The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
Book Review: I like the series myself
Summary: 5 Stars
Looking at how the Narnia tales are about to be "Lord of the Ring" movie-style, I have mixed feelings about it. I remember being taught to read as a young child by reading these books, along with others like Loyd Alexander's books, and I remember that I enjoyed the series. Yes, well, Lewis is a bit of a taxing storyteller at times...just his style of writing...but still the overall series was charming in its own simplistic way. Even at an early age I recognized the teaching of Christian values, and just as I now am entering into Seminary to become a minister for my Lord and Savior, I applaud the use of using fantastique writings as teaching tools. The books are well enough to spark thoughts and impressions but not forward enough that you are being preached at each and every page (like reading the enjoyable, but way too long series...Left Behind). The books can just be a fun read between Parent and child, while teaching some but not (as I said before) preaching values sorely needed for the youth of today. Seeing how the left has corrupted the very nature of education in this day and age, it is vital that Parents teach values to the children. These values will hopefully lead the children onto their own sacred quest in life that will lead to salvation through the hands of Jesus Christ. I do have to agree that the books should be read in their original order. I realize and I understand why people want the books to be in chronological order, but for me, I enjoyed learning more and more in how I remember as a child the novels should take place.
What amazes me though, now, now that the movie is coming out, are all the amazingly "Liberalizing" explorations of the series. I have noticed that there are several books out now trying to look at the Narnia series in a humanistic point of view, which is so far off base it is like trying to throw a stone from earth to Pluto. You just can't read the Narnia series and think "hurrah" for humanism (humanism being a grave sin in this day and age that so many people champion out of their Christianphobic ideologies). I have also noticed books being written to try to link Narnia with animal rights (saying Lewis championed animal rights), women's rights (calling Lewis a misogynist), and anything else taxing unto the popularity. I guess when people (whether left or right of the politiks) smells a good thing, they all try to jump on the bandwagon because they think they can make a quick dollar just by structuring their p.o.v. to fit this or that of a book or book series. Yes, Lewis was a product of his day, yes one could very well argue that some of his worldview was "limited" but then again...how many writers aren't a product of their day? I never saw racism in the books myself, but if the books make you feel uncomfortable, then they make you uncomfortable. Narnia is a fictional world, a fictional universe, grouped together with fictional characters. You don't have to get out the ol' Masters and Doctoral degree and explicate each and every passage for whatever liberalized purpose you want. Me I don't really see racism, hatred toward women, or anything of that nature in the books, but you are free to have your opinion of the books. I respect you for your opinion, I disagree, but that's how it is.
In the end, I guess I would say this to parents. If you wish to teach and use stories to help your children understand a greater worldview through the Bible, then you'll like the books. The books are easy to read and have a wonderful, charming, British fantasy style to them that kids with imagination should love. If you believe that it will teach your children to be misogynists, racist, Christians, etc., or any other ideas, well you are allowed your opinion, but instead of fussing about it do this...don't buy the books. It's just that simple.
Book Review: A Box of Chronicles
Summary: 5 Stars
C.S Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" is an extraodinary series, no question about it. This seven book set of fantasy novels is full of adventure, wonder, depth and allegory, and is a great read again and again, no matter what your age.
There are many countries to explore within these books. There's the england-like Narnia with it's talking animals and creatures of Greek mythology, the Arabia-like Calormen with its verbose warriors and horrible gods, the bleak Ettinsmoor with its bumbling giants, the eastern seas with its breathtaking wonders, the western wilds and its enchanted garden, the high, balmy Archenland, and the fantastic Aslan's country. There are lots of characters to meet too. The fauns, the centaurs, unicorns, pegasus, dragons, werewolves, witches, many a talking beast and of course Aslan himself, the great wild Lion, Narnia's savior. There are kings to be crowned, feasts to be eaten, battles to be fought and lessons to be learned. A marvellous place to read about, absolutely.
Throughout the stories are these beautiful, evocative illustrations and maps by Pauline Baynes, which enchance Lewis' description of Narnia, making it come even more alive.
