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13th out of 4,612 books
—
31,370 voters
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia #1)
by
C.S. Lewis
When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy took their first steps into the world behind the magic wardrobe, little do they realise what adventures are about to unfold. And as the story of Narnia begins to unfold, so to does a classic tale that has enchanted readers of all ages for over half a century.
This stunning version of the classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, illust
...morePaperback, 206 pages
Published
by HarperCollins Publishers
(first published 1950)
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My greatest disappointment in 'The Screwtape Letters' was that Lewis was not able to demonstrate what made his good people good or his bad people bad. The most he said was that believers were suffused with a vague light that even shone in the cat. This book has the same flaw, though the cat is much bigger.
Aslan had no character, he was just a big, dull stand-in. Lewis often tells us how great he is, but never demonstrates what it is that makes him great or impressive. Sure, he helps the kids, bu...more
Aslan had no character, he was just a big, dull stand-in. Lewis often tells us how great he is, but never demonstrates what it is that makes him great or impressive. Sure, he helps the kids, bu...more
A Defence of C.S. Lewis...or a brief attempt at such
Some thoughts recently crossed my mind
The Role (bibli)call:
The big cuddly cat = Jesus. Strange that a lion should be chosen to represent the big man when Lions are notoriously aggressive, solitary carnivores who are more likely to eat any potential apostles than than teach or lead them.
The white witch = Satan or Eve the temptress depending on which side of the tree of knowledge you're most likely to be barking up. Famed for a monochrome wardrobe in the A/W line only. Like Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, she has cancel...more
The big cuddly cat = Jesus. Strange that a lion should be chosen to represent the big man when Lions are notoriously aggressive, solitary carnivores who are more likely to eat any potential apostles than than teach or lead them.
The white witch = Satan or Eve the temptress depending on which side of the tree of knowledge you're most likely to be barking up. Famed for a monochrome wardrobe in the A/W line only. Like Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, she has cancel...more
Oct 06, 2012
Palice Pottle
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Palice Pottle by:
it's for class
**SPOILERS**
You don't know how hard it was to sit and get started on this review. I already lost the first long one I wrote, and oh god, was it long. So just thinking of reviewing this again makes me really angry.
And you know what else makes me mad? I already wrote about most of what I mentioned in my lost review in an essay for class. So this is like writing all of that for the third time. Do you know how annoying that is?
Okay, let's quickly get into this.
I really liked the White Witch from t...more
I loved this book.
It was first read to me in 4th grade. We would all come in from lunch and our teacher would read to us for about 30 minutes before we would start class.
I remember this book because it wasnt read to us by Mrs Graham, but instead it would be read by Mr Goodwin, her long-haired, bearded, Birkenstock wearing teacher's aid.
Over the next few weeks we were enthralled by this story, we couldnt wait for lunch period to be over so we could hear what was happening in this magic kingdom...more
It was first read to me in 4th grade. We would all come in from lunch and our teacher would read to us for about 30 minutes before we would start class.
I remember this book because it wasnt read to us by Mrs Graham, but instead it would be read by Mr Goodwin, her long-haired, bearded, Birkenstock wearing teacher's aid.
Over the next few weeks we were enthralled by this story, we couldnt wait for lunch period to be over so we could hear what was happening in this magic kingdom...more
I just re-read this book and got so much more out of it than the first time. The symbolism & parallels to basic Christianity stuck out.
*turkish delight is our human nature, prone to addiction, selfishness and wrongdoing
*Peter said about Edmund, "We should go after him. After all he is our brother." Even though he had just betrayed them and was causing grief they didn't mistreat or disown him.
*The very mention of Aslan's name caused certain positive feelings to come over them all they didn'...more
*turkish delight is our human nature, prone to addiction, selfishness and wrongdoing
*Peter said about Edmund, "We should go after him. After all he is our brother." Even though he had just betrayed them and was causing grief they didn't mistreat or disown him.
*The very mention of Aslan's name caused certain positive feelings to come over them all they didn'...more
Jun 30, 2010
Erik Graff
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
no one
Recommended to Erik by:
Skip and Flo
Shelves:
literature
During my freshman year at Grinnell College we had resident advisors, a couple who lived downstairs in Loose Hall dorm who were there if we needed them. That never happened, but they were friendly and welcoming, their door usually open to visitors. My roommate, Richard Hyde, had some relationship with them and invited me to join him for a visit.
