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The Hidden Story of Narnia: A Book-By-Book Guide to C. S. Lewis' Spiritual Themes
When ten-year-old Anne Waller from Suffolk England wrote to C. S. Lewis in 1961 with a question about The Chronicles of Narnia she never expected to receive a reply. However, not only did Lewis answer her letter, he also outlined the spiritual themes in each of the Narnia books. That letter served as inspiration for Will Vaus to write The Hidden Story of Narnia. Nearly 50 years later, Anne Waller Jenkins has written a preface for The Hidden Story, praising the author's "gift of clarity" and the "sheer joy and merriment" of his style.
154 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2010
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94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 4, 2023
This would be a perfect side by side read for a book study on the Narnia series with a small group! It is short and sweet and ties in so many passages from the Bible and references to Lewis’ other works to get a fuller picture of Lewis’ theology coming to life through these stories.
October 15, 2025
The Chronicles of Narnia are my favorite books when I was a child and I still love them today. This book goes through the series and points out some of the spiritual themes in this series and where they can be found in others works written by CS Lewis.
August 13, 2025
I absolutely adore the chronicles of Narnia and this book made me fall in love with them so much more. So so encouraging to see all the parallels between Narnia and the Bible.
October 31, 2015
I reread the Chronicles and read this at the same time, really a help.
December 17, 2025
Will Vaus's "The Hidden Story of Narnia" is an insightful exploration into the spiritual underpinnings of C. S. Lewis's beloved "Chronicles of Narnia." Inspired by a letter Lewis wrote to a young fan, Anne Waller, the book serves as a guide, unveiling the allegorical layers woven into each of the seven Narnia books. Vaus masterfully navigates the rich tapestry of characters, plots, and themes, offering readers a deeper understanding of Lewis's spiritual vision.
The book meticulously examines each Narnia chronicle, dissecting plot details and character arcs to reveal their spiritual significance. For instance, in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the review delves into the character development of Edmund, whose betrayal and subsequent redemption mirror the Christian concept of sin and forgiveness. Lucy's unwavering faith and her relationship with Aslan are portrayed as a representation of childlike innocence and the importance of trust in a higher power. The plot twist of Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection is analyzed as a clear parallel to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, highlighting themes of self-sacrifice and divine love.
Vaus also explores the complexities of other main characters and their relationships. Peter's journey from a responsible but flawed leader to a wise and just king reflects the challenges of leadership and the need for moral growth. Susan's eventual rejection of Narnia is examined as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing faith and succumbing to worldly skepticism. The relationships between the Pevensie siblings are portrayed with nuance, highlighting their individual strengths and weaknesses, and how they collectively drive the plot forward. The review also touches on the tone of each novel, noting the shift from the initial wonder and enchantment of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to the darker, more introspective themes explored in later books like "The Silver Chair" and "The Last Battle."
Several prominent themes are explored in depth. One major theme is the battle between good and evil, which is a recurring motif throughout the series. Aslan and his followers represent the forces of righteousness, while the White Witch and her minions embody the powers of darkness. Another significant theme is the importance of free will and the consequences of one's choices. Characters like Edmund and Eustace demonstrate the potential for redemption, while others, like Susan, serve as examples of the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness. The theme of sacrifice is also central to the Narnia books, with Aslan's ultimate sacrifice serving as the ultimate expression of love and redemption. Vaus masterfully connects these themes to Christian theology, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Lewis's spiritual message.
In closing, "The Hidden Story of Narnia" is a valuable resource for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Vaus's clear and engaging writing style makes complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience. For those interested in similar explorations of spiritual themes in literature, I would recommend "Tolkien's Theology of Beauty" by Lisa Coutras, which delves into the theological underpinnings of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, and "Harry Potter and the Sacred Text" by Vanessa Zoltan, which examines the moral and ethical lessons embedded in the Harry Potter series.
The book meticulously examines each Narnia chronicle, dissecting plot details and character arcs to reveal their spiritual significance. For instance, in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the review delves into the character development of Edmund, whose betrayal and subsequent redemption mirror the Christian concept of sin and forgiveness. Lucy's unwavering faith and her relationship with Aslan are portrayed as a representation of childlike innocence and the importance of trust in a higher power. The plot twist of Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection is analyzed as a clear parallel to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, highlighting themes of self-sacrifice and divine love.
