Magician's Nephew, and 7. Last Battle.

This puts the creation of Narnia within the context of the storyline. I can remember the epiphany of The Magician's Nephew the first time I read it in grade school. I felt like I was uncovering hidden secrets. I don't think it would stand alone as well.

So, if you're planning to introduce these to your kids (and I hope you do!) consider the original sequence - I think you and your children will enjoy it more.

Unlike most of the rest of the world, I never read this series as a kid. With the movie coming out, I thought I would take a look as an adult. While the story is nice and there are some fantasy elements that would be appealing to kids, it seems odd to me to compare this book to epics like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, principally because there is just not much there. The story is short and simple, the battles barely rate a couple of sentences of description, there is a bit of repetition, and the characters are fairly simply drawn. Don't get me wrong: I have no problem with the allegorical message or the story for what it is, but is is more akin to A Wrinkle in Time in terms of depth and detail than it is to Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Thus, it is more likely to be appealing to younger kids than to those able to tackle more extensive and more complex reading material. YA readers who like Narnia might also like Jean Rabe's The Finest Creation.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first of the seven Chronicles of Narnia by unequaled English author C.S. Lewis. These books are able to accomplish something that few other books in all of literature have been able to achieve. They are able to be at once great and entertaining literature as well as insightful and profound theology. They are fun and inspiring. Tolkien, Lewis's model McDonald, and a few others achieve some variation of it, but none quite like Lewis.

The story unfolds with the four Pevensie children being sent to live with an eccentric old professor in the country, in order to be out of London during the bombing. The house turns out to be as interesting as the professor, and soon the kids find their way to an alternate world where some of the animals can talk and fairy-tales come to life. Not just the fun characters, either, but witches as well, in fact one has the land of Narnia under a spell where it's "always winter but never Christmas". The kids become the focal point for a classic good versus evil struggle, but with heavy though never pedantic theological lessons. And the king of Narnia, the lion who is the son of the Emperor-over-the-Sea, is just fantastic. Highly, highly recommended for kids and adults.