Skip and Flo were Christians! That was intriguing. I asked them about it and they gave me an answer which I only came to understand years later, after I'...more
Skip and Flo were Christians! That was intriguing. I asked them about it and they gave me an answer which I only came to understand years later, after I'...more
Nov 07, 2011
Kenny
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Nobody
Recommended to Kenny by:
Waaaaay too many people
I am tempted to give this book a zero but the idea of going through the wardrobe to another land is fantastic. Everything else, however, is not fantastic, including:
The over-the-top Christian allegory.
The complete absence of dramatic tension - the characters are static and the conclusion is foregone. There is nothing to keep you reading, to challenge you, or to even vaguely interest you.
The writing is mediocre at best.
The dialogue is mediocre at best.
Awful book, it as if someone read Matthew thr...more
The over-the-top Christian allegory.
The complete absence of dramatic tension - the characters are static and the conclusion is foregone. There is nothing to keep you reading, to challenge you, or to even vaguely interest you.
The writing is mediocre at best.
The dialogue is mediocre at best.
Awful book, it as if someone read Matthew thr...more
Fantasy has over the years become one of my favourite genres - if it hasn't always been. Ever since that first encounter with C.S. Lewis.
I was young when my mother came home with the seven novels about Narnia. I was always an avid reader, wrote my first book at nine. I can't remember exactly what she told me of them, but I do remember my eyes. They were so large, I figure anyone who watched me might've thought they would jump out of their sockets. I read them as a homeless might gulp down food w...more
I was young when my mother came home with the seven novels about Narnia. I was always an avid reader, wrote my first book at nine. I can't remember exactly what she told me of them, but I do remember my eyes. They were so large, I figure anyone who watched me might've thought they would jump out of their sockets. I read them as a homeless might gulp down food w...more
Okay, let me say first of all that I think C.S. Lewis is a brilliant man. That being said, this book made me feel like he could have given a little credit to the rest of us.
I wish I could review it based solely on the story, and not bother with the religious message, but unfortunately, it's impossible to read the story without getting a headache from the constant hammering that is "THE MESSAGE."
This story is a fun idea, fantasy-wise. I particularly love the ice queen and the Turkish Delight sce...more
I wish I could review it based solely on the story, and not bother with the religious message, but unfortunately, it's impossible to read the story without getting a headache from the constant hammering that is "THE MESSAGE."
This story is a fun idea, fantasy-wise. I particularly love the ice queen and the Turkish Delight sce...more
My mom read the entire Chronicles of Narnia as bedtime stories when I was about 8. Of course at the time I perceived none of the allegorical "depth," but did have Turkish Delight fantasies galore. After the movie release hoopla about CS Lewis last year, I decided to re-read at least one of the books. Often I come back to childhood favorites and they're like comfort food; I could read them again and again. However, I was not so taken with Narnia on my return visit. The storytelling is not that am...more
Every time I read this wonderful story, it's like catching up with an old friend. I've read this particular Narnia book so many different times, but it never ever gets old. I love the fact that I can pick up this (or any of the other Narnia books, for that matter) and step into a whole other world. I also particularly enjoyed the fact that I found that I could relate with each one of the children, although I must say that I was partial to Lucy! Additionally, I love the role Aslan plays in this b...more
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis is one of the books in his series, the Chronicles of Narnia in which Christianity is portrayed through various fantasy creatures. God, for instance is portrayed as a talking Lion. What a wonderful series! What child hasn’t climbed into a closet and explored the back cracks in hope of finding an entrance to a new and exciting world after reading this book? I used to sit in a closet with the door closed and a flashlight reading my favorite books aft...more
Apr 04, 2008
Werner
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone (of any age) who loves fantasy, and/or serious Christian literature
While I first read this book in the mid-70s, I read it again to my wife a couple of years ago (we both loved it then as much as I did the first time). Most people know that C. S. Lewis was an effective Christian nonfiction apologist, using the tools of reason and logic to build the philosophical case for Christian faith. But he ultimately became convinced that an even more effective apologetic is available through the "truth of art," the instinctive and emotional appeal that stories exert -- esp...more
Feb 20, 2008
Abi
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Smug Christians
I read this when I was little (I would guess about 7, 8 or 9), and I didn't pick up on all the Christianity references, despite them being SO overt. What I did feel was astonishment that the children all loved Aslan so much, when I thought he was massively sanctimonious and sickening as a character. I could not stand that lion. I didn't want the Snow Queen to win exactly, I didn't like her either... but at the same time I wanted someone to show the lion up, or force him to do something INTERESTI...more
What an amazingly delightful book! I regret not reading it earlier
** Before I begin, let me clarify that as I am not a Christian, I had no idea that this book was written by keeping the image of Jesus (as Aslan) in mind. I just came across this revelation on Goodreads, and it just added another layer to the story! The review below is written only by treating it as a fun-filled and action packed novel!