Vaus also explores the complexities of other main characters and their relationships. Peter's journey from a responsible but flawed leader to a wise and just king reflects the challenges of leadership and the need for moral growth. Susan's eventual rejection of Narnia is examined as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing faith and succumbing to worldly skepticism. The relationships between the Pevensie siblings are portrayed with nuance, highlighting their individual strengths and weaknesses, and how they collectively drive the plot forward. The review also touches on the tone of each novel, noting the shift from the initial wonder and enchantment of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to the darker, more introspective themes explored in later books like "The Silver Chair" and "The Last Battle."
Several prominent themes are explored in depth. One major theme is the battle between good and evil, which is a recurring motif throughout the series. Aslan and his followers represent the forces of righteousness, while the White Witch and her minions embody the powers of darkness. Another significant theme is the importance of free will and the consequences of one's choices. Characters like Edmund and Eustace demonstrate the potential for redemption, while others, like Susan, serve as examples of the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness. The theme of sacrifice is also central to the Narnia books, with Aslan's ultimate sacrifice serving as the ultimate expression of love and redemption. Vaus masterfully connects these themes to Christian theology, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Lewis's spiritual message.
In closing, "The Hidden Story of Narnia" is a valuable resource for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Vaus's clear and engaging writing style makes complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience. For those interested in similar explorations of spiritual themes in literature, I would recommend "Tolkien's Theology of Beauty" by Lisa Coutras, which delves into the theological underpinnings of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, and "Harry Potter and the Sacred Text" by Vanessa Zoltan, which examines the moral and ethical lessons embedded in the Harry Potter series.
July 7, 2017
A good analogy of living what the bible teaches.
Even though I am a "grown up," I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Narnia books. I have seen the biblical stories in CS Lewis' writing. I will more than likely be reading these stories until I go to "Narnia."
Even though I am a "grown up," I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Narnia books. I have seen the biblical stories in CS Lewis' writing. I will more than likely be reading these stories until I go to "Narnia."
July 19, 2025
Loved seeing the multiple connections
I had no idea there were so many connections between the chronicles of Narnia and the Bible! Very much enjoyed this book.
I had no idea there were so many connections between the chronicles of Narnia and the Bible! Very much enjoyed this book.
October 1, 2025
A little too detailed.
December 31, 2016
What is Narnia all about? On the surface, the seven Chronicles of Narnia books by C S Lewis are great adventure stories for children, but Lewis intended them to be more than that. Is there a secret meaning hidden among the strange creatures, talking animals, dwarfs, giants, kings and queens?
Back in January of 2008, Michael Ward’s book, Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis, was published. (See my review: Another Side of Lewis.) I was privileged to attend the book launching and meet Dr. Ward at the Wade Center in Wheaton, Illinois.
Ward wrote about the how he believes Lewis used the nature of the seven medieval planets as hidden themes in the books. Although Lewis never revealed the secret themes to anyone (that we know of), he did have a fascination with medieval astronomy, and Ward’s book has been well received by many Lewis scholars.
The spiritual themes of Narnia, while they may be hidden from view to the uninformed reader, were revealed by Lewis in a letter to a young English girl. The letter wound up in the hands of Lewis’s step-son, Douglas Gresham, and is included in The Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Volume III. (2007) As Anne Waller Jenkins explains in the Preface to The Hidden Story of Narnia: A Book-by-Book Guide to C. S. Lewis’ Spiritual Themes, the newly released book by Will Vaus uses her letter as an outline. In the letter, Lewis identifies the main themes of the books.
The Magician’s Nephew – Creation and Fall
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Horse and His Boy – Calling and Conversion
Prince Caspian – Restoring True Religion after a Corruption
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – The Spiritual Life
The Sliver Chair – War against the Powers of Darkness
The Last Battle – The Coming of the Antichrist, the End of the World, and the Last Judgment
Vaus, who has written two other books about C S Lewis (See the About page on WillVaus.com.), does a splendid job of explaining these themes, using scripture and Lewis’s other writings to elaborate. Unlike Planet Narnia (which Vaus mentions and commends in the book), The Hidden Story is not filled with academic language. It’s straight-forward, easy-to-read style will not have you constantly searching your dictionary. But it will make you think – which is only appropriate given the subject matter involves the reasoning of one of the greatest thinkers Christianity has ever known!
