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Average rating4
my childhood and wanting to dream and write probably started here. A gorgeous story that I have read many times as a child and now as a father myself, I have read this with my children. Rich story, deep in parts with characters to match, blends itself into a ‘fairy-tale' like story that runs beyond the norm, keeping you warm and cosy. A greet feeling, a fantastic read for all ages.
I decided to pick up the Chronicles of Narnia in a beautiful illustrated edition, which inspired a re-read to complete the series. I'd definitely read a couple of the stories, but I'm not sure I ever finished it.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a solid story, but while it's enjoyable I didn't find it to be particularly memorable. I think that's probably due to how familiar I find this story; it's so famous and I liked the adaptions so much that the book really couldn't have held up. I'm looking forward to seeing how the other books that I don't know much about stack up.
I read this in December 2021 for the zillionth time to join in Calmgrove's Narniathon (one book per month, in publication order). Thoughts to be posted on my blog shortly.
This was an extremely fun read. It feels like I've just jumped into Narnia with Susan, Lucy, Edmund and Peter. It feels very nostalgic, though this is my first read. There's a cosy, homely feeling to it, and I really adore this book! I was quite sad when Aslan supposedly died, but he came back to life. Typical of him.
Children's book. I lowered my expectations, forced my way to the end. It is very short at least.
No deep plot or characters, a very basic and simple tale.
Growing up culturally insulated to the wonders of the world, I missed this tale and many other giants of literature.
I now understand where so many fantasy references and tropes originated. It was a pleasant read featuring delightful prose.
I did raise my eyebrow a few times, especially during the constant association of physiological characteristics to the quality of character. However, I expected this considering the socio-cultural context. I did take slight umbrage at those notions, but after all, most of those tropes are still prevalent today.
All and all, it is a book I highly recommend anybody interested in fantasy to read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Even if you don't like it, this book will significantly deepen your understanding of the genre.
I think I am just used to fantasy novels having a lot of world building and a great deal of conflict that reading this fast paced, short and sweet fantasy story was just taboo. Even if it is one of the original fantasy books.
It's amazing to me how a story I remember as being so vivid and complex is actually very compact. This may be the beauty of C.S. Lewis, how he sparks the imagination to fill in a lot of the story, or it may just be the memories from childhood as well as the movies making me think this book is more epic than it was as an adult. Still a great one, with a lot to take away – just not as engrossing as I remember.
This has been a series that I've wanted to read since forever because it's a classic, but I've never read it. It is definitely written for children, and is very fast paced in a childish manner, but I don't mind it. The plot is simple, with no twist that I couldn't see coming, but it was still an enjoyable read. It was nice, especially after reading a really intense fantasy book to read a more toned down one. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. Everything about this book was basic and simple, but that is what I was expecting, so I was glad to read it.
Follow Susan, Peter, Edmund and Lucy as they travel into the land of Narnia, and join with Aslan to fight against the Wicked Witch.
While they begin their journey, they are betrayed by Edmund, who only has thoughts of the treats and honors that the witch promised him if he would bring his siblings to her home. But as they learn more about Narnia and the prophesy which told of their coming, they are unsure as to what they will find. As they meet with Aslan and finally get their brother back, there is more brewing than just the witch not getting her way.
Will the four siblings be able to fulfill the prophesy and save the land of Narnia, or will it forever remain under the witch's spell?
What a great read! I loved this book and the many adventures that they went on, as well as the professor who believed every bit of their story. This is a great read for kids!
I've started this story more than once, but this is my first time making it through. A neat tale. I love the dedication.
I consider The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe to be an “essential children's classic”. This is a book that is directed at children, but has a message that everyone can take from it. When curious Lucy Pevensie stumbles upon an old wardrobe, she is transported to the magical land of Narnia, where she meets fantastical creatures and learns of the terrible White Witch, who has cursed the land into an indefinite winter. With the help of her brothers and sisters, she is able to find Aslan, the great Lion who has come back to rightfully take his place as Lord of Narnia. The book is directed at children, but I think that they may have trouble with it in some parts. The language is very old-fashioned and they may not be able to follow along very well. Along with that, the book is very slow in some place. They may feel like skipping some parts because of that. But the adventure is real and the messages are important as well: don't let pride get the best of you, selfishness is never an admirable trait, and love always wins against hatred and evil.
I reread this book with my nephew, which was a fun experience all around. He loved it and I got to go on a nostalgic trip. I absolutely adored this book and this series as a child, but I haven't reread them since until now.
I definitely saw more of the flaws this time. It feels like a first novel in a lot of ways, and the plot overshadows the characters. Sometimes that may not be a flaw, but personally, I lean toward character driven books more than plot driven books.
There were also some lines that were rather sexist, which interestingly doesn't show up in the later books I've reread. The female characters greatly improve after this book.
Still, all that in mind, it was a wonderful children's novel and such a beautiful world of fiction.
A nice easy read, brought back a lot of childhood memories from reading it when I was a kid.
Loved this book as a kiddo, loved reading it with my kiddo. Can't wait to continue on in the series.
Idk, having reread it in adulthood, the story is weaker than other young adult fantasies I've read.
The children are a bit two dimensional, especially the girls being prized mainly for their beauty and gentleness. They are also not allowed to participate in the battle, etc.
There are other stories that tell fantasies for children better.
The story of Aslan is moving, as is the story of Jesus Christ...but come on...
Four random British children walk into a new world and suddenly they have divine right to be rulers of it? As dictated by Aslan( and by extension, God?)
Glorification of White saviors, violent colonialism, and even misogyny is not something I really need my children to read.
Pass.
Narnia, dont on m'avait dit beaucoup de bien, m'ont déçu. Par leur ton moralisateur, leur morale chrétienne omni-présente, et la fadeur de certains personnages (Susan, Lucy, voire Peter, je parle de vous). Seul le personnage d'Edmund sauve ce roman.
I love the Pevensies, yep. Peter was my first bookish crush and after all those years I still love that boy with every fiber in my body.
I really enjoy Lewis' writing style :). Very descriptive and fun.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe remains one of my favourite instalments in this series. I love the characters. I mean look at misses beaver, she's hilarious (and so brave). Bless her little soul ❤️.
I'm a happy bean now. Can't wait for the next part ^^
I'm so glad I read the Magician's Nephew before this story as I think it works so much better knowing the background of the witch and the wardrobe before reading it. I kept thinking about the movie when I was reading it and picturing those characters in my head as I was reading the book.
I read this book numerous times as a child. A wonderful adventure about four siblings going through a big cupboard to a magical world of talking animals, Father Christmas, rides on the back of lions and exciting adventure, I loved it.
As an adult who has actually studied Theology, I have to say that it is true that there's some pretty heavy religious symbolism there... but to be frank all that stuff has soared gloriously over the heads of generations of children who were too busy getting excited about talking beavers and sleigh rides, as well as wondering exactly what that Turkish Delight tasted like.
This is a great book that I loved as a child, and have now loved all over again as a bigger child (who is technically an adult...on the outside).