I had seen the movie based on the book a couple of years ago, and had really loved it! On readi...more
** Before I begin, let me clarify that as I am not a Christian, I had no idea that this book was written by keeping the image of Jesus (as Aslan) in mind. I just came across this revelation on Goodreads, and it just added another layer to the story! The review below is written only by treating it as a fun-filled and action packed novel!
I had seen the movie based on the book a couple of years ago, and had really loved it! On readi...more
Welcome to Narnia, where nobody has genitalia.
This is the first time I have read this book since waay back in elementary school, and although I haven't read many of the other books in the series, this book is definitely one of the best if not the best of the series. (I will let you know if I change my mind when I get through the rest of the series). It never loses pace, and C.S. Lewis's comical style is always fun to read. (Some of the side comments made me laugh out loud.) He successfully manages to blend humor, adventure, mystery, and exc...more
Dec 20, 2009
K.D. Oliveros
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Jillian Joy
Recommended to K.D. by:
501
I really liked how C. S. Lewis made use of fantasy in delivering his message about Jesus in this children's book. The world of Narnia is fun by itself and I think that if you are a non-Christian kid, you can take it as it is, a fantasy book. But if you believe in Jesus, then the parallelism is obvious (the Lion rose from the dead!) and it can be springboard for you to discover or polish your faith.
For its novel idea, I am giving this book a 4-star rating but not a five-star because it is not as...more
For its novel idea, I am giving this book a 4-star rating but not a five-star because it is not as...more
Jun 16, 2008
Eleven
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone into fairy tales or a light read
Recommended to Eleven by:
My big brother Jeremy, who I miss very much
If you don't know the plot of the Narnia books, I'd be surprised, but basically it follows (for the most part) the Pevensie siblings and their journeys into a land called Narnia, the classic fantasy alternate universe and biblical architype haven. The kids learn many lessons during their grand adventures, some of which are actually useful. Overall, they are endearing fairy tales...
(I am very, very angry that the site didn't allow me to review this book as the first in the series. The entire "pre...more
(I am very, very angry that the site didn't allow me to review this book as the first in the series. The entire "pre...more
Much of this review was prompted by Malcolm's comment.
This book is perfectly reasonable fantasy, written very well for children. Quite a lot can and should be read into the symbolism, but children may gloss right over the symbolism depending on their experiences.
Of the series, this one probably gathers the most criticism for the religious symbolism, but so? Lewis doesn't hide the symbolism. The book in the series that really deserves criticism is "A Horse and His Boy", more for racial typing tha...more
This book is perfectly reasonable fantasy, written very well for children. Quite a lot can and should be read into the symbolism, but children may gloss right over the symbolism depending on their experiences.
Of the series, this one probably gathers the most criticism for the religious symbolism, but so? Lewis doesn't hide the symbolism. The book in the series that really deserves criticism is "A Horse and His Boy", more for racial typing tha...more
When I first started reading this book I knew it was old. But because my sister told me there was a special meaning or plot i continued to read. I choose this for my book review because this book makes me smile and a ten year old to a 40 year old could still read. The pages are shorter but the meaning is still there. This book is about a Lion who is a king named Aslan, and four children names Lucy, Elithabeth, Edwin and Peter. Lucy the youngest, then Edward following Elithabeth and Peter. The st...more
Jan 08, 2010
Dawn Michelle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
ANYONE!!
Shelves:
books-i-cant-live-without,
books-read-in-2010
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books. What a clear definition of good versus evil and how sometimes evil has to win for Good to ultimately win!!!!
I read them in the PROPER order (or the way C.S. Lewis released them before the publishing world screwed things up) and so these will be reviewed in that order. :)
I have been reading these since I was about 11 and I try and read them every year. They are truly great books and I love re-reading them and enjoying the adventure all over again!