Lewis was a devoted Christian, and his faith shines through in all his written works, particularly within Narnia. Both the wonders and temptation of the Garden of Eden is captured perfectly in "The Magician's Nephew". In "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe", we see the joys, sorrows and purpose of the savior, Aslan the Lion (who is similar to our savior Jesus Christ). "A Horse And His Boy", by way of Shasta's adventures in Calormen, plays out Proverbs 16v9: "In his heart man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps". As he heads towards Narnia, the great Lion guides him to his destination, even if he doesn't know it. In "Prince Caspian" we see people who refuse to believe in Aslan, dismissing it as myths just because his appearance was so long ago, in the same way that many people dismiss Jesus and his miracles because all we have 2000 years on are his stories and teachings. In "Voyage of the Dawn Treader", among other things, we see the ever critical Eustace turned into a dragon, and only then does he see how horrid he has been. With Aslan's help, he is stripped of his scales and bathed in water, very similar to the Christian baptism and the cleansing of sins through Christ. In "The Silver Chair", we follow as the temptations and tribulations of Jill and Eustace looking for Prince Rillian, uncannily similar to the doubts and troubles of Christians struggling agaist the world. And in "The Last Battle", we see the apocalypse, the end of the world, based roughly around the Biblical book of Revelation. It's always nice to read book that work on a couple of levels.
If you're going to get all the Chronicles in one go, I'd recommend this boxset over the paperback ominbus alternative. For one, the books are seperate so more than one person can be reading the series at the same time, and the thinner books are far easier to handle than a great big thick one, particularly if you're reading on the train, like I often do. Plus, a boxset always looks nicer than an unnaturally-thick paperback on the shelf, I think. The boxset is arranged and numbered in chronological order, as a real history would be. It's not my personal preference (I prefer the order they were written in), but you can always switch the books around in the box to whatever order you like (unlike the paperback, which is set in chronological order pretty much permanently unless you start ripping pages out!).
A great fantasy series, a great allegory, great illustrations and great writing, all in one box. Highly, highly recommended.
Book Review: Enter the magical realm of Narnia--you'll never be the same
Summary: 5 Stars
CS Lewis was a master storyteller, and these seven fine children's books are some of the best young fiction of the twentieth century. They take place in Narnia, an enchanted world full of talking creatures and magical adventures at every turn. Follow the adventures of several children as they seek to do good in the land of Narnia, and as they are encouraged by the lion Aslan. The story of each of these books is enthralling, and the overall world of Narnia is lively and fantastic. Each of these books is also full of Christian symbolism, from Aslan (a Christ-figure) down to the moral values each of the children learns in this magical land. In order of publication (different from the chronological order of this set), the books are:THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. This is the beginning of all the adventures, in which four children enter Narnia and try to defeat an evil witch. Here, Aslan makes the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of another.
PRINCE CASPIAN. Hundreds of years after the first book, the children return to find the land much changed. Caspian's world (he is the heir to the Narnian throne) is one of skepticism, in which many people refuse to believe in Aslan, or in his powers. The children must help Caspian reclaim his right to the throne of Narnia.
THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. Edmund and Lucy (from the first books) journey with their cousin Eustace to Narnia to travel with Caspian in his quest for the edge of the world. Here Aslan reveals himself further to the children. This is an Odyssey-like adventure, and very entertaining.
THE SILVER CHAIR. Eustace, along with Jill, a classmate, journey to Narnia to help find Caspian's kidnapped son. They encounter many hardships and adventures along the way, and seek the prince with the aid of their friend Puddleglum, a pessimistic creature called a Mud-wiggle.
THE HORSE AND HIS BOY. This book takes place shortly after The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Its story has little to do with the overall history of Narnia, but it is a very entertaining side adventure, which enriches the world of Narnia and makes it a more realistic setting for the rest of the novels. The climax is a crusade-like battle between followers of Aslan and the Calormenes, pagan worshippers of a false deity.
THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW. This book takes place much before The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The heroes here are Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, the first children to visit Narnia. This book outlines the creation of Narnia, and the 'fall' of that magical realm.
THE LAST BATTLE. The world of Narnia is coming to an end. A false Aslan is abroad in the land, and the people (and beasts) struggle to follow what they think is the truth. This is the apocalypse of Narnia, the end of the world. The Christian references in this one are especially prominent.
One of the most intriguing things about CS Lewis's fiction is that he believed that Christianity could be taught through fantasy, or "fairy stories," as JRR Tolkien called them. Throughout this series, there are many references to Christianity, and these books truly do fulfill their purpose of entertaining children while teaching them good moral values at the same time. This is the dual purpose of the books, and this is what has made the Chronicles of Narnia constantly popular among both children adults, and what will make them classic stories for many years to come.
Book Review: Seven of the best books you'll ever come across in one box
Summary: 5 Stars
Sometimes writing a review can seem a chore. With several hundred reviews already out there on this set I imagine I wouldn't bother if I felt that way about the Chronicles of Narnia.
