Reader thoughts: An escape in the night, an abandoned castle, ancient ruins, a thwarted murder, a near-drowning, a werewolf, and a final duel. This book sounds like horror, but it's not. Part of that is probably because most of it is told through the story of a dwarf.
I love the bear sucking his paw. I love Reepicheep and his tail. I love the teacher drawn into the dancing and singing parade. I love that Edmund forgets his flashlight. I love that the dwarf has to run to Aslan. I love that the Telmarines were descendants of pirates.
Caspian says, "I was wishing that I came of a more honourable lineage."
Aslan replies, "You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve. And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content."
Writer thoughts: Why is it that some books can be read over and over without exhaustion, and some books need only be read once? Is it the reader's preference, or is it something the writer has done to the writing or story?
I suspect it is both. In the case of the Narnia books, I daresay the credit belongs to Lewis. His characters are real and complex, and his writing style is simple. I mean that it doesn't try to make the reader guess what's happening or why. It doesn't try to use fancy wording or strange metaphors with lots of purple prose.
What are some other things Lewis does that make his books timeless?
Happy endings. Clear good and evil. Problems relatable to our world. The frankness of the dialogue (on-the-nose dialogue is usually a bad idea, but his works well).
The number one factor, though, is probably nostalgia. So many people have read these as young kids and remember them from that. (This can't be the only aspect because there are plenty of children's books that aren't worth reading over and over and over.)
Without Lewis's books, I would argue that a book needs subtlety and layers in order to be enjoyed again. I would have said a book needs to hide a few discoveries in its folds so that readers can find them the second time through (like foreshadowings). However, Lewis shows that's not strictly necessary.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry" |
—
| $42.78 | $32.96 |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, CD
"Please retry" | $11.99 | $10.00 |
|
Sheet music
"Please retry" | $50.89 | — |
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
The Blackeys
Another lovely story in the richness of Narnia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2020RR Waller
Prince Caspian - unabridged audiobook
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2011Gregory Justice
Welcome return of the siblings adventures
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2018