*The Lion, The Witch...more
I read them in the PROPER order (or the way C.S. Lewis released them before the publishing world screwed things up) and so these will be reviewed in that order. :)
I have been reading these since I was about 11 and I try and read them every year. They are truly great books and I love re-reading them and enjoying the adventure all over again!
*The Lion, The Witch...more
I had fond memories of this from when I read it as a child, so when I spied my neighbour's complete collection, I thought I would give them a go. I didn't read much fantasy when young, save for Lord of the Rings and these, but I've been reading a hell of a lot after I turned thirty. So, I look upon this with an adult's eye and pronounce it garbage.
I missed all the religious connotations when younger, but they are more obvious now. The story is paltry, the writing is twee (borrowed that from a c...more
I missed all the religious connotations when younger, but they are more obvious now. The story is paltry, the writing is twee (borrowed that from a c...more
Of course it is an incredible book. While at BYU I was in the children's theatre production of LWW. The theatre department put on a forum where professors spoke about their various academic and religious insights to the book. The most interesting was a C.S. Lewis scholar who said that this book was not meant to be an allegory of the Christ-story, but a "suppose-itory." This book was not meant to replace the story of the atonement. Instead, it was a musing on Lewis' part as to how the atonement m...more
Jun 18, 2007
Tessa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people who believe in magic
This book is enchanted really. With each page it get more and more magical.The author sweeps you into the world he has created so that your right alongside Lucy as she takes her first step into the wardrobe. And your with Susan as she rides on Aslans back and your with Edmond as he takes away the witches only power. This book is garenteed to have you looking into every wardrobe you come across. But, just remember, you only can go into that world when you least expect it.
The Pevensie children wander into a world where the truths of the universe are played out in the forms of Aslan and the White Witch. One of their number falls for a temptation that after he receives it, seems so very small for the price paid. Was it really the candy or something deeper?
This is a wonderful story whether you go to it for the deeper truths found here or just for the story itself.
This is a wonderful story whether you go to it for the deeper truths found here or just for the story itself.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a novel read for literacy in my year 5 placement. It is a great fantasy novel written by the well known author C.S Lewis.
The story is about four children that have been evacuated during World War II, sent to live in a big country house with a professor away from London. The youngest, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe that leads to a magical world called Narnia. Here she meets new friends such as Mr Tumnus and has a wonderful time. On her return she tells her sib...more
The story is about four children that have been evacuated during World War II, sent to live in a big country house with a professor away from London. The youngest, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe that leads to a magical world called Narnia. Here she meets new friends such as Mr Tumnus and has a wonderful time. On her return she tells her sib...more
Mar 01, 2013
Elizabeth Kamarade
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Friends who want to learn a new perspective about God.
"The Lion, The Witch, and Wardrobe" is the second book of the series Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. This story is not just some fantasy story. There is a teaching behind it: The Wonders of the Lord. As a christian I feel that this novel is talking to me in some way. It is telling the story of God/Jesus in a way young kids can not only have fun reading it but learn something from the story.
The story is about a newly discovered land that is under the reign of an evil witch. Four kids, two bo...more
The story is about a newly discovered land that is under the reign of an evil witch. Four kids, two bo...more
This was my and still is my all time favourite book while growing up! I loved The Loin, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I can still remember having my mum read it to me before I went to sleep to transport me to a whole different world. And as I got older I sat down myself and read this book for the first time and I loved it. Lewis' words just jump out at you and I don't think anyone can say they don't want to go to Narnia, I remember as a child I wanted too (and maybe still as an adult).
I love the w...more
I love the w...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What was your favourite part of the book? | 12 | 84 | May 15, 2013 01:52pm | |
| Who appsolutly loves aslan and who thinks edmund is a stupid idiot who should be locked up for his insanity | 37 | 193 | May 14, 2013 07:02am | |
| have you ever wanted to live in a book? | 143 | 352 | May 09, 2013 09:42am | |
| Shut Up & Read: Narnia | 10 | 153 | Apr 03, 2013 05:17am |
CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more th...more
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“I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather, C. S. Lewis.”
—
401 people liked it
“I hope no one who reads this book has been quite as miserable as Susan and Lucy were that night; but if you have been - if you've been up all night and cried till you have no more tears left in you - you will know that there comes in the end a sort of quietness. You feel as if nothing is ever going to happen again.”
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391 people liked it
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<_< I can neither confirm nor deny this. >_>
Apr 27, 2013 11:22am
Apr 27, 2013 11:44am