The books can be classified as allegorical fantasy, or Christian allegory. And while C.S. Lewis was not the first to write in this category (probably it was George MacDonald, at least in the modern world) he has definitely been the best. He has the rare distinction of being among the few making Christian fiction not only readable, but into literature. The books stand so far on their own merit that no matter what your world view may be it is difficult not to be captured by Narnia. My sister and I are poles apart theologically, but the power of Lewis's words has bridged many the ideological gap for us.
Briefly stated, the seven books concern a parallel world of talking animals, Grimm's characters come to life, and powerful and horrible witches and dark enemies. But there is also a champion, although He does things in His own infuriating timing and manner, the lion Aslan. His character is so overpowering that Lewis generally leaves him in the background lest he overshadow all else. Yet when the children (for the Pevensie children and their associates are the main human characters) do encounter him, they give probably some of the most powerful insight in fiction portraying God's dealing with man. And all this is accomplished with highly polished prose and a literary lilt, if you will, that never leaves the reader feeling preached at or condescended to. The stories stay pretty consistent to their own rules of their universe, not unlike the Middle Earth of Lewis's friend Tolkien. While the worlds Lewis creates are perhaps not so grand as Middle Earth, the theology is more potent, and it is hard to read any of the seven without coming away inspired and closer to your Creator.
I suppose I'd be remiss without wading in on the order controversy. I'm slightly more of a fan of the original order as opposed to the pure chronological order of this set. I'm sure it doesn't much matter, so long as they are read, but since Lewis did such a good job at going back and allowing us to see how Narnia came to be after the fact, it seems a shame to waste this effect. And clearly the Wardrobe is the most magical and exciting way to enter Narnia for the first time.
Also I'd feel a bit guilty (even though my segue here is poor to non-existant) if I didn't make mention of one of my favorite characters in English literature- the Marshwiggle Puddleglum who appears in The Silver Chair. Animals in Narnia, and elsewhere in Lewis fantasy, received only a glancing blow from the Fall and almost always have a more uncomplicated devotion to God than humans. When they are good they are very good, like Puddleglum, but they also can have their crotchets, and Puddleglum has a dry British wit with a great outward pessimism masking his true titanic faith. Just a really great character- if for some reason you start on the books and find them not for you, at least read The Silver Chair so you don't miss out on Puddleglum.
No matter the order, I can't recommend them highly enough- you will enjoy them at any age, and they can be read with pleasure again and again.
Book Review: A word for modern readers
Summary: 5 Stars
This series is not for all modern readers, especially adult ones. Please forgive me if I explain at some length.
First, there is a tendency today to conceal the reality of violence from children in their entertainment media. In earlier times -- earlier fairy tales -- this was not so; even today I do not believe that any good purpose is served by concealing the fact that violence happens. Children recognize falsity, and do not respect it. The Narnia series contains violence, but portrays the only appropriate use of violence as the defence of good from evil aggression. A worthy and noble lesson, I think; if one disagrees, however, this may not be the series to buy for one's children.
Second, our imaginations have sometimes become jaded in our larger-than-life, technicolor Hollywood society. If one is unable to imagine the real and visceral terror of flight through a dark and snowy wood with wolves pursuing... well, best drop this series and find a video with lots of overblown, brilliant orange explosions.
Third, we interpret what we read in light of the world as we know it. For instance, the Middle East is currently a primary focus of concern and tension, so a modern reader might be pardoned for assuming that the threatening Calormenes of the Narnia series in fact represent Arab Muslims. However, one must remember that the last of these books was written in 1954 -- even prior to the Suez Canal incident. At that time the Middle East had long been regarded as an inward-looking backwater; it had been centuries since the Ottoman siege of Vienna. Given the then-current view of Muslim societies -- and given the Classical education C.S. Lewis received -- it is far more likely that he modelled the Narnia-Calormen conflict after the ancient Greek-Persian struggle as it was then perceived: the clash of a culture recognizing individual worth and liberty versus a culture of glittering rulers and servile masses.
Fourth, we are perhaps primed to see racism even where it may not occur. The fault of the Calormenes in the series is not that their skins are darker, but that many happen to subscribe to an oppressive political system. Those who dissent (Aravis, for example) are regarded with approval. And not all the antagonists are dark-skinned... consider the Telmarines.
Finally, we sometimes think it desirable to conceal from our children the reality of death. This is certainly understandable, but I question the long-term wisdom of this approach. Our youth will have to face the loss of loved ones sooner or later, and better that they be prepared for that sad eventuality. The death of certain characters in the series was intended as a means of providing children with a fictionalized introduction to a troubling fact of real life. It is well to recall that fairy tales are not merely entertainment but also a means of preparing the young for the harsh experiences of existence.
This series was not only very enjoyable, but also very profitable for me when I read it as a child. Reading it to my children was an even more wonderful experience.