But, like Lewis’s own writings, Vaus’s work is not just dry, pedantic instruction. What he reveals is very practical, and the closing chapter, “How to Live Like a Narnian,” is helpful without being preachy. If you are looking for a book to help you understand the deeper spiritual meanings of the Chronicles, this is it.
Back in January of 2008, Michael Ward’s book, Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis, was published. (See my review: Another Side of Lewis.) I was privileged to attend the book launching and meet Dr. Ward at the Wade Center in Wheaton, Illinois.
Ward wrote about the how he believes Lewis used the nature of the seven medieval planets as hidden themes in the books. Although Lewis never revealed the secret themes to anyone (that we know of), he did have a fascination with medieval astronomy, and Ward’s book has been well received by many Lewis scholars.
The spiritual themes of Narnia, while they may be hidden from view to the uninformed reader, were revealed by Lewis in a letter to a young English girl. The letter wound up in the hands of Lewis’s step-son, Douglas Gresham, and is included in The Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Volume III. (2007) As Anne Waller Jenkins explains in the Preface to The Hidden Story of Narnia: A Book-by-Book Guide to C. S. Lewis’ Spiritual Themes, the newly released book by Will Vaus uses her letter as an outline. In the letter, Lewis identifies the main themes of the books.
The Magician’s Nephew – Creation and Fall
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Horse and His Boy – Calling and Conversion
Prince Caspian – Restoring True Religion after a Corruption
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – The Spiritual Life
The Sliver Chair – War against the Powers of Darkness
The Last Battle – The Coming of the Antichrist, the End of the World, and the Last Judgment
Vaus, who has written two other books about C S Lewis (See the About page on WillVaus.com.), does a splendid job of explaining these themes, using scripture and Lewis’s other writings to elaborate. Unlike Planet Narnia (which Vaus mentions and commends in the book), The Hidden Story is not filled with academic language. It’s straight-forward, easy-to-read style will not have you constantly searching your dictionary. But it will make you think – which is only appropriate given the subject matter involves the reasoning of one of the greatest thinkers Christianity has ever known!
But, like Lewis’s own writings, Vaus’s work is not just dry, pedantic instruction. What he reveals is very practical, and the closing chapter, “How to Live Like a Narnian,” is helpful without being preachy. If you are looking for a book to help you understand the deeper spiritual meanings of the Chronicles, this is it.
October 18, 2015
I loved the Narnia Chronicles as a kid, and as a teacher I have read a number of the books to my students. As an adult, reading the Silver Chair I was amazed at the Christian themes throughout, and when I saw this book, I thought it would be great. Vaus bases his analysis of each book on a letter which Lewis wrote to a girl who had asked him a question about one of the books. In this letter he outlines the spiritual themes in each book. Vaus looks at each book in turn and shows how themes in each book come from the Bible. As I read this book, I was listening to some lectures on Lewis' theology. It's interesting to see how much of his theology is found in these books! Worth a read if you love the Narnia books.
February 5, 2019
Wonderful read
I found myself constantly wanting to steal away time to read this book. Even when I was studying for a final exam O would wake up at odd hours in the morning to read a few pages!
I found myself constantly wanting to steal away time to read this book. Even when I was studying for a final exam O would wake up at odd hours in the morning to read a few pages!
March 23, 2025
9/10
After blazing through the Narnia series for my first time the year prior, this seemed like an interesting revisit to some of the deeper themes in the storytelling.
Turns out there was even more than I thought there would be, so it was cool to see that all collected in this book.
After blazing through the Narnia series for my first time the year prior, this seemed like an interesting revisit to some of the deeper themes in the storytelling.
Turns out there was even more than I thought there would be, so it was cool to see that all collected in this book.
April 6, 2013
An excellent work on C S Lewis Narnia books, and how they parallel the Bible.
October 21, 2014
Excellent interpretation of the Narnia Chronicles. Made me see things I had never seen before.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews