Into the Wardrobe: A Book Review of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis

   The Chronicles of Narnia are some of the best-loved children's books of all time. With a total of seven books, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first one written (though it is not the first to occur in the Narnian timeline). It was first published in 1950 and delighted its readers, including a young boy—Douglas Gresham—who would later become C.S. Lewis' step-son.

SUMMARY

   This charming story begins with four British siblings who are sent to the country to avoid the bombings of London, during World War II. They go to live in the giant mansion of an old Professor. While exploring the house, Lucy goes inside a wardrobe. As she continues walking through it, she comes to a snow-covered forest. She meets a Faun creature named Mr. Tumnus and later returns to our world where she tells her brothers and sister about her little adventure. They do not believe her. Eventually, though, all four children make it inside the wardrobe and they meet talking animals, encounter an evil witch, and meet the great lion Aslan.

CONTENT

   As this story was written for younger children (though anyone can enjoy this book), there is little violence. The White Witch turns people into stone statues, though it is not frightening. The witch kills one of the main characters, though it is not described (“The children did not see the actual moment of the killing. They couldn't bear to look and had covered their eyes.” - from Chapter 14). There is a battle at the end of the book, but that also is quite mild.

The White Witch uses magic for evil purposes. She is obviously a villain and is not to be considered as any kind of role model. The heroes Aslan and Father Christmas use magic. This is different than the sorcery used by the witch. Aslan is supposed to represent Christ, especially when he sacrifices himself for Narnia.

   I highly recommend this book for just about anyone! The story, though geared for younger children, is wonderful for all ages. The characters are excellent and the story progresses very nicely. This is one of the great fantasy stories of our time!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 189

Author of book: C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis

Published in: 1950

First in a seven-book series

Primary readers: Children, Pre-teens